Rafting in Haines: See Bald Eagles in the Chilkat Preserve

Drift past nesting eagles while your guide handles the current

A private rafting excursion on the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines puts you on glacial rivers where bald eagles nest and fish. Your guide rows the raft so you can photograph and watch. The trip includes pickup from town, all gear, a safety briefing, and a riverside snack before the return. Groups stay under eight people.

The experience

Haines sits at the edge of one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in North America. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is where they come to fish, and a raft is the only way to float close enough to watch them work. Your guide picks you up in town for a short van ride to the launch site, where you'll put on a life jacket and rubber boots, listen to a safety briefing, and climb into the raft. From there the guide does all the rowing. You're free to use binoculars, cameras, or just sit and watch the riverbanks.

The float itself lasts several hours. Eagles line the channels in nests, and you'll see them diving for salmon, feeding young, and perched in the cottonwoods. Bears and moose also live in the preserve. A keen eye catches them moving through the brush or drinking at the water's edge. The glacial rivers move swiftly enough to carry you past all of it without effort on your part. The guide narrates what you're seeing and knows where to slow down or position the raft so you get the best angle for photos.

At the end of the float, before heading back to town, you'll pull ashore for a riverside picnic with a hearty snack and hot drinks. The whole outing (van ride, safety talk, float, snack and return) takes about five hours. Local pickup and drop-off are included, as is all the rafting gear.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup and drop-off from Haines.
• all rafting gear including life jacket and rubber boots.
• safety briefing.
• riverside snack and hot drinks at the end of the float.

Options for this experience

2 options

Float Trip on the Eagle Preserve in HainesGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 15 May 2027Option 1: A calm, four-hour raft journey through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The trip covers dockside or hotel pickup, river equipment, and a small snack of locally caught smoked salmon. You are welcome to bring cameras. Pickup is included.

Float trip through the Eagle PreserveGuide in English · Available from 15 May 2027Eagle Preserve Float Trip: A relaxing four-hour raft tour of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The trip includes dockside or hotel pickup, river gear and a snack. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Haines Rafting Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch eagles from the water without paddling yourself: the guide rows while you photograph and observe. Groups stay small (up to eight people), so there's room to move and sight lines aren't crowded.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What wildlife will I actually see on the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve float?

Bald eagles are the main draw. You'll watch them nesting, fishing for salmon, and caring for young in the trees that line the riverbanks. Bears and moose also live in the preserve and are often spotted from the water, along with other birdlife.

Do I need to paddle or row the raft myself?

No. Your guide rows the entire float so you can focus on watching and photographing. You sit as a passenger while the raft drifts through the preserve's narrow channels.

How long is the whole experience from pickup to drop-off?

The full outing takes about five hours, including a 30-minute van ride to the launch site, the float itself, and a riverside snack before returning to town.

What's included in the rafting trip?

Pickup and drop-off from Haines, all rafting gear (life jacket, rubber boots, raft), a private guide, a safety briefing, and a snack with hot drinks at the end of the float are all included.

Can I bring my camera and binoculars?

Yes. Cameras and binoculars are welcome. The guide will position the raft to give you good angles for photos, though the rule of the river is that the more expensive your equipment, the faster it sinks if it goes overboard.

What's the minimum age for this rafting trip?

Children as young as four can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The trip operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the conditions.