Chilkat River Jet Boat Adventure: From Skagway
What your day looks like
Your tour begins as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along North America’s longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide points out marine wildlife along the fjord. Upon arrival in Haines, board a bus for a 30-minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. Where the road ends, the real Alaska begins and so does your adventure. Board your boat and part company with civilization. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel at least 20 miles into the wilderness. Your vessel is specially designed for navigation on this silt-laden river which is the only access to a remote, roadless portion of the preserve. Your open-topped boat allows you to view and photograph the majestic scenery and animals seen in an unhindered fashion. Warm outerwear and blankets will be provided. The staff is friendly and welcoming and will entertain you with tales of their backcountry lifestyle and some “real Alaska” stories. View bald eagles and their massive nests in their natural habitat. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley and although there are no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose and bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you’ll enjoy a riverside picnic. Your tour concludes with a return cruise aboard the catamaran back to Skagway. With Haines behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories. Note: We are able to accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc.
The experience, in brief
- Explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat
- Expert captains who are adept at spotting wildlife along the way
The journey, in full
(~30 minutes) – Sign waivers, learn about tours and walk down to a small boat harbor to catch the fast ferry. (~45 minutes) – Your friendly tour dock representative will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. We will provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion and get you ready to board the ferry to Haines. We’ll help you board the comfortable ferry for the 45-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines. (~45 minutes) – Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your guide and driver for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to the jet boat launch. (~40 minutes) – When you arrive at the boat launch you’ll meet up with the boat captain and swap out your shoes for rubber river boots. Your captain will provide you with a thorough safety briefing and you’ll don a PFD before boarding one of four boats docked at the launch. (~90 minutes) – You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat. (~30 minutes) – Upon arrival back at the boat launch you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments. (~30 minutes) – A short drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you to the ferry for your comfortable and scenic ride back to Skagway. (~10 minutes) – Arrive boat dock in Haines to board the boat to Skagway. (~45 minutes) – Scenic boat ride back to Skagway at the end of the excursion. (~20 minutes) – Depart from the ferry and head to your boat.
Your day, step by step
Haines
Boating at Chilkat River.
Haines
Sightseeing at Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
What to know before booking
Included
Fast Ferry Tickets
Not Included
Gratuities
What to Bring
Warm layers, rain gear and an extra pair of socks.
Restrictions
No expectant mothers past 20 weeks. Guests must be in good health
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you 30 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Please stay at your cruise ship dock if you are a cruise ship passenger. Your guide will be holding a sign that says with the name of your tour. FOR NON CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. 205 Congress Way, Skagway, AK 99840.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Any dietary restrictions?
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 7 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic