Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour

The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world. The half-day float tour immerses visitors in this natural wonder, where they can spot up to 3,000 eagles during peak season. With a small group size and a personalized experience, guests can expect to see diverse wildlife like grizzly bears and moose along the Chilkat River. But what makes this tour truly special is the chance to savor a riverside lunch amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

Good To Know

• Scenic half-day float tour showcasing the largest gathering of bald eagles in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
• 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River with opportunities to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and wolves.
• Informative tour led by a professional driver and guide, with beverages and a riverside lunch provided.
• Small-group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers for a personalized and intimate experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy, with full refund available if canceled 14 days prior to the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The half-day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles.

The 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River provides stunning views of tall mountains in the Alaska state park. Along the way, travelers may spot bears, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat.

The scenic drive from Haines also passes by Fort Seward and the National Scenic Byway. Guests will enjoy a riverside lunch and have access to rain ponchos and rubber boots.

This small-group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers ensures an immersive and personalized experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

Beverages and a riverside lunch are provided on the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour. A professional driver and guide lead the excursion.

Rain ponchos and rubber boots are available if needed. Participants receive personal flotation devices throughout the river cruise. Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price, but a vegetarian option is available upon request.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate dress is required. It’s recommended to avoid this tour if you’re pregnant or have serious medical conditions, as refunds are limited within 96 hours of the departure time.

Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour is 142 Beach Rd, Haines, AK 99827, USA, and the tour returns to the same location.

The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers per group and runs regardless of weather conditions. Appropriate dress is required, as you will be provided with rain ponchos and rubber boots if needed.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including the 1.5-hour river cruise and scenic drive. Guests should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly and can’t wait for late arrivals.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation for the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Travelers can get a 100% refund if they cancel 14 days prior to the tour. There’s a 50% refund if canceled 14 to 4 days prior, but no refund within 96 hours.

This booking and cancellation policy ensures flexibility while managing tour capacity and costs. Guests should review the policy carefully when making their reservation for this immersive Alaskan wilderness experience.

Customer Feedback and Experience

What do the 23 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 reveal about the customer feedback and experience on the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour?

Overwhelmingly positive, the reviews highlight the tour’s unique and immersive wilderness experience. Customers praise the knowledgeable guides who provide informative and safe tours, allowing travelers to witness the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles along with bears, moose, and wolves.

The friendly team and enjoyable riverside lunch further contribute to the tour’s appeal. While the weather can be unpredictable, the tour operates in all conditions, and the provided rain ponchos and rubber boots help ensure a comfortable outing.

Getting to the Tour Start

Travelers meet at the tour’s starting point, 142 Beach Rd in Haines, Alaska. The meeting location is conveniently situated near the Port Chilkoot Dock, where the tour begins.

To reach the start, visitors can:

1. Walk from the dock, taking a scenic 5-minute stroll along the waterfront.
2. Drive themselves and park nearby, with ample on-street parking available.
3. Arrange for round-trip transportation, which is included in the tour package.
4. Take a taxi or rideshare service, with the short distance making for an affordable option.

Once gathered, the friendly guides provide a warm welcome and ensure a smooth start to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve adventure.

What to Expect on the Float Tour

Once at the meeting point, the group is whisked away aboard a comfortable van for a scenic drive to the launch site along the Chilkat River.

Upon arrival, guests don personal flotation devices and rubber boots before stepping into the raft. The guide provides a safety briefing and paddles instructions.

The leisurely 1.5-hour float offers ample opportunities to spot Alaska’s iconic wildlife, including the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.

Alongside the river, towering snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop. During the trip, a riverside lunch is served, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

Here, visitors can spot:

1. Bald eagles – the world’s largest known gathering of these majestic birds, with up to 3,000 congregating during peak season.

2. Grizzly bears – these powerful predators come to feast on spawning salmon, providing unforgettable sightings.

3. Moose – the preserve’s lush habitat is home to these massive, antlered creatures.

4. Wolves – glimpses of the elusive grey wolf may be possible, as they roam the preserve’s vast wilderness.

The sheer abundance and diversity of wildlife make this float tour a truly exceptional Alaskan experience.

The Sum Up

The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic bald eagles and diverse wildlife of Alaska. With a scenic river cruise, riverside lunch, and personalized small-group experience, this tour provides an unforgettable way to take in the natural wonders of the region. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.