4.9 (373) · Anchorage · By caribou tours Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Embark on a six-hour journey, creating one unforgettable road trip. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 14 guests, swaps the large motorcoach for a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van. You'll be guided by a local Alaskan who has spent their life exploring Turnagain Arm.
As we travel south from Anchorage, the Seward Highway winds between the majestic Chugach Mountains and the sea. At Beluga Point, we'll scan the waters for beluga whales and the cliffs for Dall sheep and eagles. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a chance to see rescued bears, moose, bison, caribou, and muskox in expansive natural enclosures – your best opportunity to photograph Alaska's iconic wildlife in a single visit.
Next, we explore Portage Valley, home to the Explorer and Byron Glaciers, with a short, refreshing walk through a mossy rainforest.
For lunch, we'll dine like a local on our way back. We'll stop at the Girdwood Brewing Company, situated in a charming mountain ski town, featuring rotating Alaska food trucks. Please note that lunch is at your own expense.
Experience Alaska beyond the postcards with a lifelong local guide, a more intimate setting with only 14 seats available, and no need to rush when wildlife makes an appearance.
✓ Bottled water and snacks will be available during the trip.✓ Snacks are provided.✓ Entry to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is included in your tour.✕ Lunch and drinks at Girdwood Brewing Company (typically $15–25 per person), gratuities.1 Anchorage
Your guide, Tim, will greet you at your hotel in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van.
We will then head south out of the city towards Turnagain Arm.
· 10 min
2 Seward Highway
The Seward Highway is recognized as a National Scenic Byway and is renowned as one of America's most beautiful drives.
This road is a stunning ribbon of asphalt nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Turnagain Arm.
Keep an eye out for Dall sheep on the cliffs, bald eagles soaring overhead, and beluga whales in the Arm.
Your guide will share local history and stories throughout the journey.
We will make flexible stops whenever wildlife is spotted.
· 2 h
3 Beluga Point
We'll stop at this classic viewpoint, a rocky outcrop overlooking Turnagain Arm.
From here, we'll scan the water for beluga whales and the cliffs for Dall sheep, while admiring the Chugach Mountains that rise directly from the sea.
· 10 min
4 Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Visit
Explore a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned Alaskan wildlife, located on the picturesque Portage Valley flats.
Observe brown and black bears, moose, bison, caribou, muskox, and more up close in spacious, natural habitats.
This is a reliable way to photograph all of Alaska's large animals in one afternoon.
· 1 h 10 min · Admission included
5 Portage Glacier
Discover a valley carved by glaciers at the end of Turnagain Arm.
Enjoy views of Explorer and Byron Glaciers.
Stretch your legs with a short walk through a mossy northern rainforest, offering a different perspective of Alaska compared to the coastline.
· 1 h
6 Girdwood Brewing Company
Experience lunch like a local in the charming ski town of Girdwood.
This popular brewery features rotating Alaska food trucks, offers stunning mountain views, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Enjoy your meal, perhaps try a local beer, and unwind before continuing your exploration of the valley's glaciers.
· 1 h · Admission included
7 Anchorage
We will retrace our route along one of America's most scenic drives back towards Anchorage.
You will be dropped off at your hotel or any other location in the city where you prefer to conclude your day.
· 30 min
Mobile or paper tickets are accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Your drop-off will be at your Anchorage pickup hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer to end your day downtown for dinner or elsewhere in the city, please inform your guide.
The return to Anchorage is typically scheduled for around 3:00 PM.
Navigating an unfamiliar city can be a hassle, and my aim is to eliminate any such annoyances from your day.
To ensure a seamless experience, we offer hotel pickups.
We may arrive up to 30 minutes before the scheduled time to facilitate this.
You will receive precise pickup time information from your guide prior to the tour.
Upon meeting, your guide will ask for your name to verify against the manifest.
Having your ticket on your phone is convenient, but not strictly necessary.
Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on the tour. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. Specialized infant seats are available upon request. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Center & Glaciers: Small-Group Tour Hotel pickup is included. Dress in layers as weather can change quickly in Alaska. Bring your camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Be prepared for some walking, especially at the glaciers and wildlife center. Lunch is not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to eat at Girdwood Brewing Company. Gratuities for your guide are not included but are appreciated. Confirm your pickup time with your guide in advance. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 401018P1
Activity offered by caribou tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Wildlife photographers Travelers seeking authentic local experiences Small groups Families Intimate small-group experience (max 14 guests) Comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van transportation Expert local guide with lifelong knowledge of Turnagain Arm Opportunities to see iconic Alaskan wildlife Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Scenic drive along a National Scenic Byway
Population 291,247 (2020)
Elevation 31 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures -8° Jan -7° Feb -6° Mar 0° Apr 6° May 11° Jun 14° Jul 13° Aug 8° Sept 2° Oct -5° Nov -7° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the maximum group size for this tour? + The maximum group size for this tour is 14 guests.
Is lunch included in the tour price? + Lunch and drinks at Girdwood Brewing Company are not included and are at your own expense.
Can I bring a stroller on the tour? + Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour may be canceled if there are not enough participants.
How far in advance do I need to cancel to get a refund? + For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A Can’t Miss Alaskan Experience
marlynb555, October 2026
The excursion was a great exper. Our guide Tim, was very knowledgeable, pleasant and professional. I highly recommend this tour.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Go Tim!!!
F455TSkarinar, October 2026
A very knowledgeable and funny guide! He went out of his way to make sure all the guests enjoyed the tour. 10/10 recommend!
★★★★★ Viator review
Go Tim!
Karina_R, October 2026
Tim was a great tour guide! Charismatic, funny, and flexible! 10/10 would recommend him to any tourists coming into town. He even went out of his way for some wild scoops for us :)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great trip with bad “Dad” jokes
gadget11, September 2026
Tim was a very talented and informative guide
He done his best despite the challenging weather
Very large delicious lunch
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
野生動物園週邊一日遊🥰🥰🥰
Cosmopolitan805273, September 2026
This is an unforgettable tour.
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