Scenic River Float Tour

After meeting your experienced raft guide at the pier in Skagway, we’ll enjoy a beautiful 10-mile drive along the rugged coast of the fjord to the Dyea valley, an old Gold Rush settlement, and starting point of the historic Chilkoot Trail, now returned to nature. During the drive, we may spot bald eagles or seals feeding near the shoreline. We’ll stop to see the start of the Chilkoot Trail, where thousands journeyed in pursuit of gold during the turn of the century.

Once we arrive at the rafting portion of the tour, your professionally trained river guide will outfit you with a life jacket and rubber boats. As you float down the gentle Taiya River, your guide will point out any wildlife, talk about the local natural history, and tell stories of the area’s fascinating Gold Rush history while you enjoy the gorgeous river and mountain views. Once at the take out, you’ll enjoy a riverside snack after the float.

This tour to Dyea is a peaceful getaway from bustling Skagway and a perfect opportunity to feel part of the great Alaskan outdoors.

(~10 minutes) - Your friendly tour guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~30 minutes) - From the small boat harbor we’ll board a van and begin the tour with a drive out to Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Along the way you’ll enjoy a driving town tour of Skagway and the scenic coastal gravel road to Dyea.
(~15 minutes) - Once we arrive in Dyea, your excursion guide will get you outfitted with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and rubber boots and provide an orientation and safety briefing as we prepare for the scenic float down the Taiya River.
(~35 minutes) - Sit back and enjoy as your experienced river guide rows you down the scenic Taiya River. The stable 18’ raft provides a great platform for photography and taking in the sweeping mountain, ocean and rainforest views.
(~15 minutes) - Once we reach the riverside raft take-out, following the rafting portion of the tour, you’ll be treated to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa and hot tea and some free time to take in the dramatic landscape with the supplied spotting scope.
(~30 minutes) - From here we’ll load back into the van to enjoy the comfortable ride back to Skagway stopping for photo stops along the way.

Where will I meet my tour guide?
Your tour guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Otherwise the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your tour guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
Who are my guides?
Your tour 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.
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, ravens, squirrels and harbor seals are frequently seen in Skagway and on our excursions. Skagway’s unique landscape somewhat isolate’s it from many of the larger mammals apart from the occasional black bear or coastal brown bear.
Is there any whitewater on the float tour?
No – there will be no whitewater or rapids on the float.