Rafting tour in Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve from Haines

Reviews

What travellers say4.6 · 73 total

• susansY6OR

  learning about the chilkat valley from a masterful raftsman and guide

  The float down the Chilkat was well-coordinated, thanks to Garrett, who drove our van, ensured everyone had the right boots, and kept us on schedule. The experience was engaging and started off exciting, influenced by the afternoon breezes, then transitioned to a relaxing pace. Our guide, Steve Ritzinger, showcased his impressive skills as a raftsman, while also sharing his deep knowledge and affection for the river, its ecology, and local culture. When questions were posed, Steve’s thoughtful answers often ranged from river dynamics to Tlingit trade routes, filled with fascinating insights about the eagles gathering in the Chilkat Valley during the late salmon run. It was a wonderful experience, perfectly suited to the calm of a cool, grey day.

• Jiajing_L

  Great tour guide but boring place

  The guide was friendly, and the scenic bus ride to the eagle preserve was pleasant, with the driver giving us insights about the area. However, I found the preserve disappointing, as there were only two eagles spotted. The river looked beautiful in the sunshine, but it was extremely windy and cold in early August. The entire tour, including the bus ride, lasted about 4 to 4.5 hours but felt rather uneventful. I can't imagine how dull it would be on a cloudy or rainy day. While it's a decent excursion since Haines is a quiet town, the preserve doesn’t compare to experiences like those in Lake Tahoe or American river rafting.

• fu3l3x

  A peaceful guide down a lazy river

  My husband and I experienced this during our America Cruise Lines excursion. Our driver, whose name I can't recall, was excellent and provided us with historical insights as we traveled to and from the ship. Our rafting guide, Russ, was outstanding, ensuring our group of eight enjoyed the river while highlighting interesting sights and bald eagles. Though it was a warm morning and most wildlife stayed in the shade, it didn’t affect the relaxing float down the river. Thank you for a wonderful day.

• 1020travelbug

  Excellent time with our guide Richard

  Rafting down the river with our guide Richard was a fantastic experience. His knowledge was impressive, and I highly recommend this adventure. The eagles were stunning, and the scenery was lovely, even with the clouds. I wish we could have rafted for a longer time!

• 596gaylem

  Wonderful!!

  This adventure was truly wonderful. Our guide, Richard Cook, was exceptional—professional, thorough during the safety briefing, knowledgeable, and friendly. He answered all our questions comprehensively. I will definitely recommend this trip and guide to friends and family.

• annlP796SK

  Cruise line traveler

  Davey provided an excellent tour, sharing fascinating history about the area while expertly spotting eagles and their nests as he navigated the river. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

• Michelle_W

  Plenty of Bald Headed Eagles to see

  Pickup from the cruise ship was smooth. The rafting on the Chilkat River was straightforward and suitable for everyone, including an 83-year-old woman in our group. It's a calm experience, not white water rafting. The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining; our bus driver and raft guide, Davey and Steve, provided great insights. We spotted numerous bald eagles and their nests, with some flying overhead, showcasing their impressive size. Getting in and out of the raft was effortless, and lunch consisted of a turkey, cheese, mayo, mustard, lettuce sandwich, a biscuit, and an apple. The only downside was the lengthy wait at the restroom stop, which lasted about 45 minutes as we waited for other buses. This was too long. Overall, the experience was enjoyable.

• Michael_S

  Floating down the river

  It was a wonderful day, almost too warm as I nearly got sunburned. Floating down the river provided a beautiful opportunity to observe the wildlife both on the water and in the sky.

• 436linnn

  Excellent Raft Trip

  Garrett served as a fantastic guide; he was polite, informative, and skilled in managing the raft. We felt secure during the trip, appreciated his insights, and had a wonderful experience. He highlighted eagles and their nests along the river. Comfortable boots, life jackets, and a tasty lunch were included. Upon arrival at the dock, we received a warm welcome. Overall, we were very satisfied with this company and would gladly choose them again.

• Frances_S

  Fun raft trip through the reserve

  Overall, it was a fun experience that was well-organized and punctual. I appreciated the quality gear provided, including the raft, life vests, boots, and binoculars. My only issue was that the guide spoke very softly. Fortunately, I was seated in front and could hear him, but I'm unsure if those behind did.

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.