Whittier to Anchorage Wildlife Tour: Glacier, Bears, Beluga

Six hours from ship to Anchorage, with bears, glaciers and whales along the way

A six-hour guided tour departing Whittier cruise port and ending in Anchorage, traveling through Portage Valley with stops at Byron Glacier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Beluga Point. Pickup at the port is included, as are all entrance fees, a local guide, snacks and binoculars. Lunch in Girdwood is on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Portage Glacier1h · entry included
2. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center1h 30m · entry included

Whittier to Anchorage Wildlife Tour

• Pick up at Whittier port
• Visit Portage Glacier and lake
• Walk to Byron Glacier edge
• Tour Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Lunch break in Girdwood
• Stop at Beluga Point for photos
• Drive and short tour in Anchorage
• Drop off at preferred Anchorage location

The experience

The guide meets you at the Whittier port and you travel in a heated van to Portage Glacier first, where Portage Lake sits ringed by mountains and ice. A short walk leads up to Byron Glacier along a relatively flat river trail. The operator offers alternatives if you prefer to skip it. The real anchor of the day is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 250-acre facility in Portage where brown bears, black bears, moose, caribou and wolves live in habitats designed to let you see them up close. Your guide walks the grounds with you and explains the center's conservation work and the challenges these animals face in the wild.

After the wildlife center, you stop in Girdwood for lunch at a locally owned restaurant (you pay separately for food). Then comes Beluga Point, perched on Turnagain Arm with views across the water toward the Chugach Mountains. This is where you watch for beluga whales, Dall sheep and the bore tide: a tidal phenomenon that moves through the inlet. The van gives you time to photograph and absorb the landscape before heading into Anchorage, where your guide drops you at a location you choose and offers recommendations for dinner.

The tour includes snacks, water and binoculars. The van has heat and air conditioning. Your guide speaks English and knows the region. If you're traveling with infants or small children, specialized seats are available, and the itinerary suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Pickup at Whittier cruise port.
• round-trip van transport to Anchorage.
• entrance fees to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
• guided walk to Byron Glacier.
• stop at Beluga Point for wildlife viewing and photos.
• snacks and water throughout the day.
• binoculars.
• local English-speaking guide.
• drop-off at your chosen location in Anchorage.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Welcome Anchorage Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide meets you at Whittier port and drives the full loop to Anchorage, so you see glaciers and wildlife in one day without splitting time between separate activities.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What animals will I see at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

The center houses brown bears, black bears, moose, caribou, wolves and other native Alaska wildlife in natural habitats. Your guide leads you through the grounds and explains the center's conservation efforts.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. You stop at a local restaurant in Girdwood and pay for your own meal there.

How long is the walk to Byron Glacier?

The walk is a short, relatively flat trail along the river up to the glacier's edge. The operator offers alternatives if you prefer not to walk.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Bring layers and a camera. Binoculars are provided. The van is heated and air-conditioned, and you'll spend time outdoors at Portage Glacier, Byron Glacier and Beluga Point, so dress for Alaska weather.

Does the tour end in Anchorage or back at the Whittier port?

The tour ends in Anchorage. Your guide drops you at a location you choose in the city and provides dinner recommendations. You'll need separate transport back to Whittier if you're returning to your ship.

Can I do this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes. The guide picks you up directly at the Whittier cruise port, so you don't need to arrange separate transport from the ship. The tour ends in Anchorage, where you can arrange your own return to the port or to your hotel.