Haines, Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic bald eagles of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve through a half-day rafting excursion. This personalized tour provides a intimate encounter with the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, as well as the chance to observe other native wildlife such as moose, otters, and bears. With a minimum age requirement of 7 years and a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs, the tour caters to a range of travelers, offering a delicious lunch and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. The rafting adventure along the river promises an unforgettable connection with Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness.
Key Points
- The tour offers a half-day excursion from Haines to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, including a 1.5-hour float trip aboard a sturdy raft.
- Participants can witness the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles and observe other native wildlife such as moose, otters, and bears.
- The tour includes a delicious lunch served at a scenic spot and an experienced, knowledgeable guide to provide insights into Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
- The minimum age for participants is 7 years, and the maximum weight limit is 250 lbs, with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 14 guests per tour.
- Cruise ship guests meet at the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock, while hotel guests are picked up outside their accommodation, with a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the tour.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a half-day excursion from Haines to the renowned Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where visitors can embark on a 1.5-hour float trip aboard a sturdy raft to witness the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, as well as observe other native wildlife such as moose, otters, and bears.
The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into Alaska’s pristine wilderness, enriching the overall experience.
Lunch at a scenic spot is included, and the tour includes port pickup and drop-off for cruise ship guests, as well as pick-up from hotels for those staying in Haines.
With a minimum age of 7 years and a maximum weight of 250 lbs, the tour is suitable for a range of travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Haines.
Included in the Tour
Included in the tour are a delicious lunch, an experienced and knowledgeable guide, the raft tour itself, and port pickup and drop-off for cruise ship guests as well as hotel pickup for those staying in Haines.
The lunch is served at a scenic spot, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
The guide’s expertise provides valuable insights into the local wildlife and the pristine Alaskan wilderness.
The raft tour, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offers a unique perspective of the area, enabling guests to witness the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles in their natural habitat.
This all-inclusive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Tour Details
Minimum age for participants is 7 years, and maximum weight limit is 250 lbs. A minimum of 2 guests is required for the tour to run, with a maximum group size of 14 travelers. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.
| Tour Details | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 7 years |
| Maximum Weight | 250 lbs |
| Minimum Guests | 2 |
| Maximum Guests | 14 |
| Group Size | Small, intimate |
The tour’s small group size allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, enabling guests to fully enjoy the stunning Alaskan wilderness and the majestic Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Meeting and Pickup
For cruise ship guests, the tour meeting point is located at the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock.
Guests staying in local accommodations will be picked up outside their hotel, where the guide will be holding a sign displaying the RGA logo.
This ensures a seamless start to the adventure, allowing all participants to gather in a designated and easily identifiable location.
The meeting and pickup process for this tour offers several benefits:
- Convenient pickup locations for both cruise ship and hotel guests
- Clear identification of the guide through the RGA logo sign
- Smooth transition from the starting point to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
- Hassle-free experience for all participants
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled experience. However, no refund will be issued for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour.
| Cancellation Policy | ||
|---|---|---|
| 24+ Hours | Full Refund | No Refund |
| < 24 Hours | No Refund | No Refund |
| Minimum Guests | 2 | Maximum Guests |
| 14 |
This policy ensures that guests can plan their trip with confidence, while also allowing the tour operator to maintain a reliable schedule and minimize disruptions. Adhering to these guidelines helps create a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The Bald Eagles of Chilkat
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is renowned for hosting the world’s largest congregation of bald eagles, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe to witness this remarkable avian spectacle.
Each autumn, thousands of bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feast on the abundant late-run salmon, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
The preserve is home to over 3,000 bald eagles during peak season. The Chilkat River’s unique microclimate allows it to remain ice-free, attracting eagles from across Alaska.
Visitors can witness bald eagles soaring, perching, and fishing along the river. The preserve offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose, bears, and otters.
Connecting With Alaska’s Wilderness
Rafting the Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Alaska’s pristine wilderness, seeing the natural beauty and tranquility of this remarkable region.
As the sturdy raft glides along the gently flowing waters, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. From soaring bald eagles to majestic moose and playful otters, the Chilkat Preserve is a true nature lover’s paradise.
Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the delicate ecosystem, fostering a deeper appreciation for Alaska’s untamed landscapes. This immersive experience allows visitors to forge a profound connection with the rugged yet serene wilderness that defines this exceptional destination.
Raft Adventure on the River
A sturdy raft gracefully navigates the gently flowing waters of the Chilkat River, offering passengers an exhilarating and immersive journey through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
This raft adventure presents a unique opportunity to:
- Observe the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles in their natural habitat
- Spot other native wildlife, such as moose, otters, and bears, as they thrive in the pristine Alaskan wilderness
- Learn about the area’s rich history and ecosystem from an expert guide
- Enjoy a scenic lunch stop amid the breathtaking backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness
The raft adventure showcases the stunning beauty and ecological wonders of this remarkable preserve, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour details, lunch is included in the tour. Therefore, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not permitted. However, you may want to check with the tour operator if you have any special dietary requirements.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour length is fixed at a half-day, with a 1.5-hour float trip. Any changes to the itinerary or duration would need to be arranged separately with the tour provider.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?
For this tour, you are not required to bring any special equipment or gear. All necessary equipment, such as life jackets and raingear, will be provided by the tour operator. Just dress comfortably for the weather and bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography?
Photography and videography are generally permitted on the tour, but guests are advised to be respectful of the natural environment and follow any instructions from the guide. Certain restrictions may apply in sensitive wildlife areas.
Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide or Raft Captain?
Unfortunately, you cannot request a specific tour guide or raft captain. Tour operators assign guides and captains based on availability, experience, and the needs of the group. However, you can provide feedback to the operator if you have a particularly good or poor experience.
Recap
The rafting tour to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve from Haines offers a unique opportunity to witness the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
The tour includes a float trip, lunch, and knowledgeable guide, providing an intimate and personalized experience for groups up to 14 travelers.
The tour caters to a range of ages and weight limits, making it accessible to a diverse audience.