Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour worth booking?
Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour is a 4-hour experience in Haines, United States, from $182 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 47 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (47)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $182 per person
The world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve boasts the largest gathering of bald eagles anywhere in the world! Your adventure begins with a spectacular drive along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chi
What you get
About this experience
The world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve boasts the largest gathering of bald eagles anywhere in the world! Your adventure begins with a spectacular drive along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the heart of the preserve. After a riverside picnic you will board 18-foot inflatable rafts and enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down this ever-changing river. Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and wolves who frequent the preserve to feed on the plentiful spawning salmon. With 7,000-foot-tall peaks towering above as you drift through picturesque landscapes, floating down the river is the best way to take in the grandeur of Alaska. After your river trip, enjoy homemade cookies and hot and cold drinks by riverbank before boarding your bus back to Haines. This is an unforgettable adventure into the wilderness of Alaska! **Wildlife sightings not a guarantee**
What's included
Included
- Rubber boots
- Professional guide
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Rain ponchos if necessary
- PFD (personal flotation device)
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Haines
Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way to your rafting adventure. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.
Pass by without stopping
Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark
Check out Fort Seward (Alaska's first Army post) on your way through Haines to begin your rafting adventure. Check out the historic structures that were formerly Army barracks stacked next to the picturesque Port Chilkoot overlooking the Lynn Canal.
Pass by without stopping
Haines Highway
You will board a motor coach for a beautiful 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, which is a National Scenic Byway. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley, and always keep an eye out for bears!
Pass by without stopping
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
At the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you'll experience the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world! Your specially-trained guides await to begin your rafting adventure (a gentle float, no whitewater!). You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft - the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests. After your hour and a half float, you will enjoy a riverside picnic lunch on the banks of the river.
120 minutes here
Chilkat River
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Pass by without stopping
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Pass by without stopping
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Pass by without stopping
You’ll float peacefully down the river aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft on one of three rivers - the Chilkat, the Klehini, and the Tsirku. Rafting is the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.
Pass by without stopping
Klukwan is one of the largest communities of Tlingits (Alaska native people groups) still in existence, located twenty-two miles north of Haines. Klukwan sits on the banks of the Chilkat River. The name Klukwan is taken from the Tlingit phrase "Tlakw Aan" which literally means "Eternal Village." The site was chosen because of the rich natural environment found here, including the salmon runs.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Haines
Chilkoot Indian Association Dock - 1 Block south from Port Chilkoot Dock (Main Cruise Ship Dock)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Chilkoot Indian Association Dock - 1 Block south from Port Chilkoot Dock (Main Cruise Ship Dock)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures, inc. Chilkat Guides Ltd
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- 100% Refund will be provided if cancelled before 14 days of tour departure date
- 50% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days to 4 days prior to departure time
- No Refunds will be provided if cancelled within 96 hours of tour departure time
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Chilkat float trip
The tour was great. The guides especially Ben were excellent. Customer Service worked hard to get us on a tour because we missed our scheduled tour time. Great people, fun trip
via Viator
Great adventure!
Michael was excellent. He gave a great overview of the town, and got us geared up. We enjoyed his anecdotes as we drove to the drop off point. Steven was a fabulous guide. The sights were incredible, and he was very knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
Must do
Danny was great, and Shannon was super nice as well.
via Tripadvisor
Seeing Eagles
Wonderful experience. Guide was very knowledgeable and very friendly.
via Tripadvisor
Falsely advertised
First the positive: The tour guides are AMAZING. They are knowledgeable and very hardworking. The Negative: I feel like this tour was COMPLETELY false advertised. We thought we were first going to a bald eagle preserve where we could walk around. NOPE, the float is the bald eagle preserve. Next it was advertised that we would go but Fort Seward, NOPE. When I asked the driver about it, he said “well I guess we could have done that” Lastly it was advertised that Bear and moose come around there during the float. All 6 of our guides told us this is a VERY rare occurrence! I would not book this tour again. Very disappointing
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Haines.
How much does Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour cost?
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Prices start at $182 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Haines usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Haines is not rushed.
Is Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Haines, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Haines can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Haines and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Haines within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Haines?
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Haines, AK packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Haines by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Haines experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chilkoot Lake Kayaing - Departing from Haines., Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing (2.5 hrs in Haines), Private Group Eagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Haines?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Haines, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Haines?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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