Upon arrival in Haines, meet your 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 40 minutes away.
After boarding your raft, enjoy a scenic float 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 about 1 1/2 hours.
Along the way, your professional guide will explain the natural history of the area, Chilkat Indian Heritage, and share some exciting stories from life in the Alaskan wilderness. The number of eagles you will see is 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 expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the intricate balance of nature that makes this a unique and special place. Don't leave your camera behind for this adventure!
After rafting, enjoy a picnic lunch on your way back to Haines.
Please note: Minimum of 2 passengers required to book. Child prices for ages 7-12.
Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Float time: 1.5 hours.)
Is there a minimum number of guests?
Yes. There is a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 14 guests per departure.
What time does the tour run?
Our tours typically leave in the morning around 8am but vary from day to day.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Our raft tour has a minimum age of 7.
Is there a maximum weight limit or restrictions for rafting and kayaking?
Yes. The weight limit for the rafting trip is 250lbs. Our rafts do not have a back rest, so guests must be able to sit for 1.5 hours.
What kind of rafts do you use?
We use a variety of 16ft. rafts, propelled by the guide utilizing an oar frame.
Do you meet us at our ship?
Yes, a representative will meet the guests just past security.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. We do not have a wheelchair lift in any of our vehicles.
What should I wear while on tour?
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.
What size groups are on your tours?
Our maximum group size is 14. Our typical tour has around 6-8 guests at one time. We can charter large buses for large groups with advance notice.
What kinds of vehicles do you use?
Depending on the size of the group and the tour, we utilize everything from an SUV like the Toyota Sequoia or Sienna, to the 14-passenger Ford Econoline Van to the 14- passenger Airporter-style bus.
What are your lunches like? What if I have a special diet?
The tour includes a deli-style lunch. It consists of a turkey sandwich on fresh baked bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available with advance notice.
Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
We offer the local wholesale rates for all of our tours because we feel that everyone should get the same lowest price possible regardless of how many excursions you book. No tricks, no gimmicks, no hidden fees.
Do you offer tours for large groups?
Definitely, arrangements of tours for groups or large families are possible. Please contact us with your group requirements.
Can multiple families book this tour and be together?
Yes! Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded.
What happens if my ship is delayed getting into port?
If your ship is late, please call your tour operator so that your tour time can be adjusted. If an alternate tour time is not compatible with your schedule, your ticket will be fully refunded with no fees or penalty.
What if my tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
All tours that cancel because of weather will be fully refunded with no fees or penalties.
Where do I meet the tour operator to be picked up for my excursion?
All tours pick-up either at your cruise ship or within a short walking distance of your cruise ship unless otherwise noted. When you purchase your excursion, your ticket will be sent to you via email with detailed meeting instructions and emergency contact information. If you have any questions relating to a specific excursion, please contact the tour operator listed on your ticket.
How close is the pick-up location to the cruise ship?
This will vary from port to port. Most excursions meet you either in front of your cruise ship or within a maximum 5-10 minute walk from your ship unless otherwise noted. All pertinent directions and details will be listed on your ticket.
What happens if the excursion runs late and I miss my ship?
We guarantee that your tour will return on time. If you were to miss your cruise ship because the tour did not return on time, we will comp your hotel, food, and flight costs associated with meeting your cruise ship the next day. We have never had a passenger miss their ship.
Does the tour include transportation?
Yes. All tours pick up from the main cruise ship terminal and include round-trip transportation unless otherwise specified for the specific tour.
What if I am unable to print my ticket before I arrive in port?
All reservations are saved under the name you purchased your excursions and are kept on file with your tour operator. Having your tickets in-hand is the optimal choice to avoid confusion because the directions and meeting instructions are included. Please contact us if you are unable to print the tickets.
