Chilkat River Jet Boat Adventure
Offered by Alaska Mountain Guides In Haines, Alaska
: $
About us
With over 30 years' experience leading overland, lodge-based, and expedition programs throughout the region, we are well-equipped to fill your Alaska vacation with a lifetime of memories. We are proud to operate in the natural wonderlands of Southeast Alaska and the Yukon Territory; each itinerary is designed to make the most out of your vacations. Each day is packed with activities to allow you to discover the magnificent vistas and all of the adventures that these areas offer. All programs include a local guide that will escort you throughout your tour, who will share with you their knowledge and love for this environment and will be available to guide the way for you in any unforeseen circumstances. Their job is in the details, so you don’t have to worry!
What we'll do
Overview
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.
More Info
* Activity level: **Easy** (Guests must be able to walk over loose gravel and dry river delta to board the jet boat)
* Ages 7+
* Max. Weight: 350 lbs.
* Picnic style lunch provided
* Provided equipment: Life jackets, rubber boots, and outerwear in case of inclement weather
* Recommended clothing: Layers for warmth, rain gear, and an extra pair of socks
* Wheelchair accessible: No
* Medical restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest’s responsibility to determine if they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity - pertinent medical conditions must be disclosed to the guide. No expectant mothers past 20 weeks.
* Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, on the ferry during your travel to Haines, and restrooms at the start/finish of your jet boat tour
* There will be no whitewater or rapids during the tour
* Liability Waiver Required
What to expect / what's provided
* ~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.
Cancellation Policy
Map