Photography Tour to Haines from Skagway: Bald Eagles & Bears

Work with a professional photographer to capture bears, eagles and river valleys in a single morning.

A photography tour from Skagway to Haines on a small group catamaran crossing, led by a professional photographer guide who scouts locations and helps you frame shots of bald eagles, brown and black bears, whales, sea lions and Chilkat Valley landscapes. The guide adapts the day's locations based on lighting, weather and seasonal wildlife: May through July feature wildflowers and eagles. August onward brings salmon runs and bear activity. Lunch, ferry fare and all instruction are included. A point-and-shoot camera or smartphone works, though you can bring full gear.

The experience

Haines sits across a 45-minute catamaran ride from Skagway, and this tour boards a 100-passenger ferry that cuts through steep-walled fjord before arriving in the Chilkat Valley. Your professional photographer guide has already scouted the day's best locations and knows which spots yield specific shots depending on the season and conditions. Because the group stays small and exclusive, you work directly with the guide to choose which subjects and areas matter most to you, whether that is wildflowers in early summer, bald eagles perched on riverbanks, or brown bears fishing the Chilkoot River when the pink salmon run begins in August.

The theme throughout is flexibility and learning. Your guide handles the technical side of composition and light while you shoot with whatever camera you brought: a smartphone, a point-and-shoot, or a full kit of lenses. When bears are present, the guide prioritizes safe viewing and photography, positioning the group so you can capture behavior without risk. The day wraps with a catamaran return to Skagway, and a packed lunch of turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat, fruit, a freshly baked cookie and water sustains you through the shooting hours. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours notice.

Walking on uneven and rocky surfaces is part of the day, so moderate fitness helps you move between locations without strain. Pickup is arranged based on your cruise ship or hotel, so you start from where you are staying. A minimum of two people is required for the tour to run.

What’s included

• Professional photographer guide who scouts locations and instructs you on composition.
• round-trip catamaran ferry between Skagway and Haines.
• packed lunch with turkey sandwich, fruit, cookie and water, plus vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with advance notice.
• hotel or cruise ship pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 10

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rainbow Glacier Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers instruction suited to all camera skill levels, from smartphone users to photographers with full gear. Walking on uneven terrain is part of the day, so you need moderate fitness to move comfortably between locations.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife can I photograph in Haines during different seasons?

May, June and July feature wildflowers and bald eagles perched in trees and along riverbanks. Beginning in August, pink salmon run up the Chilkoot River and brown bears come down to feed, offering bear photography opportunities. Whales, sea lions and moose also inhabit the valley year-round depending on conditions.

How does the guide help me get better photographs?

Your professional photographer guide scouts locations before the tour, chooses spots based on current lighting and weather, and works directly with you to decide which subjects and areas to focus on. The guide provides instruction on composition and technique throughout the day.

What camera equipment do I need to bring?

A simple point-and-shoot camera or smartphone will work for this tour. You're welcome to bring all your photography gear if you prefer. The guide can help you use whatever equipment you have.

How long is the ferry ride between Skagway and Haines?

The catamaran crossing takes 45 minutes each way, traveling through a steep-walled fjord. The ferry is a 100-passenger vessel, and the round-trip ferry fare is included in your tour price.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, a freshly baked cookie and water. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if you request them at least 48 hours before the tour.

Where will I be picked up for this tour?

Pickup is arranged based on your cruise ship or hotel accommodation. At the time of booking, provide the name of where you are staying so the operator knows where to meet you.