Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Haines Departure

Guided

Duration: 4 hours

Haines

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

$179 Adult

(Ages 13+)

$159 Child

(Ages 7 - 12)

Description

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Haines Departure

Treat yourself to a small-group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Meet your expert guide and enjoy a thirty minute riverside drive along the Haines Highway. Glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, and green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans.

After a thorough safety talk, board your raft and head downstream through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. This is a float trip, not a whitewater rafting trip; the water is swift and cold. Your hands are free for your binoculars or camera; paddling is not required. Your guide uses the oars to expertly navigate the raft through the ever-changing channels.

You will experience the beauty of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and learn about its critical role in ensuring bald eagle’s survival. The scenery is spectacular and the sights and sounds of modern civilization seem far away. There is no cell phone reception.

Your guide helps you spot bald eagles whether they are perched in the trees, soaring in the sky or feeding along the shore. Early in the summer, resident eagles can be seen flying to their nest to feed their chicks. By mid-summer, the river fills with salmon, and more eagles can be seen along the banks and in the trees. In late summer, the young birds begin stretching their wings to prepare for their first flight.

At the trip's end, board the comfortable vehicle and head back to Haines, enjoying lunch along the way.

Duration

4 Hours

Location / Where to Meet

Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock, Haines, AK 99827, USA

You'll find the Rainbow Glacier Adventures Logo on our sign. From here, you’ll be transported to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where the rafting portion of your adventure begins.

Ages & Requirments

Minimum age: 7 years old

The weight limit for the rafting is 250 lbs.

Our rafts do not have a back rest, so guests must be able to sit for 1.5 hours unsupported and be able to get in and out of a raft independently.

What's Included

Experienced guides
Lunch
All rafting & safety equipment

Not Included

Gratuity
Available at checkout: "Where Eagles Gather: The Story of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Haines, Alaska" the recently updated photography book about Haines and Skagway by Rainbow Glacier Adventures founder, Joe Ordonez

What to Bring / Wear

We recommend that you dress in layers. It can be cold enough where you want a wool cap, gloves and a jacket, or it could be so warm you will be in a T-shirt with sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather can change quickly.

Warm layers (fleece, wool, or synthetic—no cotton)
Waterproof rain jacket and pants (provided by most outfitters, but bring your own if you prefer)
Comfortable pants (synthetic or hiking pants; avoid jeans)
Hat (for sun or warmth, depending on weather)
Gloves (lightweight and water-resistant are ideal)
Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
Sturdy shoes (closed-toe hiking shoes, waterproof boots, or rubber boots)
Sunglasses (polarized, if possible, for better eagle-spotting)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Reusable water bottle
Camera or phone
Binoculars (optional but excellent for bird watching)

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Rainbow Glacier Adventures

FAQs

Will we see bald eagles?

This tour goes through prime Bald Eagle habitat, however, eagle sightings are not guaranteed.

What are the typical group sizes?

Our maximum group size is typically 14. We average 8 guests at one time. Occasionally, we charter large buses for larger groups.

There is a minimum of 2 guests. However, you can book as a solo traveler by joining an existing tour, or paying for two fares. If others sign up, we will refund the second fare in full.

Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

No, we do not have a wheelchair lift in any of our vehicles or rafts.

Do you allow the use of drones?

No, drones are not permitted.

Should I tip my guide?

Gratuities are at your discretion. Our guides appreciate and accept gratuities for a job well done.

What are your lunches like, and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Many of our tours include a deli-style lunch: turkey sandwich on fresh baked bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie and water. Vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan options are available but we must have at least 24 hours advance notice.

Do you supply bottled water?

Due to environmental considerations, we do not provide water in plastic bottles. Please bring your own water bottle. You can fill it up during our tour. If you do not have a water bottle, we provide disposable paper cups.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than seven days prior to the tour, we give a full refund. If you cancel less than seven days prior, there is a 50% refund. Of course, if your ship cannot dock or if we had to cancel for any reason, we would provide a full refund.