What to do and see in Haines, Alaska (AK): The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

Float peacefully through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve!! The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float/Rafting adventure will take you into the heart of the Famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the largest congregation of Bald Eagles in the world! Float silently on our 18ft long, 8 passenger, ore-framed rafts, as your guide navigates you through the braided rivers of the Preserve. You will be surrounded by breath taking views of the Chilkat Mountain Range, as you watch for bald eagles, moose, bear and wolves that come to the river to feed on the spawning Salmon. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Chilkat River after your float. There is NO WHITE WATER on this adventure.

Rainbow Glacier Adventures offers rafting, kayaking, photography and wildlife viewing tours in Haines and Skagway. RGA features knowledgeable local guides and small groups. Private, custom and exclusive tours available. We've been guiding in Haines since 1990!

If coming from Skagway your journey begins with a short walk from the pier where you'll board a high-speed ferry for a 45-minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Enjoy spectacular views and informative commentary from your guide on the wildlife, geology, and beautiful landscape. Watch for whales along the way, as you glide past breathtaking glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Upon arrival in Haines, enjoy a tour of historic Fort Seward before heading to your paddling destination at Chilkoot Lake. This incredible location is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, numerous bald eagles, waterfowl and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in southeast Alaska! You will be outfitted in the necessary equipment, receive a water-safety briefing, a thorough introduction to kayaking, and then start out onto the water. No previous experience is necessary and the expert guides will quickly make everyone at ease in the kayaks. The triple kayaks are very stable, spacious, and make excellent viewing platforms. Everyone will enjoy the excitement of kayaking in the midst of towering mountains and spectacular scenery. You may also be treated to outstanding bear viewing during the riverside drive to the lake and while paddling. Multiple spawning streams enter the lake and offer frequent bear and eagle sightings. You'll have 1.75 hours to explore by kayak. The location is chosen to provide the best kayaking and wildlife-viewing conditions and there is no better way to fully experience the beauty of Alaska!

Haines Rafting Company specializes in private and small group excursions by raft and van into the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Trips depart daily May through September from Haines and Skagway Alaska. See Bald Eagles, Glaciers, North America's deepest fjord and more!

Private and customized nature and photography tours emphasizing landscape and wildlife, heritage and history of Haines. This is a private tour that keeps you off the bus and away from group tours. You will have my full and exclusive attention. I will take you away from the ships and shops and share the Alaska you have come to experience. Price listed is for a couple w/child for a four-hour tour. Other options are available.

Nature Tours: Explore six wildlife habitats (ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, rain forest) with knowledgeable and experienced naturalists. Bald eagles and brown bears are commonly viewed.Guided Hikes: Explore the temperate rainforest with a naturalist by hiking through coastal zones or by hiking through alpine meadows to a summit.Bald Eagle Excursions: Experience, with a naturalist, a fall/winter gathering of thousands of bald eagles as they fish along the river banks below snowy mountain peaks.

Where the road ends, your adventure begins! Experience the true wilderness that Alaska is famous for on our narrated river tour in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve which explores miles tributaries of the stunning glacially carved, braided Chilkat River system. The boats are powered by quiet four stroke outboard jet motors and are uncovered for the best wildlife, scenery, and photography opportunities. Moose are often the highlight of the tour along with bald eagles and their massive nests that are dotted along the river banks. The private property for the jet boat landing, is owned by the Hess family, providing visitors with all the amenities such as modern clean bathrooms and a covered heated pavilion. This tour offers everything, extra outerwear to stay warm and dry, customer service at the highest level, warm and friendly staff, experienced Coast Guard licensed captains and plenty of fun. The Hess family started their business in 1991, taking guests from afar.