Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour

Overview

The world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve boasts the largest gathering of bald eagles anywhere in the world! Your adventure begins with a spectacular drive along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the heart of the preserve. After a riverside picnic you will board 18-foot inflatable rafts and enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down this ever-changing river.

Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and wolves who frequent the preserve to feed on the plentiful spawning salmon. With 7,000-foot-tall peaks towering above as you drift through picturesque landscapes, floating down the river is the best way to take in the grandeur of Alaska.

After your river trip, enjoy homemade cookies and hot and cold drinks by riverbank before boarding your bus back to Haines.

This is an unforgettable adventure into the wilderness of Alaska!

**Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**

City: Haines

Mon 02 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $169.79

Make a reservation

Mon 02 Jun

Starting at $169.79

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Rubber boots

Professional guide

Driver/guide

Lunch

Beverages

Rain ponchos if necessary

PFD (personal flotation device)

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
100% Refund will be provided if cancelled before 14 days of tour departure date
50% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days to 4 days prior to departure time
No Refunds will be provided if cancelled within 96 hours of tour departure time

What To Expect

Haines

Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way to your rafting adventure. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.

Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark

Check out Fort Seward (Alaska's first Army post) on your way through Haines to begin your rafting adventure. Check out the historic structures that were formerly Army barracks stacked next to the picturesque Port Chilkoot overlooking the Lynn Canal.

Haines Highway

You will board a motor coach for a beautiful 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, which is a National Scenic Byway. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley, and always keep an eye out for bears!

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

At the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you'll experience the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world! Your specially-trained guides await to begin your rafting adventure (a gentle float, no whitewater!). You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft - the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. After your hour and a half float, you will enjoy a riverside picnic lunch on the banks of the river.

Chilkat River

You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.

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Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (23)

shirleyh881

Aug 2024

It was a great experience for the whole family (ages 10-80). The rafting adventure was not intense and allowed us to see so many bald eagles and mountains up close. SJ our rafting guide rowed expertly and provides so many interesting facts along the tour.

E5231XFyvonned

Aug 2024

Great trip. Pick up was from the ferry port but i was picked up at the cruise dock 👏👏. We travelled for about 30 mins by bus (included) and left our belongings (optional) and were supplied with rubber boots and life vests and a safety talk. Our shoes etc were returned warm and down river, where we had hot coffee/chocolate and a snack lunch. The whole trip was about 4.30 hrs, inc pick up/drop off and lunch - about 1.5 hrs on the water. We saw eagle bests and bald eagles. The scenery was stunning. Plenty of people to help us on/off the boat. No white water. Great people, great trip. Thanks to Lilly who was our guide and boat rower and thanks to our driver and catering expert Brian 🥰. We didn't get wet, it was windy but that was expected. Great half day trip.

ChrisDeng

Jul 2024

Great time on the river, very informative and skilled guide (who did all the rowing), lots of bald eagles and wildlife. Scenery was incredible. Wanted a tour from locals verus the cruise line and this was it!