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Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Skagway Departure

Guided ·
5.0
See all whitewater rafting trips in Haines
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book
Duration: 6.5 hours

Pricing

Adult

Ages 13+

$305
Child

Ages 7 - 12

$277

All Prices

Adult

Ages 13+

$305
Child

Ages 7 - 12

$277

Description

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Skagway Departure

Leave the crowds of Skagway behind and visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines. Your tour begins with a high-speed catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords which connect Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. Upon arrival in Haines, meet your knowledgeable guide for a drive to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Treat yourself to a small-group rafting trip and scenic drive through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Begin with 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 40 minutes away. Board your raft and enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, leaving your hands free for your binoculars or camera. Along the way, you will learn to spot bald eagles and gain an appreciation for the challenges that bald eagles face to survive.
Early in the summer, resident eagles are often seen coming and going from their nest to feed their young. As the summer continues and the river fills with salmon, more and more eagles arrive to feed.

Duration

6.5 Hours

Location / Where to Meet

The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting Tour is a full-day adventure that departs from Skagway but takes place in Haines, Alaska. Since Haines is not connected to Skagway by road, you will travel between the two towns via the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry, a scenic 45-minute ride across Lynn Canal.
Guests joining the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting Tour from Skagway will meet at the Skagway Small Boat Harbor, near the ferry terminal. Exact meeting times can vary depending on the Fast Ferry schedule, but the most common meeting time is 7:30 AM. You’ll receive your final meeting time and location details upon confirmation of your tour. A guide or representative will meet you at the harbor to assist with ferry boarding and ensure a smooth transfer to Haines.
Once in Haines, 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

  1. Experienced guides
  2. Ferry Ticket to and from Haines
  3. Lunch
  4. All rafting & safety equipment

Not Included

  1. Gratuity
  2. 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.
  1. Warm layers (fleece, wool, or synthetic—no cotton)
  2. Waterproof rain jacket and pants (provided by most outfitters, but bring your own if you prefer)
  3. Comfortable pants (synthetic or hiking pants; avoid jeans)
  4. Hat (for sun or warmth, depending on weather)
  5. Gloves (lightweight and water-resistant are ideal)
  6. Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
  7. Sturdy shoes (closed-toe hiking shoes, waterproof boots, or rubber boots)
  8. Sunglasses (polarized, if possible, for better eagle-spotting)
  9. Sunscreen and lip balm
  10. Reusable water bottle
  11. Camera or phone 
  12. 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.

Should I book the Fast Ferry myself?

It is best to have us book the Fast Ferry for you. We work very closely with the Fast Ferry and they give priority to those booked with us over individual bookings.

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.
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Availability

May 2027
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Reviews

Location

Address

P.O. Box 1103

Haines, AK, 99827

US

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