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Chilkat River Jet Boat: Deep Wilderness Wildlife Cruise

Blast deep into the Chilkat Valley aboard a powerful jet boat, reaching remote river bends inaccessible to any other craft. Eagles, bears, moose, and mountain goats — Alaska's mega-fauna on full display in one thrilling, scenery-saturated ride.

What to expect

The boat rockets up the Chilkat, the wind carrying the clean scent of glacial meltwater as cottonwood forest blurs past. Your guide slows to a whisper at wildlife hotspots — a moose knee-deep in a slough, a brown bear quartering a gravel bar, a bald eagle mantling a fresh catch. The mountains feel enormous from the water. The return trip is just as dynamic, with the guide sharing the ecology and cultural history of the Chilkat Tlingit homeland.

Book it with
Haines Rafting Company
USD 149–175 per person (guided jet boat excursion; confirm current rate at booking)
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Good to know

Departs from near the Haines waterfront. The excursion runs approximately 2–3 hours. Warm, waterproof outerwear is essential regardless of forecast. Book directly; summer departures fill quickly. Confirm your all-aboard time — the operator knows the cruise schedule well.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Haines — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
10 nights · calls at Haines
from $1,449
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Oceania · Oceania Riviera
7 nights · calls at Haines
from $2,200
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Seabourn · Seabourn Encore
7 nights · calls at Haines
from $4,799
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Cunard · Queen Elizabeth
9 nights · calls at Haines
from $899
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See all cruises to Haines →
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