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Talkeetna Wilderness Jet Boat Tour

4.5
2 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore the Wild Beauty of Talkeetna on a Scenic Jet Boat Adventure

Step aboard the Talkeetna Queen or one of her smaller sister boats for a two-hour natural history excursion deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Designed to safely navigate once-inaccessible rivers, these powerful jet boats carry you nearly twenty miles through pristine waterways surrounded by stunning mountain views. Along the way, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will share fascinating stories about Denali, the region’s wildlife, and the area’s rich river history. Keep your camera ready as you may spot bald eagles nesting along the riverbanks.

Experience Alaska’s Living History and Native Heritage

Upon reaching our remote adventure site, enjoy a leisurely ¼-mile nature walk through the boreal forest to a recreated Dena’ina Encampment, honoring the earliest native inhabitants of the Talkeetna region. Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin filled with original artifacts from turn-of-the-century “Bush” Alaska, and learn about traditional trapping and survival techniques. Your guide will also introduce you to local wildflowers and edible plants used for generations in Dena’ina cooking and medicine, offering a deeper connection to Alaska’s vibrant natural and cultural heritage.

Please note: Everyone taking the tour needs to be counted, including infants. For all children under 2, please select an Infant ticket for free ($0). For all children aged 2-12, please select a paid Child ticket. Everyone over 12 is considered an adult.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip jet boat ride
  • Narration from your expert guide
  • Cultural tour and nature walk at a Dena'ina encampment
  • Pick-up may be requested from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or the Susitna River Lodge. Further details are provided on your ticket voucher.

Requirements:

  • Guests of all ages are welcome! Infants (under 2) are free, but must be counted as people onboard. Please book a $0 infant seat for all children under 2.
  • Must be comfortable getting on and off the boat.
  • We recommend being comfortable walking 1/4 mile, but guests can wait in the boat during the nature trail walk if needed.

Duration: 2 hours

  • 30 mins prior to tour - check in at operator's office
  • 2 hours - roundtrip boat ride and camp tour

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the operator's office in Talkeetna. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to walk to the boat. There is no space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Guests may stay on the boat during the trail walk if needed. Please leave a comment during checkout if you plan to bring accessibility equipment on this excursion.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have a good chance of seeing wildlife anywhere in Alaska, but this is not a designated wildlife tour and it cannot be guaranteed.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes, light layers, and a rain jacket. You're welcome to bring a bag/purse/etc. We suggest bringing along your camera, binoculars, and snacks/water if you'd like.

The boat goes roughly 35 miles per hour.

The boat cabins are fully enclosed, so you're fairly protected from the elements. It certainly could rain and we recommend being prepared for that possibility by bringing along waterproof outer layers. At the camp, we have umbrellas that can be used if needed.

This tour meets at the operator's office in Talkeetna. Pick-up may be requested, only from the of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge or the Susitna River Lodge. Further information is provided on your ticket voucher.

There are outhouses available at the dock and at the encampment.

 

Guest Reviews

4.5

2 total

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Cynthia M

On Jul 2025

This is more of a slow moving guided tour than i felt was advertised. It was interesting, the guides were very knowledgeable and we got good views and pictures of Denali which was grood. But if you want fast action boating this is not. They drive fast for only a small part of the tour.

Valerie A

On Jul 2024

Enjoyed the friendly staff, the boat tour and the nature walk. Very informative and worth it!

$95.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$95.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Adult (13+): $95.00

Child (2-12): $71.25

All children under 2

Infant (0-1): $0.00

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