The stunning wilderness around Haines offers three standout national park tours worth your time and money. The Chilkat River float through the Bald Eagle Preserve delivers what many consider North America’s premier eagle-watching experience, with hundreds of these majestic birds swooping overhead. My favorite option is the Chilkoot Wilderness tour – it packs serious wildlife viewing into a half-day adventure, letting you spot bears, seals, and eagles in their natural habitat. For a perfect mix of scenery and wildlife, consider the Half-Day Chilkat Preserve Float Tour, which combines river cruising with a scenic valley drive. Let’s explore these memorable tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour offers a private half-day float experience to witness the world’s densest concentration of bald eagles.
- The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour provides a 3-hour guided experience to spot bald eagles, brown bears, and harbor seals.
- The Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Tour includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River and a scenic drive through the Chilkat Valley.
- The tours offer round-trip transportation, vegetarian options, and a personalized experience with a maximum of 4 travelers per tour.
- Knowledgeable guides, abundant wildlife sightings, and scenic natural surroundings make these tours unique and highly recommended by past participants.
Eagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines
Travelers can embark on a private half-day float tour through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, experiencing the world’s densest concentration of bald eagles.
This 4-hour tour, recommended by 99% of previous participants, allows groups of up to 8 people to observe eagles catching salmon and nurturing their young. Along the scenic river journey, there are also potential sightings of moose, otters, and various bird species.
The tour includes a local guide with extensive knowledge of the area, as well as all necessary rafting equipment and rubber boots.
Snacks of locally caught salmon and warm beverages are provided, along with round-trip hotel transportation from Haines. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and vegetarian options are available upon request.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for participants with no serious medical conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing (2.5 Hrs in Haines)
The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour in Haines offers a captivating 3-hour exploration of the region’s natural wonders.
Led by an expert guide with a master’s degree in fisheries biology, the tour provides unparalleled insights into the local ecosystem and its diverse inhabitants. Participants may spot bald eagles, brown bears, harbor seals, and seasonal wildflowers, depending on the time of year.
The tour includes stops at Tanani Point, the Chilkoot River, and the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area, with opportunities for short hikes and photography.
Cruise ship guests and hotel visitors alike can conveniently join the tour, which departs from the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock or hotel lobbies.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 43 reviews, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Alaska’s natural beauty.
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Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour
For those seeking a captivating wildlife experience in Haines, the Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the world’s largest gathering of resident and migratory bald eagles.
This half-day tour includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River, a scenic drive through the Chilkat Valley, and the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves.
During the tour, you will board stable rafts for a calm water float, allowing them to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
Afterwards, they’ll have the chance to savor a riverside lunch.
The tour provides round-trip transportation from the Port Chilkoot Dock and includes beverages, a professional guide, and all necessary equipment, such as rain ponchos, rubber boots, and personal flotation devices.
With a maximum of 4 travelers per tour, this experience offers an intimate and personalized wildlife encounter.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, unique rafting experience, and abundant wildlife sightings.
Read our full review: Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Haines offers a variety of tours to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. From serene float trips through the Eagle Preserve to wildlife viewing in the Chilkoot Wilderness, visitors can enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re interested in bald eagles, glaciers, or scenic wilderness, Haines has a tour that will leave you awestruck.