Excursion Eagle preserve float & fjord cruise tour at Skagway

Experience the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to nesting bald eagles and offering visitors the greatest likelihood of sighting wildlife in their natural habitat in Southeast Alaska. Travel to Haines on and embark on a river cruise that provides an up-close look at the flora and fauna surrounding the water's edge.

Skagway-Haines

Meet your guide as you disembark the ship and walk the short distance, about 125 yards (120 metres) to the Fast Ferry Terminal, where you board the vessel with your knowledgeable naturalist guide providing details of the history of the Lynn Canal and Haines. Keep an eye out for any marine life that may be seen along the way.

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

The world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is 48,000 acres (19,425 hectare) of river bottom wilderness established to protect and perpetuate the world's largest concentration of bald eagles and their critical habitat. Virtually every portion of the preserve is used by eagles at some time during the year.

Upon arrival in Haines, board your touring bus for the 45-minute drive to the river 'put-in' location. After a brief orientation, receive any necessary outerwear, depending on the weather, and climb aboard an 18-foot (5.5 metres) inflatable raft for a peaceful rafting trip down-river, the best way to see the preserve.

River Rafting

Travel along the different channels of the Chilkat River during your 1.5-2-hour river float. Admire the scenery in the heart of the Preserve that includes towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial ice and unspoiled wilderness. Bring extra jackets to keep you warm and dry on your adventure.

At the conclusion of your riverboat adventure, disembark your raft at the landing area for a picnic style lunch and hot drinks on the riverside.

The touring bus then returns you to the fast ferry pier to board your vessel for the approximately 45 minutes ride back to Skagway.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Skagway, Lynn Canal, Haines, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Chilkat River, Mountains, Waterfalls, Glaciers, Rainforest, Riverside Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 1000 feet (304 metres); however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the vehicles via steps and manoeuvre in and out of an inflatable raft with minimal assistance. Actual time on the river is approximately 2 hours.  Raft is manoeuvred by guide with oars and does not require guests to paddle or row. This tour is not suitable for women who are past 20 weeks of pregnancy, guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The minimum participant age is 7 years. The maximum weight limit is 350 pounds (158 kilograms) in order to comfortably fit in the raft. Dress warmly in layers; bring a hat, gloves and extra socks and a warm jacket. Life jackets, ponchos and rubber boots are provided. The sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Transportation between the ship in Skagway and Haines is via public ferry, not exclusive to Silversea and the distance is a 45-minute ride. The ferry schedule can affect the tour duration. Lunch is served picnic style on the riverside. We appreciate your understanding. There is no white-water rafting on this tour. The order of sights may vary. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice, including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies.