6 hr Turnagain Arm Tour or do own version

Question

Hi everyone,

We are 4 Australian ladies off on a Cruise from Whittier late Aug with a few days in and around Anchorage. We arrive into ANC about midday and will jump straight into our Hire Car and head to Wasilla, drop off bags and have a drive around there for the afternoon, staying at Pioneer Ridge for the night and 2 of the party are doing a Husky Helicopter Tour the next morning out of Alaska Glacier Lodge the next day and then we drive back down to Anchorage for the night.

I am tossing up whether to do an organised small van 6 hour Turnagain Arm Tour inc Wildlife Centre, Explorer Glacier, Girdwood Brewing Company and Seward Highway drive or mirror that trip and do the drive in our own car. Of course we miss out on the Guides information if we do self drive but have more freedom for stops.

Can anyone comment on which version to do? I drive in the USA every year on 6 lane highways, so that part doesn't bother me.

Thanks.

Answer

Your plan for exploring the Turnagain Arm area sounds fantastic! Both options—joining a guided 6-hour tour or doing a self-drive—have their merits, and your decision will mainly depend on whether you value flexibility over the guided experience.

Here are some considerations:

Guided 6-hour Turnagain Arm Tour: This option is great if you want a curated experience with local knowledge. Guides provide insight into wildlife, history, geology, and local stories, which can greatly enhance your understanding of the area. The itinerary typically includes stops at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, scenic viewpoints along the Seward Highway, a glimpse of glaciers like the Explorer Glacier, and often a tasting or stop at local spots such as Girdwood Brewing Company. You won’t have to worry about navigation or timing, and the guide can adjust the schedule slightly based on weather or wildlife sightings.
Self-drive: This provides maximum flexibility. You can linger longer at scenic spots, adjust your route spontaneously, and take detours that interest you. Since you’re comfortable driving in the U.S., the roads won’t be an issue, and the views along Turnagain Arm are spectacular from the car. However, you won’t have the expert commentary that explains what you’re seeing or helps spot wildlife, and planning the timing for stops can be tricky to fit in the same number of activities comfortably in a 6-hour window.

Some practical advice if you opt for self-drive:

Start early to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially around Anchorage and Girdwood.
Check tide schedules if you hope to see beluga whales; Turnagain Arm has dramatic tidal changes.
Allow extra time at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center—they do a great job showcasing bears, moose, bison, and other wildlife, and you may want to linger for photos.
Be prepared for limited services along some stretches of the Seward Highway; fuel up and have snacks/water.
Use a reliable map or GPS, and consider stopping at scenic pullouts for views of the arm and surrounding mountains. These often aren’t highlighted in guidebooks.

In summary, if you prefer learning from a local guide, want a structured itinerary, and don’t mind a fixed schedule, the organized tour is ideal. If you value flexibility, extra time at scenic stops, and the freedom to customize your day, self-driving is a better choice.

Since you’re comfortable driving and have multiple days in Alaska, a self-drive might allow you to combine the Turnagain Arm highlights with spontaneous stops along the way, making your experience more personal and relaxed. However, if the group really values local insights and storytelling, the guided tour could make the scenery even more memorable.

6 hr Turnagain Arm Tour or do own version

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