Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
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
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour worth booking?
Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour is a 8-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $1288 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $1288 per person
Explore the beautiful Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley with a private and local guide. From Anchorage, we'll travel along the scenic Seward Highway. One of only 13 highways in the US with the distinction of "All Americ
What you get
About this experience
Explore the beautiful Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley with a private and local guide. From Anchorage, we'll travel along the scenic Seward Highway. One of only 13 highways in the US with the distinction of "All American Road". Along the way we will have great opportunities to view and photograph wildlife and scenic vistas. First we stop at the beautiful Hotel Alyeska and the ski town of Girdwood. Take an optional scenic tram to the top of Mt Alyeska for lunch with a view. Next stop Portage, where you will board the mv Ptarmigan for an optional one-hour cruise across the stunning scenery of iceberg-dotted Portage Lake. After the cruise, stop in at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife. Afterwards, head back to Anchorage and enjoy a narrated city tour including all the best dining places.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
Not included
- Food
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier
15 minutes here
Seward Highway
Seward
Turnagain Arm Drive
Next, soak up the sights along the incomparable Turnagain Arm, a stunningly beautiful piece of Alaska home to a myriad of wildlife, including Dall sheep, mountain goats, boose, beluga whales, black bears and migratory bird species.
120 minutes here
Girdwood
Girdwood is a resort town within the southern extent of the Municipality of Anchorage. Located near the end of the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, Girdwood lies in a valley in the southwestern Chugach Mountains, surrounded by seven glaciers feeding into a number of creeks, which either converge within the valley or empty directly into the arm.
90 minutes here
Alyeska Ski Area
Alyeska Aerial Tram
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Potter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an ideal break from Anchorage for birders and other wildlife viewers. From the Seward Highway just before the left turn into the Potter Marsh parking lot, you are treated to a stunning view of Turnagain Arm. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings and sedges, perfect habitat for a rich variety of birds. From late April through September, Canada geese, northern pintails, canvasback ducks, red-necked phalaropes, horned and red-necked grebes, and northern harriers use this wetland. Look for eagle nests in the cottonwoods near the base of the bluff using binoculars or a spotting scope.
30 minutes here
Greatland Adventures
Greatland Adventures
Beluga Point
Beluga Point Site is an archaeological location along Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 30, 1978. Artifacts of the area are evidence of early human habitation. Beluga Point North 1 (BPN1) artifacts are 8,000–10,000 years old and believed to be evidence of the oldest habitation in Anchorage municipality. Beluga Point is also a wildlife viewing area. Beluga whales can be sighted seasonally July through August as hundreds of the cetaceans visit Cook Inlet to feed on the Pacific salmon run.
15 minutes here
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round, providing spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Here you can view and photograph up close Alaska's iconic animals that are unable to be released into the wild.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Greatland Adventures
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Turnagain Arm tour
My drive Matt picked me up promptly and was so amazingly accommodating throughout the day. He is a local so had a lot of knowledge about the areas we visited. We made an extra stop at Potter Marsh which was wonderful, although we did not see any Beluga in the Turnagain Arm, it was fun to look at the mudflats and natural beauty. We saw Dall sheep and many Eagles. I never felt rushed when we made stops at various point of interest. I would highly recommend this excursion
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review of our Turnagain Arm Summer Tour! We’ll definitely pass your kind words along to Matt, he’ll be thrilled to hear that his local knowledge and relaxed pace made your day so special. We are so glad you enjoyed the extra stop at Potter Marsh and got to spot some amazing wildlife (even if the belugas decided to play hide-and-seek this time!). Thank you for the high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great personalized tour!
Other than a hiccup with the dining at the top of the tram not being available, we had a great day on Turnagain Arm. Dawn was a wonderful guide--offered good information along the way but also was sensitive to our need for "quiet time" as we were tired from two weeks of traveling in Alaska. Good balance overall, and a gorgeous day to see Portage Glacier!
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a nice note! We will make sure to pass this along to Dawn as well!
via Viator
Mike’s Alaska
Eight hours in Anchorage? It’s a “must do”….with Mike!!? The man was the perfect guide for this trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the nod to our guide Mike. He is a top guide in our group of Alaskans who serve as our knowledgeable and very fun tour leaders. Our staff is clever and accommodating for our Anchorage Tour and our Turnagain Arm Tour, as well as all the other tours we provide to visitors.
via Viator
Great private tour
We had an incredible day on this tour with our guide John. He was very knowledgeable friendly and provided great insight. He also had a lot of good suggestions for additional experiences while we’re in Alaska that we hope to do on a future trip.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are glad you enjoyed your Anchorage City Tour with John. Next time you are in Alaska give us a ring, we have so many incredible things to show you across the state! Cheers,
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Trip
Did the Turnagain Arm Tour and had a blast with our guide, John! We was both engaging and informative. Loved the first hand knowledge he shared with us. We lucked out with a GORGEOUS day and got some awesome pictures! Only downside was trying to get lunch at the top of the tram at Alyeska, but that was on us for choosing to go that way. Warning for others... it was over an hour wait for food and seating was a nightmare. John, however, was great and so patient while waiting for us. We ended up just switching the food to go and ate in the bus. Thank you John for our outstanding experience!!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 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
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.
How much does Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $1288 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 Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour take?
+
Plan for about 8 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 Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 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 Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour?
+
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 Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour?
+
Around 3 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?
+
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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour.
Pick your date
