This tour will combine an interpretive stop near the Portage Glacier along Turnagain Arm with a tour of other glaciers in Blackstone Bay aboard a 135-passenger chartered cruise vessel operated by Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises. A chartered bus will depart promptly at 10:30 am from the Anchorage downtown Marriot Hotel and travel to Portage on the National Scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm has the world's second largest tidal range (over 30 ft), along with avalanche chutes, coastal subsidence of 6-11 ft from the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake and wildlife possibilities. Dall sheep, moose, and beluga whales are occasionally viewed in this area. Turnagain Arm was named by Captain James Cook in 1778 in his search for the Northwest Passage.

The tour will briefly stop along Turnagain Arm where Beluga whales and Dall sheep may be seen. We will continue to the Portage Visitor Center and Portage Lake (from about 11:45am until about 3:15pm), where the retreat of the Portage Glacier from its local maximum of approximately 90 years ago is documented with photos, moraines, and a brief movie at the Portage Visitor Center. Prof. Kristine Crossen will explain the local glacial history and summarize studies of glaciers in the area. A written guidebook will be distributed. Soup and sandwiches will be provided at the Portage Glacier Lodge across from the Visitor Center.

The tour will continue on through the Whittier tunnel, which is shared on a scheduled basis with Alaska Railroad trains to Whittier. Whittier is an ice-free port on Prince William Sound that has historically been important for fuel shipments to Anchorage and local military bases. Prof. Kristine Crossen will provide information about the glaciers in Blackstone Bay and the geologic history of the area. Wildlife found in the area includes sea otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and humpback and orca whales. An Alaska King Crab cake meal will be served on board the cruise vessel. The cruise will run from 4 pm until 7:45 pm, and the tour is expected to return to the Anchorage Marriott by 9:30 pm.

The bus, Portage Visitor Center, and the glacier cruise vessel are non-smoking. Hiking boots are recommended along with rain gear, water, and layers appropriate for the weather.