
Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage worth booking?
Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage is a 6-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $375 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (41)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $375 per person
Experience Alaska your way on this fully private and customizable tour. Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace, request photo stops, and personalize the day to match your interests. As your local guide and photographer, I’ll capture the highlights—scenic views, wildlife encounters, and candid group moments—then send you a curated gallery of edited photos. When people picture Alaska, they imagine wild animals, towering mountains, and endless glaciers. Turnagain Arm offers all of that—just a short, scenic drive from Anchorage. This breathtaking inlet is famous for its massive tides, rugged mountain backdrops, and the rare bore tide, where a single wave sweeps across the entire inlet. We’ll journey the Seward Highway, one of North America’s most scenic drives. The road hugs the coastline, offering endless views and chances to spot moose, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and potenitally beluga whales. With private transportation and a flexible itinerary, this is about making the most it.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Alaska your way on this fully private and customizable tour. Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace, request photo stops, and personalize the day to match your interests. As your local guide and photographer, I’ll capture the highlights—scenic views, wildlife encounters, and candid group moments—then send you a curated gallery of edited photos. When people picture Alaska, they imagine wild animals, towering mountains, and endless glaciers. Turnagain Arm offers all of that—just a short, scenic drive from Anchorage. This breathtaking inlet is famous for its massive tides, rugged mountain backdrops, and the rare bore tide, where a single wave sweeps across the entire inlet. We’ll journey the Seward Highway, one of North America’s most scenic drives. The road hugs the coastline, offering endless views and chances to spot moose, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and potenitally beluga whales. With private transportation and a flexible itinerary, this is about making the most it.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Entrance Fee (if option is selected)
- Snacks
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is one of the first scenic stops along the Turnagain Arm, just 20 minutes south of Anchorage. Perched above the dramatic tidal flats, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to spot Dall sheep on the cliffs and, during certain times of year, beluga whales following schools of hooligan fish through the inlet. It's a perfect introduction to the wild beauty of Southcentral Alaska and a favorite photo stop for guests.
15 minutes here
Girdwood
Girdwood is a charming mountain town nestled in a lush valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, about 40 minutes south of Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm. Known for its vibrant arts scene, alpine scenery, and as home to Alyeska Resort, it’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal. With towering spruce trees, cascading creeks, and cozy local businesses, Girdwood offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with big Alaskan character.
30 minutes here
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a non-profit sanctuary located in Portage Valley, approximately 47 miles south of Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the Turnagain Arm, the center spans over 200 acres of natural habitat dedicated to the care and conservation of Alaska’s native wildlife. Visitors can observe a diverse array of animals, including brown and black bears, moose, wood bison, muskoxen, wolves, lynx, caribou, and bald eagles. Many of these animals are rescues—injured or orphaned—and now serve as ambassadors for their species . The center offers a 1.5-mile loop accessible by foot, bike, or car, providing opportunities to see animals in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. As a key stop on the Turnagain Arm tour, AWCC combines wildlife viewing with breathtaking scenery, making it a memorable highlight of any Alaskan adventure.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Portage Lake Overlook
Portage Valley, located within the Chugach National Forest, is a glacially-carved corridor rich in natural beauty and one of Southcentral Alaska’s most accessible places for glacier viewing. Just a short drive from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, this stunning valley is surrounded by towering peaks and multiple hanging glaciers, including Explorer, Middle, and Byron Glaciers. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits on glaciology and local ecosystems, while nearby trails like the Byron Glacier Trail provide an easy hike to views of glacial ice up close. It’s a must-see stop for those wanting to immerse themselves in Alaska’s wild, icy landscapes.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
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 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Blueberry Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Guide and tour!
Shane was more than expected . He's amazing and know a lot about Anchorage and Alaska. Super dedicated person easy to deal. I strongly recommend him
via Tripadvisor
Anchorage Whittier cruise transfer and scenic tour.
We booked 5 hours private transfer/scenic tour from Anchorage to Whittier. It was easy to book and very easy to communicate with the provider. We contacted Shane prior booking, got an immediate response, all our questions were answered. Shane arrived on time for the pick up in a spacious car. He had snacks and water for us and a lot of knowledge about the area, its history, nature and culture. We were following the same scenic route as the Turnagain Arm Glacier discovery Tour. We travelled through the Chugach state park, stopped at the Potter March Boardwalk and Beluga point. We did not rush took our time to walk and take photos and arrived on time for our cruise departure. Thank you Shane.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional experience with Shane and Blueberry Tours
Shane is an exceptional tour guide. He was warm, knowledgeable and flexible. We booked a private tour with him and he picked up on time and customized the tour based on our interest and the weather. I loved that the places he trio us to were a bit off the beaten path and so many times we felt like we had them all to ourselves. Also, without prompting, he took great photos from his own camera which he provided to us at no extra charge.
via Tripadvisor
Great ride through beautiful scenery.
Shane was a great guy and tailored our trip to our liking. Saw many beautiful sights. My favorite was Virgin Creek Falls near Girdwood , so magical! I could have done without the animal park though. Even though they are in large, natural enclosures, it still is a zoo.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour
We had a wonderful day 10 hours. From 6 am to 4pm. Private tour with Shane. From Anchorage downtown to helicopter tour in the mountains to waterfalls and lunch in a restaurant with the most beautiful view. Thank you Shane for a fantastic day. Carina + family and friends
via Tripadvisor
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
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.
How much does Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage cost?
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Prices start at $375 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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage 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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 41 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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage?
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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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage 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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage?
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Around 14 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 Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage 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.
What is included in Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage?
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Included: Bottled water; Entrance Fee (if option is selected); and Snacks. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Anchorage. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Anchorage. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage?
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Across 41 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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