Tour Details & What’s Included
Historic Eldred Rock Lighthouse Excursion
Begin your adventure with a scenic pickup in Skagway, where your crew welcomes you aboard a modern, comfortable vessel for a narrated cruise through the northern reaches of Lynn Canal. As you travel south toward Haines, enjoy dramatic mountain and coastal scenery while watching for marine wildlife such as whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Upon arrival in Haines, additional guests will be welcomed aboard before the tour continues toward Eldred Rock.
Arrival at Eldred Rock
You’ll land on 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 as your captain highlights local wildlife, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Water and hot drinks are provided onboard, and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks. Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.
Return to Port
The tour concludes in Haines, where Haines-only guests will disembark. Skagway guests will remain aboard for the return cruise north, arriving back in Skagway at the end of the 5-hour experience with unforgettable photos and 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Question-
How long is the tour?
Answer-
The total experience is approximately 5 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.
