Anchorage to Whittier Private Tour: Turnagain Arm & Wildlife

Turnagain Arm holds Dall sheep on the cliffs and beluga whales in the water below.

A private full-day guided tour from Anchorage to Whittier that covers Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and the Anchorage area with a local guide and hotel or port pickup included. The guide adjusts the route, timing and stops to match your interests and schedule. Groups run from one to twelve guests, and the price is per tour, not per person—a single booking covers your whole party.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Anchorage to Whittier tour

• Pickup in Anchorage
• Explore Anchorage city
• Drive along Turnagain Arm
• Spot wildlife like Dall sheep and bears
• Optional visit to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Drop-off in Whittier

The Experience

After pickup at your Anchorage hotel or cruise port, your guide drives you through the city and then south along Turnagain Arm, a coastal route where wildlife appears on the water and the mountainsides. Dall sheep stand on the high cliffs; mountain goats move across the rock faces; beluga whales surface in the inlet below. Black bears, moose and migratory birds move through the landscape depending on the season. The guide narrates what makes this stretch of Alaska distinct and points out the animals as they appear. You can ask to linger at a viewpoint, stop for photos or adjust the day's pace to match your energy and interests.

Portage Valley and the surrounding terrain pass during the drive, and the route ends with drop-off in Whittier. If you want to enter the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife—that's available as an add-on at checkout. The guide can reverse the itinerary if you're traveling from Whittier to Anchorage instead, and they'll work with you on timing if your cruise ship departure or arrival sets a hard window. Tell the operator about any special requests when you book.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• private vehicle transport.
• hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off.
• live commentary on the route and wildlife.
• the ability to customize timing, stops and activities to your interests.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Greatland Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're traveling as a group of up to twelve and want the route and pace shaped around your schedule and interests rather than locked into a set itinerary. The private guide adjusts stops, timing and activities on the day, so a late cruise arrival, an early departure or a detour to a viewpoint doesn't throw off the plan.

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Top questions

What animals will I actually see on Turnagain Arm?

Dall sheep, mountain goats, beluga whales, black bears and moose appear along Turnagain Arm depending on the season. Migratory bird species also move through the region. Your guide will point them out as they appear during the drive, though sightings depend on the time of year and the animals' natural movement.

Can I add the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to this tour?

Yes, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is available as an add-on at checkout. It's a nonprofit organization focused on preserving Alaska's wildlife, and entry is separate from the tour price.

Does this tour work if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes, cruise passengers can book this tour as a transfer and sightseeing combination. At booking, provide your pickup time and location (your ship or a hotel), and the guide will coordinate the timing so you reach Whittier in time for your departure or have the full day to explore if you're arriving.

Can the guide change the route or timing to fit my schedule?

The guide adjusts the schedule, duration and activities to meet your needs. If you have a specific start time, interests or constraints—like a cruise departure window—note them at booking and the guide will build the day around them.

Is the price per person or for the whole group?

The price is per tour, not per guest. One booking covers your entire group, whether it's one person or up to twelve. Order "1" adult at checkout regardless of group size or ages.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes a local guide, private vehicle transport, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, and live commentary throughout the day. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or stop for a meal if the day runs long.