Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer with Wildlife and Tram

5.0 (one review) 4–5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer with Wildlife and Tram — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer with Wildlife and Tram, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Travel from Whittier to Anchorage with a scenic twist. This half-day tour includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can observe native animals in their natural habitats. Enjoy panoramic views during a tram ride at Alyeska Ski Area and drive along the stunning Turnagain Arm. With convenient pickup from the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, this transfer is both hassle-free and enriching. Ideal for cruise passengers looking to explore Alaska's wildlife and scenery before heading to Anchorage.

Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, including wildlife and tram stops
Includes entrance fees, snacks, and bottled water
Pickup from Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal and drop-off at Anchorage hotels or airport
Maximum group size of 10 travelers for a personalized experience

**I cannot include the prices for entrance to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center ($30) or Tram ($50) because I don't know the size of the group, so these will have to be paid by guests.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Involves Animals Additional fees

At a glance

Duration: 4–5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Kelley Thompson

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Wildlife Conservation Center
Not included: Entrance fees: Alyeska Tram / Gondola

Itinerary

Whittier

20 min

We’ll begin with a short tour of the unique cruise-ship town of Whittier. You’ll see the historic Begich Towers building, the small harbor, and the local shops that serve this remote community. If you’d like, we can stop for a quick coffee or snack at the popular Wildcatch Café before continuing toward the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This gives you a great introduction to Whittier’s history and scenery before we head into the rest of the journey.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

15 min Admission included

Next, we’ll travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle-and-rail tunnel in North America. This one-lane tunnel operates on a timed schedule, giving you a unique experience as we pass through its 2.5-mile stretch carved directly through the mountain. I’ll explain a bit about the tunnel’s history, engineering, and how it connects the remote town of Whittier to the rest of Alaska. It’s a memorable highlight of the journey and a true piece of Alaskan infrastructure.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

1 h 30 min Admission included

We’ll visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre sanctuary dedicated to protecting Alaska’s most iconic animals. Here you can see brown and black bears, moose, musk ox, bison, wolves, porcupines, and other wildlife up close in spacious natural habitats. I’ll guide you through the highlights and then give you time to explore the boardwalks and viewing areas at your own pace. Admission is included, so you can enjoy the full experience without any extra cost.
Alyeska Ski Area

1 h 30 min Admission included

The next stop is the charming mountain town of Girdwood, home to the Alyeska Resort. Here you’ll take a scenic ride on the famous Alyeska Aerial Tram, soaring over lush forests and up the mountainside to stunning panoramic views of the glaciers and Turnagain Arm. At the top, you’ll have time to walk around, enjoy the viewing platforms, and take photos of the incredible landscape. Tram admission is included, and you can also explore the shops and cafés at the resort before we continue toward Anchorage.
Turnagain Arm Drive

30 min Admission included

As we make the way toward Anchorage, we’ll travel along the famous Turnagain Arm—one of the most scenic stretches of road in Alaska. This dramatic coastline is known for its sweeping mountain views, tidal flats, and the chance to spot Dall sheep or beluga whales in season. We’ll make brief photo stops at some of the best viewpoints, such as Beluga Point or Bird Point, depending on conditions. It’s a beautiful part of the journey and a favorite highlight for many travelers.
Anchorage

30 min

We’ll finish the journey in Anchorage, with flexible drop-off options to best fit your plans. Time permitting, we can visit a few local highlights on the way in, such as Earthquake Park, scenic Lake Hood—the world’s busiest seaplane base—and a short drive through historic downtown Anchorage. I’m also happy to offer restaurant recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. We can drop you off at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, any local hotel, or your Airbnb for a smooth end to your day.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

There are two cruise ship ports in Whittier, if you can message me after booking which one your cruise is coming into I will be sure to be at that specific port!

End point

I can drop off at Ted Stevens International Airport, any hotels in Anchorage or at your Air Bnb! Feel free to message me after booking any specific details!