Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 hrs from Skagway

Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 hours from Skagway
Price: $270 per person | Duration: about 6.5 hours | Rating: 4.0/5 from 53 reviews
Location: Skagway, Alaska (with a ferry crossing to Haines) | Tours offered by Rainbow Glacier Adventures

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Skagway’s cruise port and spend a day immersed in Alaska’s wild beauty, this tour is a fine choice. For roughly six and a half hours, you’ll travel on a high-speed catamaran through steep fjords, encounter salmon-filled rivers, and possibly spot brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals. The tour’s focus on small-group, expert-guided wildlife viewing makes it stand out among the crowd—and yes, there’s a good chance you’ll walk away with some spectacular photos.

What we love:
First, the ferry ride itself is an experience—gliding past towering fjord walls with waterfalls cascading down, it’s scenery that’s hard to beat. Second, the expert guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and ability to find wildlife, making the effort worth your while even if the bears aren’t always guaranteed.

A consideration:
The tour’s success hinges on wildlife activity, which can vary with the season and luck. Some reviewers have expressed disappointment when they didn’t see bears or only saw a handful of eagles. Also, the price reflects the small-group experience and the logistics involved, so it’s a premium option rather than a budget one.

Who’s this for?
It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just a scenic drive—those eager to learn about the ecosystem from experienced guides and who want a chance to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. Animal sightings are never guaranteed, but the guides’ dedication and small-group environment offer the best odds.

Key Points

• Small-group size: Max 14 guests, ensuring a personalized experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable naturalists who provide commentary, safety tips, and help with wildlife spotting.
• Stunning ferry ride: A scenic crossing along steep fjords with waterfalls—worth the price alone for many travelers.
• Wildlife sightings: Possible but not guaranteed; good chances for eagles, bears, and seals, especially from August to September.
• Inclusion of lunch: Tasty, portable, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available with 48 hours’ notice.
• Seamless logistics: Door-to-door pickup, ferry transfer, and return, all arranged for you, making it hassle-free.

A Deep Dive: What to Expect

Starting in Skagway, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the pier, where a high-speed catamaran awaits. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes each way and is often described as breathtaking. Imagine gliding past sheer fjord walls, with waterfalls tumbling hundreds of feet from hidden cliffs. Passengers often comment on how the scenery alone is worth the trip, with some describing it as “spectacular” and “gorgeous.”

Onboard, a naturalist guide points out unnamed waterfalls, local flora, and points of geological interest, enriching the experience. The boat’s speed and size make for a comfortable, stable ride even in choppy waters, and the small group size means fewer crowds and more time with the guide.

In Haines, you disembark to a setting that is undeniably wild. The town is surrounded by pristine Alaskan wilderness, and your guide—often praised for their extensive knowledge—leads you through the landscape of Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area. Here, the focus is on wildlife, ecosystems, and birdwatching.

Stops at Tanani Point and Nukdik Point are not just scenic—they are strategic. The safety briefing at Tanani Point prepares you for bear country, emphasizing respect and caution. Nukdik Point, a scenic overlook, serves as a perfect lunch spot with views of Haines and the Chilkat Mountains, giving you a moment to enjoy your turkey sandwich and freshly baked cookie.

The main wildlife highlight is the Chilkoot River, especially from August onward when salmon are migrating. During this period, brown bears are often seen along the banks, fishing for salmon. Other months might bring bald eagles and sea otters into view. One reviewer raved about the opportunity to watch a mama bear with her cubs fishing for 20-30 minutes—a truly special moment.

Throughout the day, your guide makes many stops, often setting up high-quality spotting scopes and binoculars so everyone can get a good look. Many guests appreciate this hands-on approach, and reviews frequently mention how guides go out of their way to share wildlife behavior and ecology insights.

Along With wildlife, the tour includes sights like Fort William H. Seward, a historic U.S. Army fort, and scenic vistas of the Chilkat Mountains. These stops are brief but add depth and context to your experience of the area.

Return to Skagway is on the ferry, with beautiful views en route, followed by transportation back to your cruise ship or hotel. The entire experience balances adventure, education, and comfort.

Pricing and Value

While $270 per person might seem steep at first glance, consider what’s included: round-trip ferry, expert guiding, multiple scenic stops, wildlife viewing gear, and a handy packed lunch. The logistics alone—coordinating ferry rides, private stops, and expert guides—are complex and costly.

Compared to larger bus tours, which often cost less but deliver a more generic experience, this tour emphasizes small groups and personalized attention. Many guests feel that the small-group size and the guidance justify the price. One reviewer commented, “Worth the money,” citing the diversity of wildlife and scenery they encountered.

However, wildlife is unpredictable, and some guests have expressed disappointment when they did not see bears or only saw a few eagles. That’s wildlife tourism—it’s about patience and luck. Guides have a good record of maximizing sightings, but no one can control nature.

The Reviews: Authentic Perspectives

Many guests rave about the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One shared: “Our guide Garrett was great; he would stop and set the scope so everyone could see. We saw salmon, otters, and lots of eagles.” Another praised guide Katherine for her “extensive area knowledge” and quick action to spot bears right at the start of the season.

Wildlife sightings are a mixed bag, with some guests lucky enough to see bears with their cubs, and others disappointed when sightings were scarce. Still, even in those cases, guests appreciated the stunning scenery and educational value.

The ferry ride is consistently highlighted as a highlight—many travellers mention how the towering fjord walls and waterfalls are unforgettable. The careful planning and small-group logistics are also praised, creating a more intimate and less rushed atmosphere.

Some less favorable reviews mention the cost—some felt it was overpriced when wildlife sightings were limited. It’s important to remember that guaranteed wildlife sightings are impossible, but the overall experience of being in wild Alaska, with knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, offers significant value.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This wildlife and wilderness tour is perfect for those who value expert guidance and want to experience Alaska’s scenic beauty in an intimate setting. If you’re eager to see eagles soaring, salmon spawning, or bears fishing—and don’t mind the unpredictability—this trip offers excellent opportunities.

It’s also ideal if you’re interested in learning about the ecosystem from naturalists who are passionate and knowledgeable. The included ferry ride, scenic stops, and small-group atmosphere make it a memorable, hassle-free way to explore Haines and the surrounding wilderness.

However, if wildlife sightings are your only priority and you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth considering that other options may be less expensive but also less personalized. Still, for most travelers, the combination of stunning scenery, wildlife opportunities, and expert guides makes this tour a worthwhile investment.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup in Skagway, ferry transfer to Haines, and return transportation after the tour.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes each way, offering scenic views of fjord walls and waterfalls.

What wildlife might I see?
Typically, guests see bald eagles, harbor seals, and sometimes brown bears and salmon, especially from August to September.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a portable lunch is provided, with turkey sandwich, fruit, cookie, and water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours’ notice.

Can I see bears?
While guides do their best to find bears, sightings are not guaranteed—they depend on wildlife activity on the day.

What is the group size?
Maximum of 14 guests per vehicle, ensuring a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing.

What is the cost relative to the experience?
The price reflects the logistics, small-group size, and expert guides. Many guests feel it’s good value for the quality and scope of the experience.

In all, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into Alaska’s wilderness—perfect for those who appreciate nature, scenic beauty, and expert guidance. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances adventure and education, making it a worthwhile addition to your Alaska itinerary, especially if you’re eager to see wildlife in a wild setting.