Tour Details & What’s Included
Historic Eldred Rock Lighthouse Excursion
Begin your journey at Port Chilkoot Dock in Haines, where your crew welcomes you aboard a modern, comfortable vessel for a narrated cruise through Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord. As you travel, take in dramatic mountain scenery and keep watch for marine wildlife such as whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Arrival at Eldred Rock
After approximately 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Eldred Rock, home to Alaska’s oldest standing lighthouse. Guests will be divided into two guided groups:
- Group One: Explore the lighthouse grounds, including the Boat House, Helipad, Workshop, waterfall viewpoints, and sweeping wildlife vistas.
- Group Two: Tour the interior of the restored lighthouse, including the museum and historic lens room. Only four guests at a time may enter the lens room for an intimate experience.
At the halfway point, groups will switch so everyone enjoys both experiences.
Wildlife & Scenic Finale
Reboard the vessel and enjoy a scenic cruise through Lynn Canal. Along the way, your captain will pause for views of a harbor seal rookery and sea lion haul-out if conditions allow, as well as cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs. Water and hot drinks are provided onboard, and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks. Wildlife sightings are frequent, though not guaranteed.
Return to Port
Your adventure concludes back at Port Chilkoot Dock in Haines, leaving you with unforgettable photos and lasting memories of Alaska’s maritime history and wild beauty.
Special Opportunity
Included in this experience is the option to become a member of the Eldred Rock Lighthouse Restoration Association, helping preserve this historic landmark for future generations.
Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association
Excursion Timing
Itinerary
*~10 minutes – Meet your captain and crew at Port Chilkoot Dock in Haines, get settled aboard the vessel, and prepare for departure.
*~45 minutes – Enjoy a scenic narrated cruise through Lynn Canal, watching for whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and eagles along the way.
*~15 minutes – Arrive at Eldred Rock, disembark, and split into two small guided groups for your lighthouse experience.
*~30 minutes –
Group One: Explore the lighthouse grounds, including the Boat House, Helipad area, Workshop, waterfall viewpoints, and scenic overlooks.
Group Two: Tour the inside of the historic lighthouse, including the 1st and 2nd floors and the intimate four‑guest lens room.
*~30 minutes – Groups switch so every guest enjoys both the interior tour and the island exploration.
*~30 minutes – Reboard the vessel and enjoy a local snack while your captain cruises past waterfalls, cliffs, and (conditions permitting) a harbor seal rookery and sea lion haul‑out.
*~45 minutes – Relax and soak in additional wildlife viewing and narration during the return cruise to Haines.
*Tour ends – Arrive back at Port Chilkoot Dock with unforgettable photos and memories of your Eldred Rock Lighthouse adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How long is the tour?
Answer
The total experience is approximately 3.25 hours, including the scenic cruise, guided island exploration, and lighthouse interior tour.
Question
Do we go inside the lighthouse?
Answer
Yes! Guests enjoy a guided tour through the 1st and 2nd floors and an intimate visit to the historic lens room, limited to four guests at a time.
Question
How physically demanding is the tour?
Answer
The activity level is Moderate. Guests must be able to walk on uneven terrain, navigate rocky or variable surfaces, and climb stairs inside the lighthouse. Access to the lens room requires climbing 46 additional narrow stairs.
Question
Is the tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Answer
Unfortunately, no. Due to the remote island environment and historic structure, the tour is not ADA accessible.
Question
Are restrooms available?
Answer
Yes — restrooms are available both onboard the vessel and on Eldred Rock.
Question
Are food or drinks included?
Answer
No snacks are provided, but guests will enjoy free hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) and water on board. Guests may bring their own light snack if they wish.
