Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage

5.0 (41 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

41 reviews

5.0

Private Scenic Turnagain Arm Glacier Tour from Anchorage — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Turnagain Arm Bore Tide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Blueberry Tours

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Entrance Fee (if option is selected)
Included: Snacks

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Beluga Point

15 min

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.
Girdwood

30 min

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.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

2 hours Admission not included

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.
Portage Lake Overlook

one hour

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.