River raft tour Fairbanks: Wildlife on the Chena River

Float a wild river and watch Alaska wildlife drift past

A five-hour river raft excursion on the Chena River in Fairbanks puts you on the water to watch moose, bears, wolves, foxes, beavers and bald eagles in their habitat. You drift silently through the Chena River State Recreation Area with a live guide, spotting wildlife up close and framing photographs as the current carries the raft through the Alaska wilderness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Alaska river rafting adventure

• Float through Alaska wilderness
• Drift silently on river raft
• Observe wildlife up close
• Photograph moose, bears, and eagles

The experience

The Chena River is where the wildlife comes to you. You spend five hours drifting downstream in a raft, moving slowly enough to see animals without startling them: moose at the water's edge, bears fishing, wolves on the bank, beavers building, bald eagles overhead. The silence of the drift means you hear the river and the forest, not an engine. A live guide who speaks English, German or Swedish navigates the current and points out what moves in the trees and water, so you're not guessing what you're looking at.

The raft itself is stable and low in the water, which puts your eye level close to the wildlife. You wear a life vest for safety on the river. Beverages are included, so you can settle in for the full five hours without leaving the water. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, so the day starts and ends at your hotel or meeting point without you arranging a separate ride.

Children from age six can go on the raft. The trip does require moderate physical fitness. You're sitting in a moving boat on a river for the full duration, and the current and weather are real. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, this isn't the right fit.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from your location.
• a live guide in English, German or Swedish.
• a life vest.
• and beverages throughout the five-hour drift.

Information

Lasts 5h, from US$ 215 per person, with a live guide in English, German and Swedish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Jul 20271 departing soon ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Swedish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Alaska Wilderness Adventures

Is this one for you?This works best for families with children from six up, or for anyone who wants to watch wildlife without hiking or climbing. The five-hour float is steady and quiet, so it suits people who prefer to sit and observe rather than move fast or cover ground on foot.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Swedish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 will I actually see on the Chena River?

Moose, bears, wolves, foxes, beavers and bald eagles live along the Chena River, and the slow drift gives you a real chance to photograph them. What you see depends on the season and the animals' movement that day, but the guide knows where they're likely to be and watches for them constantly.

How does the raft move if there's no motor?

The Chena River current does the work. The guide uses the flow to steer and position the raft so you drift silently through the wildlife habitat without the noise of an engine that would scare animals away.

Is five hours on the water too long if I've never rafted before?

The raft is stable and you're sitting the whole time, not paddling or fighting the current. Most people find the pace relaxing. You need moderate fitness to handle five hours on the water, but you don't need rafting experience.

Can my six-year-old come along?

Children from age six are welcome on the raft. They wear a life vest like everyone else, and the slow drift and wildlife watching work well for families.

What's included in the price?

The raft, life vest, guide, beverages, and private transportation to and from your hotel or meeting point are all included. Gratuities for the guide are separate.