Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour
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Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 171 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour worth booking?
Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour is a 6-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $249 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 171 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (171)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $249 per person
This is the perfect tour for those with limited time in Alaska. Experience magnificent Portage Glacier on this full-day tour from Anchorage, as well as famous Seward Highway, America's most scenic road. Hugging the edge
What you get
About this experience
This is the perfect tour for those with limited time in Alaska. Experience magnificent Portage Glacier on this full-day tour from Anchorage, as well as famous Seward Highway, America's most scenic road. Hugging the edge of Turnagain Arm, stop at lookouts like Beluga Point to try to spot all sheep then, continue on to see even more wildlife at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (seasonal). Take a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake to see Portage Glacier calving, and see where wildlife is rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Later, head high up on the Chugach Mountains for amazing panoramic views of the Anchorage bowl and beyond (weather permitting) This is a 6-hr tour (approx.) Activity Level: EASY Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trails surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distance and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance.
What's included
Included
- Light snacks
- Bottled water
- Professional Local Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Pickups from private homes, apartments or B&B's. Please contact the supplier for pick up location.
What you'll see and do
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is one of the scheduled stops. We will have narration about the area, its geology, unique features and history of the area. Guests will have time to take photos.
15 minutes here
Seward Highway
The drive from Anchorage to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center/Portage Glacier Area begins with spectacular views as you pass between the dramatic shorelines of Turnagain Arm and the jutting peaks of the Chugach Mountains. The Seward Highway is considered to be one of the most scenic highways in the US.
120 minutes here
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
At the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, jaws drop in awe-even those of longtime Alaskans who've studied grizzlies and other animals up close. AWCC's mission is to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care. The center, which opened to the public in 1993, also educates visitors about Alaska's wildlife. Coyotes peer out from behind the brush while a bald eagle swoops in on the salmon remains left by a grizzly bear. Wood Bison plod through 65 acres of tidal flat terrain, as part of a program that will one day restore the species to the Alaskan wilderness. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. Come be a part of these exciting programs and watch these animals display their natural, “wild”, behavior. You will have about 90 minutes here to view these animals. There is coffee and food for purchase from vendors at the Center.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier Cruise is one hour from Anchorage. This cruise will take you right up to the face of a glacier. You’ll board the comfortable MV Ptarmigan, featuring an enclosed, heated cabin and open-air observation deck. The hour-long cruise is narrated by the US Forest Service, and you’ll navigate around bobbing icebergs and motor to within 300 feet of the towering wall of ice called Portage Glacier (one of Alaska’s most popular attractions). You may have an opportunity to hear the unmistakable rumbling of a calving glacier or rolling iceberg. After the 1 hour cruise, you will have an opportunity to eat lunch at a nearby restaurant. Lunch is not included.
60 minutes here
Chugach State Park
Enjoy wide open panoramic views from a high overlook in the Chugach Mountains
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Anchorage
Please be ready for pick-up at the designated location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Look for a silver Mercedes Sprinter van displaying the Planet Earth Adventures logo. Pick-up times are approximate and may vary slightly due to traffic and other guest pickups.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please be ready for pick-up at the designated location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Look for a silver Mercedes Sprinter van displaying the Planet Earth Adventures logo. Pick-up times are approximate and may vary slightly due to traffic and other guest pickups.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Planet Earth Adventures, LLC
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum number of people per booking is required for this tour to operate.
- Glacier Cruise portion of the tour is subject to weather conditions.
- Activity level: EASY.
- Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trail surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distance and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance. We strongly recommend that guests requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing assistance. Neither Planet Earth Adventures nor our suppliers may physically lift or assist guests onto transportation vehicles or otherwise.
- We have limited number of infant/child seats. These must be requested in advance if you have a child. If it is NOT requested at the time of booking, we will NOT have them on the day of the tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 169 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
169 verified traveler reviews for Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend!
Phil was a fantastic guide. So knowledgeable and made the entire experience a blast! Loved his inside knowledge of Alaska, and you can tell he really enjoys what he’s doing!
via Tripadvisor
This tour was a lot of...
This tour was a lot of fun! Our favorite was the Portage Glacier cruise! We really liked being on a small tour and felt the guide followed the timing that worked for the group, rather than feeling rushed from place to place. I really liked the photo points also.
via Viator
Amazing tour. Our family...
Amazing tour. Our family of four enjoyed every stop especially at the Portage Glacier. Our driver/guide Phil is friendly and very informative. The ride was comfortable & the whole tour was well worth it. Highly recommended
via Viator
Great experience! Brought...
Great experience! Brought my friend who was traveling from Texas and we both had a great time and learned so much about plants and the wildlife.
via Viator
Tour 5 stars; bus 1 star.
Taking photos from the bus is very difficult due to the small-sized windows. The bus is an old school bus, not conducive to viewing out the window, particularly if the windows are down (no a/c). Out driver was great, but the buses need to be replaced.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. However, we believe this review was posted to our company in error, as the experience described does not match our operation. Planet Earth Adventures does not operate school buses, old or otherwise. Our tours are conducted in modern Mercedes-Benz Sprinter passenger vans, which are specifically designed to provide a comfortable sightseeing experience with large windows for optimal viewing, dual climate-controlled systems, and excellent air conditioning. The description of an old school bus with small windows and no air conditioning does not represent any vehicle in our fleet. Because vehicle comfort and visibility are important parts of our tours, we want to clarify this for future travelers who may read this review. Based on the details provided, it appears this review is intended for a different tour operator. We respectfully ask that the reviewer verify the company they traveled with and consider moving the review to the correct business so that it accurately reflects their experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 60
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.
How much does Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour cost?
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Prices start at $249 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anchorage usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anchorage is not rushed.
Is Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 171 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anchorage, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour?
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Around 60 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anchorage can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anchorage and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anchorage within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Anchorage?
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Anchorage is the staging point for glacier cruises out of Whittier and Seward, Denali flightseeing, wildlife conservation centre visits, dog sledding and northern lights chases in winter. Long transfer times make itinerary honesty essential. On Outty we rank every Anchorage experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage, Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour, Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
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June to August for glaciers, September to March for aurora. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Anchorage?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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