Skagway: Ocean Raft Adventure Along Scenic Coastline

If you’re visiting Skagway and craving a close-up look at Alaska’s wilderness, a 2.5-hour ocean raft adventure along Lynn Canal might just be your best choice. This tour offers a chance to glide across water on a high-powered RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), getting you right into the heart of some of North America’s most stunning scenery. From rugged coastlines to abundant wildlife, it’s an experience that combines thrill, nature, and a dash of education—without the crowds.

What we love about this tour is how intimate and flexible it feels. You’re not just a passenger; you’re out in the wild with guides who know the area inside and out. Plus, the chance to spot whales, eagles, seals, and even mountain goats is a big draw. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 10 or those with back problems, and it’s a good idea to dress in layers to handle the cool wind on the water. This trip appeals most to travelers seeking an active, scenic, and truly authentic glimpse of Alaska’s coastal wilderness.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see whales, eagles, seals, and possibly mountain goats.
• Close-Up Views: Get up close to waterfalls, coves, and beaches inaccessible by land.
• Expert Guides & Safety: Guides provide lively narration and safety gear, including survival suits.
• Flexible Stops: Multiple photo opportunities and wildlife viewing stops keep the experience dynamic.
• Value & Authenticity: It’s priced at $170, which is fair considering the personalized adventure and expert facilitation.
• Accessibility & Suitability: Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with back issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ocean Raft Adventure

Starting Point & Meeting Logistics

Your adventure begins at a straightforward meeting point south of 1st Ave on Broadway, in Skagway. The meet-up spot is marked by a building with native artwork and wood siding, which helps you find it easily. Look for a guide holding a sign that reads “Ocean Raft Wildlife Adventure.” After check-in, you’ll hop on a short bus ride to the moored boat, an effortless transition that keeps the journey relaxed.

The RIB Boat Experience

Once aboard, the real fun starts. The boat itself is designed for speed and close contact with the water—think of it as a high-performance vehicle for sightseeing. You’ll don a Mustang survival suit, goggles, and gloves, all provided, which are necessary for safety and comfort on this open-air vessel. The suits are snug, warm, and waterproof, ensuring you’ll stay dry even at higher speeds or in spray from waterfalls.

Expect a mix of fast zipping through the fjord and slow stops for scenery and wildlife viewing. The boat holds around 25 passengers, striking a balance between intimacy and shared adventure. The guides are lively and knowledgeable, offering commentary about the area’s history, geology, and animal inhabitants, making the trip educational as well as exhilarating.

Exploring Lynn Canal

North America’s longest fjord, Lynn Canal, is your playground. The landscape here is jaw-droppingly rugged—with soaring mountain walls, waterfalls cascading into the water, and secluded beaches. We loved how the guides expertly maneuvered the boat close enough to shore for great photo ops without disturbing the environment.

The stops are frequent and well-timed, giving everyone a chance to snap pictures of waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife. The guides are also adept at spotting animals, and several reviews mentioned sightings of bald eagles, harbor seals, and sea lions. One reviewer noted, “We saw tons of bald eagles and waterfalls,” illustrating how wildlife sightings are common and add a magical touch to the trip.

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Wildlife & Natural Highlights

This tour specializes in wildlife observation. Be prepared for surprises—whales are possible, especially during their migration seasons. The guides are attentive and will call out sightings, making sure you don’t miss a thing. Many reviews praise the guides for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. A guest shared, “Both guides were entertaining and informative,” emphasizing the value of their commentary.

Waterfalls are another highlight, often cascading from mountain heights into the fjord. The boat’s proximity means you’ll get dramatic views and perfect photo angles. The natural scenery is stunning—the kind of raw, untouched beauty that makes Alaska famous.

Practical Details & Value

At $170 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering the personalized experience and expert guidance. It includes all safety gear, multiple stops, and the naturalist narration. Keep in mind that transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

The tour runs in both mornings and afternoons, giving flexibility for your schedule. It lasts 2.5 hours, a duration that’s ample enough to soak in the sights without feeling rushed or exhausted.

What to Wear & Bring

Dress in layers, as the wind on the water can be brisk even on warm days. The provided survival suits help retain warmth, but bringing sunglasses and a camera is recommended for photos. Comfortable footwear is best for walking around the meeting area and for managing the boat’s deck.

Suitability & Restrictions

This trip isn’t suitable for young children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems. The boat ride is exhilarating and fast-paced, making it less ideal for those seeking a gentle cruise. No pets or smoking allowed, which helps keep the environment pristine.

Customer Feedback & Ratings

With a stellar 4.8 out of 5 from 27 reviews, travelers consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise. Many note that it was one of the highlights of their trip, mentioning the spectacular wildlife sightings and scenery. Several reviewers appreciated the attentiveness of the crew, especially for their help with booking and accommodating special needs.

One guest summed it up nicely: “This was honestly one of our favorite parts of our trip. We saw so many eagles and beautiful scenery. It was amazing,” confirming the high satisfaction level.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for those who crave a hands-on, active, and photo-rich experience of Alaska’s coast. It’s an authentic way to see wildlife in their natural habitat, from majestic eagles to curious seals. If you’re comfortable on a boat and enjoy a bit of speed with your sightseeing, this trip delivers.

However, it’s not suited for very young children or travelers with mobility or back issues. If you prefer a calm, slow cruise with minimal movement, other options might be better. But for everyone else wanting to combine scenic beauty with wildlife encounters and a dash of adrenaline, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting spot south of 1st Ave on Broadway. The meeting location is marked by a building with native artwork.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and wear comfortable footwear. The boat provides Mustang survival suits, goggles, and gloves, which are needed for safety and warmth. Bringing sunglasses and a camera is also recommended.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, pregnant women, or people with back problems due to the nature of the ride.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including safety briefings, the boat ride, and stops for wildlife and scenery.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include bald eagles, harbor seals, and sea lions. Whales are possible depending on the season, and guides will do their best to spot and point out animals.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers will find the group small enough for an intimate experience, and guides are friendly and engaging.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The stops offer great photo opportunities, and the boat ride itself provides plenty of chances for stunning shots of waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

The Sum Up

The Skagway Ocean Raft Adventure offers an exciting and authentic way to connect with Alaska’s wild coastline. With knowledgeable guides, close-up wildlife sightings, and stunning scenery, it provides a memorable experience for those who love adventure and nature. Priced reasonably considering the personalized nature of the tour, it’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a day of excitement, education, and incredible views.

While not for everyone—particularly families with very young children or those with certain health restrictions—it rewards those who seek a hands-on, adrenaline-infused exploration of Lynn Canal. If you want to see eagles soaring overhead, waterfalls tumbling into the fjord, and perhaps even whales breaching, this tour should definitely be on your Skagway list. Just remember to dress warmly, bring your camera, and prepare for a fun ride through some of North America’s most breathtaking waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: