Ultimate Anchorage and Turnagain Arm Private Full Day Tour

Exploring Anchorage and the stunning surroundings of Turnagain Arm becomes effortless with the Ultimate Anchorage and Turnagain Arm Private Full Day Tour. Priced at $1,105 per group for up to three people, this 8.5-hour adventure offers a personalized experience in Alaska’s diverse landscapes. The tour departs from Anchorage at 9:00 am and includes private transportation, a professional guide, and lunch at The Roundhouse at Alyeska. It’s an ideal choice for small groups seeking flexibility and in-depth exploration of Alaska’s natural beauty.

This tour is highly recommended, with an impressive 92% of travelers saying they would suggest it to others. It is well-booked on average 94 days in advance, reflecting strong demand among visitors wanting an immersive yet private sightseeing day. From city sights to mountain vistas and wildlife encounters, the experience balances structured stops with the freedom to customize, making it suitable for families, solo travelers, or small groups eager for a comprehensive Alaskan day.

Key Points

• Private full-day tour with transportation and guide included for up to three people
• Price of $1,105 covers the entire experience, including lunch and all entrance fees
• Start time at 9:00 am, with a flexible schedule that can be adjusted on request
• Visit Anchorage’s highlights, including Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, and downtown
• Scenic drive along Turnagain Arm with breathtaking mountain and waterway views
• Wildlife encounters at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center featuring bears, moose, muskox, and more
• Ride the Mt. Alyeska tram for panoramic views and a mountaintop meal
• Stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point to watch the bore tide, beluga whales, and enjoy spectacular scenery
• Visit Girdwood, a charming town known for outdoor activities and the Alyeska Resort

Starting in Anchorage with City Highlights

The tour begins in downtown Anchorage, where the city’s origins are visible near Ship Creek and the Alaska Railroad Depot. Travelers see the salmon swimming in the creek, and the guide explains the significance of the area. The visit continues to Earthquake Park, which highlights the impact of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake on Anchorage’s landscape. The park’s land was liquefied during the quake, and it now offers a poignant view of the city’s resilience.

Next, the focus shifts to Lake Hood, the largest and busiest floatplane base in the world. Watching floatplanes take off and land is a highlight here, offering a glimpse into Alaska’s aviation culture. The tour concludes the city stops back downtown, where visitors can appreciate Anchorage’s botanical beauty and shopping options. This city exploration segment lasts about two hours and is entirely free of admission fees.

Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm’s Dramatic Shorelines

Leaving the city behind, the tour moves southward along the Seward Highway, recognized as one of America’s most beautiful highways. The drive along Turnagain Arm offers sweeping views of mountains from Chugach State Park and the expansive flats of the waterway. Each twist in the road reveals a new scene—towering peaks, wide waterways, and shifting tides—making it a visual feast.

The drive lasts about two hours, during which the guide points out notable natural features and explains the geological history of the area. This stretch showcases Alaska’s wilderness in all its grandeur, perfect for photography and appreciating the vastness of the landscape.

Wildlife at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where visitors see native animals in a natural setting. The center hosts Bears, Moose, Muskox, Caribou, and Bison, among other species. The experience offers excellent opportunities for pictures and learning about the animals’ conservation stories.

This stop lasts about an hour and includes admission. It’s especially appealing to those interested in Alaska’s fauna or seeking to see iconic animals up close without venturing into the wild themselves.

Birdwatching at Potter Marsh and Beluga Point

As the tour continues, stops like Potter Marsh provide a chance to walk along a half-mile wooden boardwalk, renowned for its birdwatching opportunities. Situated within the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, this site offers a peaceful setting to spot various bird species and observe marshland wildlife.

Later, the journey along Seward Highway features Beluga Point, famous for 180-degree views of Turnagain Arm. Here, visitors can use spotting scopes to look for beluga whales, especially during bore tide conditions when the water rushes in, sometimes reaching six feet high. This spot is also ideal for observing kayakers and surfers riding the waves, adding a dynamic element to the scenery.

Bird Point makes a second scenic stop, giving travelers more chances to enjoy mountain and waterway vistas. Both stops are brief—about 10 minutes each—but rich in natural beauty.

Girdwood and Alyeska Resort

The tour then heads to Girdwood, a picturesque town known for outdoor activities such as skiing, biking, rafting, and hiking. Recognized as one of Alaska’s ten most beautiful towns, Girdwood provides a taste of local charm and wilderness.

From Girdwood, travelers take a short scenic ride of about three to seven minutes on Alyeska’s tram to reach the summit of Mt. Alyeska at 2,300 feet elevation. The ride offers sweeping views of Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, and glaciers. The tram ride is a major highlight, providing breathtaking vistas rarely accessible from ground level.

Mountain Lunch at The Roundhouse

While at the summit, guests enjoy a mountaintop meal at The Roundhouse at Alyeska, the state’s only mountain-top museum. The lunch is included, with menu options from the Boretide Deli. The 1.5-hour stop allows plenty of time to relax, savor the scenery, and appreciate the panoramic views of glaciers and rugged peaks.

The Roundhouse itself has historic significance, being an original warming hut that later became a gathering place and ski area landmark. Its octagonal shape and elevated location make it a distinctive feature of this tour.

Portage Valley and Portage Lake

The journey continues through Portage Valley, a scenic route that traces a historic trail used by Native Alaskans and gold prospectors. The scenery here combines glaciers, mountains, and wide valleys, offering a glimpse into the area’s geological past.

Next, Portage Lake presents an impressive sight—deep enough to submerge an 80-story building. Visitors may see blue icebergs from nearby Portage Glacier and perhaps salmon swimming in the lake. The stop at the lake lasts about 10 minutes and is free of charge.

Flexibility and Private Experience

This is a private tour, meaning that the group size is limited to three people. Every stop can be customized or extended based on personal interests. Guides like Frank and Dan, praised for their knowledge and flexibility, ensure a comfortable pace and informative commentary throughout.

The entire experience is designed to balance sightseeing with ample time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. The air-conditioned vehicle further enhances the comfort of this full-day adventure.

Summary of Tour Logistics and Booking

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am with pickup services available. The meeting point can be arranged conveniently, and additional stops can be added based on preferences. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes.

The tour provider, Anchorage Tours and Transfers, maintains a reputation for well-organized experiences, and the high booking rate indicates strong traveler satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Anchorage and Turnagain Arm Tour

This private full-day tour offers a comprehensive and customizable exploration of Anchorage and its breathtaking surroundings. The combination of city highlights, scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and mountain adventures creates a well-rounded Alaska experience.

The guide’s expertise, especially in explaining local geography and wildlife, earns consistent praise, and the opportunity to ride the Mt. Alyeska tram for panoramic views stands out as a highlight. The inclusion of lunch at the mountain summit adds a memorable touch, making this tour a good value for those wanting a personalized and informative day.

While primarily focused on natural beauty and wildlife, the tour is ideal for small groups or families who appreciate flexibility and want to avoid large bus crowds. The private nature of the experience ensures a relaxed atmosphere, tailored to your interests, with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into Alaska’s landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be tailored for families, making it suitable for small children, especially with the opportunity to customize stops.

How long does the sightseeing last?
The entire tour runs approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and ending around 5:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
The price of $1,105 covers private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch at The Roundhouse, and admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as this is a private tour, stops and pace can be adjusted according to your preferences.

Is this tour recommended in summer?
Absolutely, especially for viewing beluga whales, bore tides, and enjoying the mountain scenery. The tour is designed for summer daylight hours.

What if the planned stops are closed?
The tour guides are praised for their flexibility and ability to adjust the itinerary smoothly if some locations are unavailable.