Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Skagway Departure
4.4
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Skagway Departure
By Rainbow Glacier Adventures LLC
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Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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Ages 7-80, max of 14 per group
Duration: 6h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- High Speed Catamaran transfer between Skagway and Haines, Alaska
- Local Driver/Guide
- Lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie and water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours advance notice.
- Port Pick-up
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Skagway Cruise Terminal, Skagway, AK 99840, USACruise ship guests: Walk past dock security and look for your guide with the RGA Logo on a sign Guests in hotels: Our guide will meet you outside the hotel. Watch for a vehicle with the RGA Logo
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37841P3- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age 7 years
- Maximum weight 250 lbs.
- A minimum of 2 people is required to open the tour
- Cruise Ship Passengers, please provide ship name for meeting location. Hotel guests, please provide name of hotel for pick-up.
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37841P3
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AU$492.06
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- leeannh5090 contributionsGo! It's AMAZINGI am so glad we did the bus up, train back! The knowledge our guide shared was so amazing and we made picture stops! The Suspension Bridge was phenomenal and make sure to grab a bag of chips in the little Cafe! I wish I grabbed bags to bring back, Canadian made! The train ride BACK was exceptionally nice because we had learned on the mini bus about things we were passing. On a scale of 1-10 I give it a 20! I'm going in June and already booked so I can take my cousin!! Go for it!Written 1 January 2025
- megankj0 contributionsFantastic visit- photographer or not!We had a fantastic day with Karla the last day before she headed south for the winter! I'm a brand new hobbyist photographer, shooting film on a vintage Canon AE-1 Program after never shooting manual before, and I was still able to get some great wildlife and landscape shots in beautiful Haines. Even for my friend who was using his iPhone, it was a beautiful way to experience the beauty of Alaska away from the cruise ship crowds. We saw coastal brown bears (including a mom and three cubs!) and countless bald eagles- some juveniles and others with their recognizable white heads. No regrets at all about spending our day this way while we were docked in Skagway.Written 27 October 2024
- papagermano0 contributionsThe perfect day with the perfect guide, GarrettThank you Rainbow Glacier Tours for the perfect day. Christine met us as soon as we got off the boat in Skagway and she escorted us to the ‘fast ferry’ (45 min) to Haines. Garrett was waiting for us in Haines and off we went to Chilkhoot Park. We were able to see a bear which was soooo awesome! The beauty of the area can’t be overstated. Garrett was knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating and we can’t thank him enough for making this day so so special for us.Written 23 September 2024
- franfresh490 contributionsGreat experience with Christine at the wheelWhite pass and suspension bridge tour had absolutely stunning views at every turn. Ample opportunities to take pictures. Christine was a truly anoutstanding guide. So knowledgeable, kind and so fun to be with. We loved every minute of the tour.Written 18 September 2024
- melissabV8123HO0 contributionsAmazing experienceThe scenic drive was awesome. Met right from the ship for the Chilean Valley Scenic Drive. Anna the driver and guide was very knowledgeable and many interesting facts to share. We managed to see a bear in the wild which was a highlight. She was more than happy to stop for photos and answer questions. Would highly recommend this shire excursion.Written 17 September 2024
- Terri C0 contributionsFun Trip!Hi! We took this tour on 8/28, five adults and 2 kids. The ferry from Skagway to Haines was smooth and comfortable. Best part was the naturalist on board who gave commentary about growing up in Haines. It was lovely to hear from someone local as so many of the tour guides are seasonal workers. The scenery was magnificent!! Our tour started with a trip to a creek by the side of the highway, initially i was wary, but the site proved to have salmon in the stream, bear "nap" spaces and cool local birds! The guide, even though a seasonal worker, was full of local information and stories. Very personable and informative. Our next stops were full of eagles and other birds, cool sea plants, lovely wildflowers, and harbor seals. Alas, we did not get to see a bear, but thankfully we didn't unexpectedly run into one! Lunch was provided, yummy sandwiches, water, apple and a cookie. Tasty and filling. Great trip, would definitely recommend.Written 12 September 2024
- Passenger306089171460 contributionsGreat Tour with a Great GuideThis tour was fabulous! Christine really made it a great experience! Before we went to the suspension bridge, she assured us that it wouldn't be scary, and she was right. I could have spent the whole time there just looking at the scenery from the bridge. We also went to several other scenic spots, and she made great suggestions as to where to stand to get great photos. I highly recommend this excursion, especially with Christine as a guide.Written 11 September 2024
- Dana B0 contributionsBest photo tour! 🌄🌅Christine was the greatest. It was the best photography tour we’ve ever been on! You won’t be disappointed. Spend the money! It’s is worth every dime. A+++Written 11 September 2024
- Pamela L0 contributionsAwesome Day at Icy Straight Point!We have been on two previous whale watching excursions booked through our ship in Juneau and Cabo. There is no comparison. While we saw whales on the ship excursions, the boat was crowded and we saw them from a distance. The whale watching tour from Rainbow Glacier Adventures was more than we could have ever hoped for. There were only around 12 people on our boat. The boat was spacious with plenty of room to move around. We got to see humpback whales bubble net feeding which was the highlight of our trip. We were able to follow a group of about a dozen or more whales. It was also nice that our boat captain lives in Icy Straight Point and was able tell us about his life in Alaska. I very highly recommend this excursion!Written 10 September 2024
- Graham5bird0 contributionsChristie is an angelAbsolutely incredible experience. Christie is an angel and really made the experience special. The sites were gorgeous and I loved the waterfall at the end.Written 9 September 2024
- 332larsj0 contributionsUnforgettable Experience on the Klondike PassDespite the freezing temperatures (43 degrees with a windchill around 26!), Pat ensured we stayed warm and comfortable while traveling in the van. His expertise and enthusiasm truly shone through. He drove us to some of his favorite photographic spots and shared valuable tips on using an iPhone to capture stunning shots. I learned new techniques and gained insights into storytelling through photography, which added a whole new dimension to my adventure. This tour was another highlight of my Alaska trip. If you're looking for an excellent guide who knows how to make the most of the cold and capture the beauty of Alaska, Pat and Rainbow Glacier Adventures are the way to go! Take your passport with you as you travel into Canada on this tour!Written 9 September 2024
- 98gretchena0 contributionsWonderful Suspension BridgeChristine was a wonderful guide-very knowledgeable and super nice. Highly recommend her. Her iohine photo tiips were much appreciatedWritten 8 September 2024
- barbarasB5982QN0 contributionsEnd of season AlaskaSeemless transition from ship to boat to tour and back again. Anna was a wonderful guide, knew the hot spots and a few secret spots. Saw so many eagles and eglettess, found mountain goats, river otters, and salmon. Anna shared her lifein Alaska, a beautiful way to see the state.Written 7 September 2024
- georwell0 contributionsScenic nature and wildlife outingAnna was wonderful chasing wildlife in the area. Although we did not see bears, we saw many bald eagles, mountain goats, salmon running up river. The scenery was spectacular!Written 7 September 2024
- jerrycrystaln0 contributionsGorgeous excursion!We absolutely loved the Yukon Suspension bridge excursion. The drive was beautiful and just breathtaking! He stopped along the way to allow us to take pics at scenic views. Only thing I wish is we had more time at the Yukon bridge but we were on a cruise and had limited time in Skagway. The view at the bridge was amazing! We had hot chocolate while we were there at the little cafe. So good!Written 7 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.4
20 reviews
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14
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g0n2hunt
Gardnerville, NV1 contribution
Aug 2023
Excellent adventure floating down the river with Joe Ordonez as our guide. Well organized and easy trip from Skagway to Haines on the fast ferry. Met Joe up the river and began our leisurely trip down the river. He is a wealth of information and the trip was relaxing and informative.
We were so inspired we will be returning in November to view the Bald Eagle Council!
-Ed and Heather Gardnerville, NV
We were so inspired we will be returning in November to view the Bald Eagle Council!
-Ed and Heather Gardnerville, NV
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAinPA
Carlisle, PA617 contributions
We did this excursion as part of our recent cruise tour. We boarded a ferry in Skagway and traveled about 1/2 hour to Haines. We had nice views from the ferry and the trip was smooth. The ferry had two decks and there was a snack bar with restrooms onboard. We arrived at Haines dock and boarded a bus that took us to the start point for the float portion of the trip. They provided good heavy wader boots and life vests and they transported our shoes to the take out point. They did a good safety briefing. The water was swift but was not very deep. This is truly a brown water float (not a whitewater rafting event.)
We spent the first fifteen minutes trying to get the raft off of the sand bar at the launch point. We were in the last raft so we could not float by when one of the other rafts got stuck on a hidden sand bar for about fifteen more minutes.
We did regularly see eagles perched on trees and or sand bars in the wide river. Luckily, my wife and I had brought our binoculars since many of the eagles were quite a distance from the raft.
With the two delays and since we were the last raft, we had no time at all to eat the provided lunch. We had to grab some wrap sandwiches, a drink and a cookie and eat them on the bus that transported us back to the dock for immediate return to Skagway. They even had to call the ferry to have them wait for us.
So we did see some eagles (about 12) and we did get lunch (balanced on our laps on the school bus). And we did see a bit of Haines (from the ferry and as the bus drove through town).
I wish the trip had included enough time to enjoy the lunch at the take out point, and maybe enough time to walk through Haines for even a few minutes.
We were a bit disappointed for the price that we paid for the adventure. A couple of small changes would have made it more worth that many hours of the excursion.
Recommendation - if you do this excursion - get in the first raft (furthest down river) so you might have a few minutes to eat your lunch at the take out point.
We spent the first fifteen minutes trying to get the raft off of the sand bar at the launch point. We were in the last raft so we could not float by when one of the other rafts got stuck on a hidden sand bar for about fifteen more minutes.
We did regularly see eagles perched on trees and or sand bars in the wide river. Luckily, my wife and I had brought our binoculars since many of the eagles were quite a distance from the raft.
With the two delays and since we were the last raft, we had no time at all to eat the provided lunch. We had to grab some wrap sandwiches, a drink and a cookie and eat them on the bus that transported us back to the dock for immediate return to Skagway. They even had to call the ferry to have them wait for us.
So we did see some eagles (about 12) and we did get lunch (balanced on our laps on the school bus). And we did see a bit of Haines (from the ferry and as the bus drove through town).
I wish the trip had included enough time to enjoy the lunch at the take out point, and maybe enough time to walk through Haines for even a few minutes.
We were a bit disappointed for the price that we paid for the adventure. A couple of small changes would have made it more worth that many hours of the excursion.
Recommendation - if you do this excursion - get in the first raft (furthest down river) so you might have a few minutes to eat your lunch at the take out point.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't think this review is for our company, Rainbow Glacier Adventures. We do not serve our lunch at the takeout and do not serve "wrap" sandwhiches." It never takes us 15 minutes to launch a raft and we don't get stuck 15 minutes along the river. We have not called the Fast Ferry once this summer to have them wait for our tour to return. So I believe this review is for another company. I am glad you got to see 12 bald eagles, they are amazing birds.
Written 6 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KimWG
Napa, CA11 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
These folks are passionate about their corner of our world, and their passion is contagious. From beginning to end, they take great care of their guests. Crew is fun, kind and extremely knowledgeable! Beautiful place, beautiful experience beautifully shared. Joe was a blast!
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this awesome review! It was great to see so many eagles and we had perfect weather, too! We hope to see you again.
Written 8 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SharonWS1982
Atlanta, GA228 contributions
July 2022
Such an amazing experience. Too many eagles to count...flying overhead, landing in trees, on rocks next to us. Salmon jumping out of the river so close I felt like I could catch one with my bare hands. 360 degrees of magnificent views the whole time. Picnic lunch on shore at the end. Favorite excursion from our ship. Experience of a lifetime! The guide was fantastic! So much history and culture shared.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this great review. It sounds like we exceeded your expectations.
Written 10 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron B
Worcester, MA8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Amazing float down the river, our guide was amazing. He explained things and we seen a lot of bald eagles. Also seen plenty of there nest. We stopped on a sand bar and the guides located bear tracks, eagle tracks and an otter track. Unbelievably beautiful tour. We would definitely do it again.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this great review. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a truly magical place. I first started guiding here in 1987, and I continue to be amazed by the beauty and wildlife that abounds here. One aspect of the rafting trip that some may not realize is that this truly takes you away from the road and into the Alaskan wilderness. It is quiet and peaceful.
Written 24 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rickjax
Jacksonville, FL67 contributions
Wonderful 2 hour raft trip down beautiful river. We saw 7 eagles along the way. I’m told in fall there are hundreds of eagles. Very safe. Great way to see real forests and wetlands.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed our float. The Chilkat truly is a beautiful river and the scenery is spectacular. Yes in the fall the eagle numbers increases to a crescendo of hundreds of bald eagles feeding on salmon along the river in November. Perhaps you would like to return to Haines some day for our Bald Eagle Festival the second week of November!
Written 17 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rita S
2 contributions
Disappointed. We just returned to Princess. We saw about 5 eagles in trees and one juvenile on river. The raft tour was enjoyable and long, but we went to see eagles. The river is full of silt and we saw very very minimum of eagles and not a single one was close. The young people transporting the rafts were personable and hard working. But, if you want to actually see eagles, you may be very disappointed.
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is important to have reasonable expectations when signing up for a tour. That comes from doing some research and reading reviews from other travelers. While this tour is in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, that does not mean you will see dozens and dozens of eagles. There are many factors including weather, time of day, time of season, food availability, river section traveled (to name a few) that affect the number of eagles seen on any one tour. Travelers should come on this trip expecting to spend time on a wild river in Alaska learning about the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, enjoying incredible scenery and breathing in the fresh air. Travelers should not come expecting to see huge numbers of eagles during the summer months. If you want to see hundreds and hundreds of eagles, I encourage you to come visit us the second week of November. That is when Haines hosts the Annual Bald Eagle Festival. No rafting is required, and you can see hundreds of bald eagle right from the roadside!
Written 21 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK2,508 contributions
June 2019 • Solo
I selected this for the opportunity to see eagles close up but we only saw 2 all trip and they were barely visible in the trees. I had much better sightings just on the bus Anchorage to Portage and then at Kenai. There was a centre with injured birds but we didn't visit it so there was no real educational element.
This is not white water so you wouldn't select if a rafting fan. And not great for wildlife enthusiasts like me so not sure who it's aimed at. If you like being cold and getting a wet bum then this is for you. Otherwise avoid.
This is not white water so you wouldn't select if a rafting fan. And not great for wildlife enthusiasts like me so not sure who it's aimed at. If you like being cold and getting a wet bum then this is for you. Otherwise avoid.
Written 21 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry to hear that our trip did not meet your expectations. This is a rafting trip in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The birds are wild and so the quality and number of eagle sightings vary with each trip. We do not advertise that we go to the Center for Injured birds on this tour. If you had desired to see injured birds in captivity, there are opportunities in Haines, Sitka and Juneau.
It is true that this is not a white water trip, nor do we advertise the trip as such. The emphasis is getting out in pristine nature and experiencing uniquely wild and beautiful place- The Chlkat Bald Eagle Preserve. There are five species of wild salmon that run up the Chilkat River and many active bald eagle's nest along our route. We often have great eagle sighting on our tour.
I am also sorry to hear you say that there was no real educational element. Rainbow Glacier Adventures prides itself on offering a high quality educational experience in a small group setting. I am the author of the book Where Eagles Gather, the Story of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Haines, Alaska and i have 30 years guiding experience in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. I personally train all our river guides, and the vast majority of those who go with us are impressed with the quality of our guides.
Written 23 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family N
14 contributions
July 2018
I havre been traveling to Skagway for decades to visit family. This past summer we decided to take a tour to see the Eagle Preserve. What an amazing, fun, educational tour! We enjoyed every moment.
Written 16 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSseetheworld
Venetia, PA252 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Had a great time with our guide Liz. We saw over 20 Bald Eagles on a very relaxing river float. Highly recommend!
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is transportation to and from the port in Skagway included in this trip? Do you guarantee that we will be back in time to catch the boat?
Written 17 January 2019
Hello, Transportation was included. I was not on a cruise so do not know the time table. I would check with the cruise line.
Written 18 January 2019
Hi, I'm a large middle aged lady who can't swim! Would I be ok to take this trip? Thanks!
Written 30 July 2018
Does this trip visit the AEF Eagle Preserve? And, is there time to visit the AEF facility in Haines?
Written 8 April 2018
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