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.
I will be there at the time your cruise ship is set to disembark to pick you up! If the specific time is not listed here, feel free to message me!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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