Skagway: Ocean Raft Adventure Along Scenic Coastline

Skagway: Ocean Raft Adventure Along Scenic Coastline
Location: United States | Price: $170 per person | Duration: 2.5 hours | Rating: 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Introduction

If you’re heading to Skagway and craving a close-up encounter with Alaska’s rugged coastline, the Ocean Raft Adventure might just be your cup of tea. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the scores of glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an experience packed with wildlife sightings, stunning scenery, and a good dose of fun.

What makes this trip stand out? First, it offers a chance to zip along Lynn Canal, North America’s longest fjord, giving you access to views most land-based excursions can’t match. Second, the guides and naturalists are highly praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach — making it feel more like exploring with friends than a typical tour. Lastly, the variety of wildlife sightings—eagles, whales, seals—keeps the anticipation high.

A potential downside? The tour is geared towards those aged 10 and up, so families with small children or pregnant women might need to consider other options. Also, the cost might seem steep for some, but the value comes from the intimate boat experience, guided insights, and wildlife encounters.

This adventure suits travelers who love wildlife, enjoy outdoor activities, and are prepared for a fast-paced, scenic boat ride. If you’re looking for an authentic, natural encounter with Alaska’s coast, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Wildlife sightings: Expect to see eagles, whales, seals, and possibly mountain goats.
• Adventure style: Zipping at high speeds on a RIB boat with safety gear.
• Scenic exploration: Close-up access to waterfalls, coves, and pristine shoreline.
• Expert guides: Naturalists and captains are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Photo opportunities: Multiple stops for capturing Alaska’s stunning scenery.
• Limited age range: Not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ocean Raft Adventure

The Itinerary and Experience

The tour lasts about two and a half hours, usually scheduled in the morning or afternoon, giving you flexibility to fit it into your day. You’ll start by meeting at a designated location south of 1st Ave on Broadway, where your guide, dressed in Ocean Raft Alaska apparel, will greet you with a warm welcome. The meeting point, marked by native artwork and a cozy wooden building, sets an inviting tone.

Once onboard, you’ll don a bright orange Mustang survival suit, along with goggles and gloves. This gear, mandated by Coast Guard standards, ensures you stay warm and dry no matter how fast or wet the ride gets. The boat itself is a 25-passenger RIB, an open-air vessel built for speed and agility, perfect for skimming along the water at exhilarating speeds.

The captain and naturalist—often described as entertaining and informative—will guide you through the fjord, making several stops to maximize wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Expect to get up close to waterfalls, coves, and beaches — a rare chance to see Alaska’s coastline from a truly intimate perspective.

Wildlife and Scenery Highlights

The reviews consistently mention eagle sightings, often bald eagles perched along the shoreline or soaring overhead. Whales are also frequently spotted, with some reviewers noting multiple sightings during their tours—adding to the thrill of the adventure. Seals and sea lions make appearances around rocky outcroppings, while mountain goats may be seen grazing on steep slopes.

One reviewer, Abby from Canada, summed it up: “We saw so many eagles and beautiful scenery. It was amazing.” Another, Tammy from the US, highlighted the waterfalls and mountain views, emphasizing how the ride combined natural beauty with wildlife spotting.

The Stops and Photo Moments

Throughout the tour, your guides will pause at various points to give you a chance to snap pictures of waterfalls cascading into the fjord, pristine coves, and possibly a jellyfish or other marine creatures. These stops are brief but meaningful, allowing you to appreciate the untouched wilderness firsthand. The naturalists also provide insightful commentary, which adds context to what you’re seeing—whether it’s explaining the sighting of a soaring eagle or pointing out a family of harbor seals basking on rocks.

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The Value of the Tour

While $170 per person may seem high, reviewers frequently mention that the value is in the personalized experience, wildlife sightings, and the stunning scenery. The small group size ensures everyone gets close-up views and plenty of photo opportunities, unlike larger, more generic tours.

On top of that, the inclusion of safety gear, such as the survival suit, goggles, and gloves, guarantees comfort in Alaska’s often unpredictable weather. The multiple stops for photos and wildlife spotting mean you’re not just zipping through but actively engaging with the landscape.

What Travelers Loved Most

Guide personalities shine in reviews—Captain Alyssa and naturalist Nicolette are frequently praised for their friendliness and expertise. One guest noted: “They were both entertaining and informative”—making the experience feel more like a guided adventure than a scripted tour.

Reviewers also appreciated the ease of logistics. The meeting point is straightforward, and the guides worked well with the group, even accommodating a booking snafu with professionalism and kindness, as one reviewer shared.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts 2.5 hours, starting in the morning or afternoon, which fits nicely into a busy cruise or land itinerary. You’ll want to dress in layers and bring a camera, as the scenery is breathtaking and constantly changing. Sunglasses are optional but recommended, especially when zipping at high speeds.

Since pets, smoking, and children under 10 aren’t permitted, it’s best for adult travelers and families with older kids. Remember, the boat has no restroom—so plan accordingly.

Transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, but the location is close to the cruise docks, making it convenient for visitors arriving by ship. The tour operator offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you crave a close-up encounter with Alaskan wildlife, enjoy fast-paced outdoor adventures, and want to see the fjord’s natural beauty from a different perspective, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s ideal for adventure-loving nature enthusiasts willing to splurge a bit for a memorable experience.

It’s also perfect for those interested in learning about Alaska’s wilderness from friendly, knowledgeable guides. If you’re traveling as a couple, a small group, or even on your own, this outing offers a personalized, engaging way to explore the coast.

Final Thoughts

The Skagway Ocean Raft Adventure is a stellar choice for anyone eager to see Alaska’s coastline from an up-close, exhilarating perspective. The mix of wildlife, waterfalls, and rugged scenery combined with expert guides makes it a worthwhile splurge for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The experience’s intimate nature ensures that you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to capture incredible photos. While the price may seem high, the genuine opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat and explore hidden coves makes it a valuable addition to your Alaskan itinerary.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers who value authentic interactions with nature, don’t mind wearing a survival suit in potentially unpredictable weather, and are looking to create lasting memories of Alaska’s wild beauty.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. The meeting location is close to the cruise docks and is easy to reach on your own.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable layered clothing is recommended. You’ll be provided with a Mustang survival suit, goggles, and gloves for safety and warmth.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old. The tour is designed for older kids, teens, and adults.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
Yes, you should bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions, and possibly mountain goats.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including multiple stops for photos and wildlife viewing.

Is this tour appropriate for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the fast-paced nature of the boat ride.

What is included in the price?
You get the 2-hour sightseeing tour, a captain and naturalist guide, safety gear (survival suits, goggles, gloves), and multiple photo stops.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

To sum it up, the Skagway Ocean Raft Adventure offers an exciting, intimate look at Alaska’s wilderness from the water. It’s best for those seeking an active, wildlife-rich experience with guided insights and stunning scenery. For adventure lovers willing to splurge for genuine nature encounters, it’s a tour worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: