Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Alaska (AK)
  4. Anchorage

tour operator for Matanuska from Anchorage

We (2) will be in anchorage Aug 12-14 (pre cruise) and interested in 2 day tours. The operators we are considering are salmon berry and 907 tours. the first 2 links are for Matanuska. appreciate comments for both operators as they appear pretty close in activities and price

Salmon Berry

http://www.salmonberrytours.com/tour/matanuska-glacier-walk/

or

https://www.907toursalaska.com/glacier-hike-day-tour

Also wishing to see Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

https://www.salmonberrytours.com/tour/wildlife-tour/

or

https://www.907toursalaska.com/glacier-wildlife-day-tour

for this last I am inclined to go with 907 as they also include Portage glacier and conservation center.

appreciate your comments

For a 2-day pre-cruise visit to the Anchorage area with a focus on Matanuska Glacier and wildlife viewing, both Salmon Berry Tours and 907 Tours are reputable operators, and the choice largely depends on your priorities regarding inclusions, itinerary, and comfort.

Matanuska Glacier Tours:

  • Salmon Berry Tours: Their dedicated Matanuska Glacier Walk tour focuses entirely on the glacier itself, giving you a more immersive experience on the ice with expert guides. You’ll likely spend more time hiking and exploring the glacier and learning about its features. The tour is well-regarded for knowledgeable guides and small group experiences.
  • 907 Tours: Their Glacier Hike Day Tour also includes Matanuska Glacier, with similar hiking and guided experiences. The advantage here is that some itineraries combine glacier time with other scenic stops, offering a broader overview but slightly less in-depth time on the glacier itself.

In short, if your main priority is a focused glacier experience, Salmon Berry may edge slightly ahead. If you want a mix of glacier and scenic highlights, 907 Tours works well.

Wildlife and Glacier Combination Tours:

  • Salmon Berry Wildlife Tour: Visits the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and focuses on local fauna. This is a good standalone wildlife experience if you prefer a more relaxed pace and deeper time at the conservation center.
  • 907 Tours Glacier & Wildlife Day Tour: Combines Portage Glacier, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and sometimes scenic drives along Turnagain Arm. This is efficient if you want to see multiple highlights in a single day. Reviews suggest it is well-paced and allows photo opportunities at all stops, including wildlife viewing and glacier scenery.

Recommendation:

  • For a dedicated, deep glacier experience: Salmon Berry for Matanuska Glacier walk.
  • For an efficient combination of glacier, wildlife, and scenic stops (including Portage Glacier): 907 Tours Glacier & Wildlife Day Tour is a strong choice. Since it covers multiple points of interest and saves travel time, it’s particularly suitable for a short pre-cruise schedule.
  • Both companies have knowledgeable guides and good safety records. Consider your interest in either maximizing glacier time or covering more highlights in two days.

Tip: For August, both companies are likely to be busy, so booking early is advised. Also, check for included gear—hiking boots or crampons may be provided, which is important for glacier hiking.

Overall, if you want to combine glacier hiking with wildlife and scenic stops efficiently, 907 Tours offers slightly more comprehensive coverage without sacrificing the glacier experience.

More Anchorage Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Alaska

Popular Destinations

Tongcheng Ancient Town
Shaanxi History Museum
Mishan Island
Taikoo Wharf

Popular Travel Questions