Drive the dramatic spine of Turnagain Arm, walk among rescued Alaskan megafauna at AWCC, and watch hanging glaciers spill down Portage Valley. This full-day tour pairs roadside viewpoints with close-up wildlife and an easy lunch in Girdwood.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the shuttle at Beluga Point and the arm of the sea looks like a living thing: glass-gray water hunched against a spine of mountains, tides pulling at the shoreline with a visible urgency.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, easy walks at viewpoints and on boardwalks
Wildlife
History
The Turnagain Arm corridor was used for centuries by the Dena'ina people; later the Seward Highway and Alaska Railroad opened it to modern travel and industry.
Conservation
The AWCC focuses on rescue and rehabilitation while Portage Valley faces visible glacier retreat—visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace and support local conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Full-Day Tour in Turnagain today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer up for coastal weather
Temperatures can swing quickly between sun, wind, and rain—pack a breathable rain shell and insulating mid-layer.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens
Wildlife and glaciers are often best viewed from roadside pullouts; optics will turn distant dots into subjects.
Motion-sickness prep
Sections of the Seward Highway are winding; if you are prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand.
Respect wildlife viewing rules
At AWCC stay on designated paths and follow guide directions—animals can be unpredictable and need space.
Waterproof rain shell
Keeps you dry during sudden coastal showers common year-round.
Binoculars
Essential for spotting belugas, Dall sheep, and distant glacier features.
Camera with zoom lens
A 200mm+ lens helps capture wildlife and glacier detail from pullouts.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction on boardwalks, gravel pullouts and brief uneven ground.