Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting
From $262.00/person to $662.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
This tour accommodates groups of up to 14 guests maximum. Please take this information into consideration when booking.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Active, Scenic
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? If you are arriving by cruise ship, this tour departs from the Skagway Fast Ferry Terminal, which is an approximately 15 minute walk from the cruise ship pier. If you are staying in a hotel, custom pick-up is provided from hotels (within a 3-mile radius of downtown Skagway). Please enter your desired pick-up location above.
Food/Beverage Provided A turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fruit, and a freshly baked cookie are included. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available with advance notice.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing clothing in layers appropriate for changing weather conditions and temperatures. The outside layer should be waterproof. Rubber boots will be provided, and rain ponchos will be available. Guests should bring an extra pair of socks, and it is helpful to have hats and light gloves. A waterproof bag is suggested for cameras and other items you do not want getting wet. Please bring a reusable water bottle as water refills will be provided periodically throughout the tour.
Restrictions Guests must be able to step in and out of raft without a railing. To reach the river is over uneven ground. Children under 7, and guests over 300 pounds cannot participate. For raft assignment, please indicate if there is anyone in your party that weighs between 250 and 300 pounds. All guests are required to sign a waiver before departing Skagway. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting

This incredible private rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines will be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise.

You will be greeted by your local representative directly at the pier area in Skagway and then begin a 45 minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the picturesque scenery and look for the chance to possibly spot humpback whales, harbor seals and a variety of seabirds.

Upon arrival in Haines, meet your local, knowledgeable expert guide and enjoy a riverside drive along the Haines Highway. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans. The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009. Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 45 minutes away.

After boarding your raft, enjoy a scenic raft trip down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home of the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river. As there are no rapids (white water) on the river, it makes for a very relaxing float. Depending on the flow of the river, the float portion lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Along the way, your professional guide will inform and entertain you with the natural history of the area, Chilkat Indian Heritage, and Alaskan stories. The number of eagles you will see on the Alaska cruise excursion is very dependent on the food available to the eagles (i.e. the fish runs). During the early months of the summer season you will often see parent eagles sitting on nests, eaglets in nests and the parent eagles flying to the nest with food for their young. Thousands of bald eagles travel here to feed on salmon in the fall and winter. During very warm days, the eagles are often seen catching the thermals and soaring above the mountain peaks.

Paddling is not required, as your guide will push the raft along, explaining the intricate balance of nature that makes this a unique and special place. As they are experts in spotting wildlife, and you may observe brown bears, black bears, wolves, otters, trumpeter swans and moose. Don't leave your camera behind for this adventure!

After rafting, your guide will select a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch on your way back to Haines. Once you have returned to Haines you will board the fast ferry returning to Skagway and your waiting ship with memories of an unforgettable, private shore excursion adventure.

Please Note: This tour can accommodate a maximum of up to 14 guests in total.