Leave the crowds of Skagway behind and visit the town of Haines to the stunning Chilkat Valley on this private photography tour. Lynn Fjord and Chilkat River are cradled at the base of the Chilkat Peninsula providing the perfect area for the natural wonders. Your expert photographer guide will assist you in capturing the best of the Chilkat Valley's unique attractions.
Your tour begins with a high-speed catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords that connect Skagway to Haines. This public boat transportation is the most popular way to travel between Skagway and Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. Upon arriving in Haines, meet your professional photography guide and be prepared for the best shots.
This private tour is fun, flexible, and tailored to your needs - you and your guide will work together to decide the locations and subject matter you want to focus on. You will have plenty of time to set up your camera at your desired spots for the best photographs. Your experienced guide can suggest great photo zones depending on the lighting and the weather of the day. Wildflowers and eagles are the highlights of May, June, and July. Beginning in August, pink salmon, the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties, begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This time of the season is the best opportunity to see brown bears as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river. When bears are present, every effort will be made to give you safe bear viewing and photography.
This tour doesn't have a rigid schedule. Even a simple point-and-shoot camera or Smartphone will work, but please bring all your photo gear. The tour includes a boxed lunch and you can eat at your own desired time. After enjoying the beautiful views of the Chilkat Valley, we'll return to Skagway via high-speed catamaran.
Inclusions: Lunch. Roundtrip transportation to Haines.
Please note: Minimum of 2 passengers is required to book. The maximum number of passengers per departure is 14.
Please note: Sightings of brown bear are not likely before the salmon start running in August. This tour goes through prime wildlife habitats, however, wildlife sightings including brown bear are not guaranteed. Duration: 6.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation
- Lunch
Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
- Your own phone, camera, or device to take photos with
Duration: 6.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 45 minutes - fast ferry to Haines
- 4-5 hours - photo taking at Chilkat Valley
- 45 minutes - fast ferry to Skagway
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets on the cruise ship dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.
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 but vary due to the Fast Ferry schedule.
Do you meet us at our ship?
Yes, a representative will meet the guests just past security.
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 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.
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