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

Sat 12 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $169.79

Make a reservation

Sat 12 Apr

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)

Edward O

Sep 2018

This trip was our 2nd excursion off our cruise ship and it did not disappoint. From the ship it was about a 30/40 min ride by bus to the starting point of the river float: (Side note Use the bathroom first...the only way your going to pee is out in nature...) The bus ride was filled with awesome facts and chats about the river and Alaska in general, The views--- you have to see for yourself and its hard to believe that your there. we saw several eagles along the way, the river is ever changing and it brings many challenges but the guides are experts at what they do and it shows. And I wanted to give our guide Liv a extra shout out you young lady your awesome!!!! The river is not a extreme ride and surprising it was not super deep water in 90 % of the areas. If you are looking to experience Alaska you can not go wrong with this tour.

Alan E

Jun 2018

The resident eagle population is only 250-300. The prime time to see eagles is in October-November, when there can be up to 3000 eagles on the preserve, when they come for the salmon run. The float takes you down a branch of the Chilkat River. The scenery was wonderful. We saw hawks, several eagles, mountain goats, and ducks.