Enjoy a scenic narrated drive along the Chilkat River on a motor coach bus. You'll have the option to be outfitted with inclement weather gear. Your friendly local naturalist/certified captain will guide you on a jet boat journey through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The powerful, quiet, and uncovered boats offer the best wildlife, scenery, and photo opportunities. Moose, bald eagles, and their massive nests dotting the river banks are tour highlights.
Chilkat River Adventures
2 Activities
Haines Wilderness Odyssey By Jet Boat (Skagway Departure)
A truly unique way to explore! Explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat. Expert captains are adept at spotting wildlife along the way, and the jet boats provide a great platform for photography! 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 can accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Itinerary: 30 min: Sign waivers, learn about tours, and walk down to a small boat harbor to catch the fast ferry. 45 min: 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. 45min: 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 min: 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 min: You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat. 30 min: Upon arrival back at the boat launch you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments. 30 min: 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 min: Arrive boat dock in Haines to board the boat to Skagway. 45 min: Scenic boat ride back to Skagway at the end of the excursion. 20 min: Depart from the ferry and head to your boat.
Haines Wilderness Odyssey By Jet Boat (Haines Departure)
A Truly Unique Way to Explore! Explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat. Expert captains are adept at spotting wildlife along the way, and the jet boats provide a great platform for photography! 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. Note: We can accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Itinerary 1. 15min: Your friendly guide will meet you near the Haines Cruise Ship Dock. Before hitting the road you will have the opportunity to get to know your guide and ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming excursion. 2. 45 min: From here, we will depart for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to the jet boat launch. 3. 15 min: 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. 4. 90 min: You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat. 5. 30 min L Upon arrival back at the boat launch, you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments. 6. 45 min: A scenic drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you the Haines Cruise Ship Dock.
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