About Portage Glacier Cruises
Portage Glacier Cruises offers one of the most accessible glacier-viewing experiences in Southcentral Alaska, operating on the pristine waters of Portage Lake just a short drive from Girdwood. Operated by Gray Line Alaska, the MV Ptarmigan carries passengers within 300 feet of the towering blue face of Portage Glacier, providing an up-close encounter with calving ice and the dramatic landscapes of the Chugach National Forest.
The one-hour narrated cruise departs multiple times daily from late May through mid-September, making it easy to fit into any Girdwood or Anchorage itinerary. The covered vessel accommodates large groups comfortably, with indoor seating and open-air observation decks for photography. No special gear or fitness level is required, making it one of the most family-friendly glacier activities in the region.
What makes Portage Glacier Cruises stand out is the sheer convenience — it's the closest tidewater glacier experience to Anchorage, requiring no flights or multi-hour drives. The Begich Boggs Visitor Center adjacent to the dock adds educational context with exhibits on glaciology and local wildlife, rounding out a half-day adventure that combines natural spectacle with accessible interpretation.
