Your tour begins as you board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley.
At the preserve, experienced guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater). You’ll float silently down the river aboard 18′ inflatable rafts – the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. You will float past the Native village of Klukwan where the Tlingit people have lived for centuries on the bounty of this beautiful wilderness.
After your float, you’ll enjoy a riverside picnic. Your tour concludes with a return ride to Haines, where you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories.
Note: We are able accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice, including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc.
~15 minutes) –Your friendly guides will meet you near the Haines Cruise Ship Dock. Before hitting the road you will have the opportunity to get to know your guide and ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming excursion.
(~45 minutes) –From here we’ll depart for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to one of our rafting put-in’s.
(~20 minutes) – When you arrive at the put-in you’ll meet up the remainder of your guide team and swap out your shoes for rubber river boots. Your guides will provide you with a thorough safety briefing and you’ll don a PFD before boarding our stable 18’ rubber rafts for the float down the river.
(~90 minutes) – You’ll spend the next 90 minutes quietly exploring the scenic Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve by raft.
(~30 minutes) – Upon arrival at our river take-out you’ll be treated to a picnic style lunch with lemonade, hot cocoa and tea.
(~40 minutes) – A short drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you back to Haines where we’ll say goodbye to you and hope you’ll join us again on another adventure!
Where will I meet my guide?
Our guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. You will meet your guide on the Southeast corner of the main cruise ship dock in Portage Cove. CLICK HERE to see a map pointing to this location.
Who are my guides?
You guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour and non-flushing restrooms at the start/finish of your paddle or float.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
What wildlife will I see?
Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, Bald Eagles, moose, all five types of Pacific salmon, brown and black bears frequent the area. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of the year and area within Haines where the excursion takes place. Your guides will choose the best locations to help you maximize your wildlife viewing opportunity.
Will there be any whitewater on the float?
No – there will be no whitewater or rapids on the float.
How much will I paddle?
None, you will enjoy your float aboard an 18’ oar rig raft. Your guides do all of the rowing which enables you to sit back and enjoy the float. The raft makes a very stable platform for photography and enjoying the views with your family. Is there a charge for infants (0-18 months)?
No, infants are not allowed. The minimum age to participate in the tour is 7 years old.
