Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Skagway, USA
- 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Overview
Immerse yourself in some Alaska's most dramatic natural scenery—and enjoy a personalized, relaxing way to sightsee—on this small-group, river-float shore excursion. Following pickup from your Skagway port, head to the Dyea Valley, and board your inflatable raft. During this peaceful river float, your guide points out any wildlife, including possible bald eagles and even bears. Learn about Skagway’s history as you snap photos of the one-of-a-kind sights.
- This small-group shore excursion helps keep your travels personal
- Skagway port pickup and drop-off are included for hassle-free logistics
- Choose between a morning and afternoon departure to suit your schedule
- This Alaska river-rafting adventure is good for families with varied ages
What's Included
- River float tour
- Professional guide
- All necessary equipment
- Port pickup and drop off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Skagway Cruise TerminalSkagway, AK 99840, USA
Pickup details
WE MEET YOU AT YOUR CRUISE SHIP PIER TOUR MEETING AREA. Do not go to a different cruise ship pier than yours. Do not follow the map location. Look for a representative holding a SKAGWAY FLOAT TOURS sign. Please be 10-15 minutes early. Alternatively, you may meet at our office downtown at 3rd and Broadway in the Golden North Hotel Lobby. Look for the Large Golden Dome on the top of the building. Please check in with our office staff minimum 20 minutes before tour departure if you would like office pickup. Your ship pier pickup is default for cruise ship passengers unless you check in at our office for pickup or call ahead to change your pickup.
Itinerary
Meet your guide directly at the cruise terminal in Skagway. Then, with just a small group for company, set off on the roughly 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive along the coast to the Dyea Valley, an old Gold Rush settlement rich with history. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, eagles, and other wildlife, and spot the beginning point of the famous Chilkoot Trail, where thousands traveled in search of gold in 1898.
Then, board your inflatable raft for a tranquil float down the Taiya River. Your guide provides insights into Skagway’s colorful past, and points out potential bald eagles and other native wildlife. Depending on when you visit, you might even see bears. (Note: Wildlife sightings, though possible, are not guaranteed.
Afterwards, return directly to the Skagway cruise ship terminal. If time permits, your driver can make a stop at an overlook that offers 360-degree views of Skagway.
Worry-free shore Eecursion: We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Skagway for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Then, board your inflatable raft for a tranquil float down the Taiya River. Your guide provides insights into Skagway’s colorful past, and points out potential bald eagles and other native wildlife. Depending on when you visit, you might even see bears. (Note: Wildlife sightings, though possible, are not guaranteed.
Afterwards, return directly to the Skagway cruise ship terminal. If time permits, your driver can make a stop at an overlook that offers 360-degree views of Skagway.
Worry-free shore Eecursion: We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Skagway for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
1
Skagway Float Tours
2 hours 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Nahku Bay
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Dyea
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please see ticket for details regarding your departure point.
- The Scenic River Float is suitable for many ages/ skill levels.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Maximum per raft/group is 11
- Minimum age is 2
- Tour can be cancelled if river is in flood stage.
- Weights are asked so we have enough space on the raft for all participants. Please make sure to enter weights when booking (choose Kg or Lbs)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 268 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Rachel_M, Jun 2026
It was a delightful and relaxing float down the river. Our tour guide, Danny, welcomed us and made us feel at ease. He was full of interesting historical and scientific facts about the region. It was a special treat to have a native tour guide from Skagway who had insightful and personal stories about his hometown. We saw a few eagles nests, an eagle and breathtaking scenery!!!
Ryan_K, Jun 2026
Helpful staff was accommodating for pick up and drop off locations. Fun easy going float. No effort needed from you. Didn’t see much wildlife as I think we were in a pretty high travel area.
Sarah_P, Jun 2026
Awesome trip with Joe the tour guide. Very relaxing. No rapids. No experience required. Just have to be able to sit on side of raft and lift your legs over into the boat. All ages can enjoy. Still good in rain. Saw eagles. Second time we have done this. Previously with Owen who had interesting story about his modeling experience.
Kelly_W, Jun 2026
Relaxing float trip, knowledgeable guide. We booked this last minute after another tour cancelled on us. It was nice to get out of town and see a little scenery. We saw an Eagle up close. It was relaxing and also good to have only a small group of 9.
andihev, Jun 2026
Beautiful! Very organized! Really enjoyed this excursion. Rachel was a fantastic guide! Highly recommend!!!
Kristin_P, Jun 2026
Rowin’ Owen was a wonderful tour guide, talking about all the hiking and nature in and around Dyea, and giving us some historical information about the gold rush in Skagway. He was very informative and considerate. Tour was super well organized and we got super lucky with beautiful weather for our river float tour. Was a lovely afternoon.
Shelley_M, Jun 2026
We really loved this activity. It’s relaxing, chill, and so peaceful floating down the lazy Taiya River. The scenery is beautiful and the guide was very professional and knowledgeable. He directed our raft skillfully around trees and safely under bridges. I’m kind of fussy, and I have no complaints. Really a great experience!
Thomas_K, Jun 2026
Owen is the Man He was our driver as well as our oarsman on the raft Very knowledgeable and personable as well as professional
I highly recommend this trip
Gary_J, Jun 2026
Great trip into the wilderness. Easy for all levels. As we drove to the river, Owen gave us history of Skagway, the gold rush and local area. Once we were on the float, Owen switched his info to wildlife, nature, geology and glaciers. Owen is very knowledgeable about the area and a great guide. We wish the actual river float was longer than 40 minutes, but it was a very enjoyable afternoon.
Michelle_W, Jun 2026
Relaxing float down the river! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about Skagway and very friendly! We only wish the float had been longer as we really enjoyed it!
Edward_D, Jun 2026
This was such a great experience! Rachel was a fantastic guide on our rafting trip, and we saw many beautiful sights that we could not otherwise have seen on our Alaska cruise
JoAnne_D, May 2026
Excellent float down the river. Nothing wild or crazy. Smooth and gentle. We saw Black Bear and cubs, eagles and other wildlife. Our guide Dominick was outstanding. Recommend this tour.
Kristen_G, May 2026
Erin made the trip. Not a ton to see but Erin had a ton of info to share. Very knowledgeable! Easy, relaxing couple hours.
Dick_G, May 2026
This was an amazing adventure. We would do this trip again in a heartbeat. We have been on 15 Alaska cruises over the years, and this expedition ranks as one of the two best things to do in Skagway in our opinion (the other being going to the musher camp up in the mountains). There were two rafts on this trip, one had Owen doing the rowing, and our raft was handled by Bob. Both men were full of safety information, what to expect on the trip, and what we could expect to see along the Tiaya glacial river. There was a family of 4 in our raft, with 2 young boys in the family, plus my wife and I, so families should consider going on this trip if they have younger children with them.
The only sounds we heard were the oars in the water and the river's rush along the banks. The sights and smells were fantastic. We were miles away from the crowds off of the cruise ships, and we got to experience the natural beauty of remote Alaska.
We had been on a different rafting adventure with Owen previously, and it was great seeing him again and how his life has changed between expeditions with the company he works for.
Kathleen_S, May 2026
Our guide was Ann Kennedy, (I think that was her name). She was outstanding! Her knowledge was endless. So personable! The outfitters too were wonderful!!
Nuwan_J, Nov 2025
One of our highlights in Alaska. Very nice guide who took us down the river. Very peaceful experience.
Wendy_T, Sep 2025
it is a slow float and no exertion is required other than sitting and holding on to the side of the raft
Owen the guide was very knowledgeable and gave us info about the area the habitat, the vegetation, the weather, the price of living there and a bit about his background
Kody_R, Sep 2025
It was beautiful scenery, the guide and all the staff were amazing. Also very helpful on things to see in Skagway after our float trip. Would do it again! Thanks Owen, Erin and all the staff that took us on this wonderful trip. Kody and Rick
Anthony_V, Sep 2025
Our Guide Danny was awesome. He was very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable about the entire area. He was also a very safe and professional guide. Highly recommend to all!
Diane_C, Sep 2025
Fun and ascenturous. River was not too scary but it was miving and was a skilled oarsman Stylish boots
Karla_H, Sep 2025
Our guide was kind, knowledgeable amd friendly and the other team members were helpful a.d friendly as well. The float was beautiful and enjoyed by our teenager and mobility challenged adults as well, just as advertised. I absolutely recommend taking this trip.
Fred_K, Sep 2025
Relaxing and easy for anyone that is ambulatory enough to climb into a raft. Nice views of the mountains during the slow moving river float downstream.
melissa_r, Sep 2025
I’m sorry. I had no cash and our guide was
Awesome. But I had her write down her Venmo and I can’t For the life of me read it. If u can help me out she was
Erin Kennedy I nelieve
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi! Thanks for your nice review about your tour with Erin. We would be happy to send you her info if you could email us at skagwayfloat@gmail.com. Thanks!
Audry_B, Aug 2025
We traveled with our guide Owen today and the trip was amazing. So quiet and beautiful. We saw a couple of eagles and a seal. He was very personable and gave a great tour with the history of the area. This was the perfect scenic getaway from the crowds and we were able to experience Alaska and it’s natural beauty
Christine_S, Aug 2025
Terrific experience! Our guide Erin was friendly and so knowledgeable about the entire area, both as we drove to the beginning point and as we floated the river. Spectatilar scenery and wild spotting by our guide. Highly recommend this company and our guide Erin !!!
Kasey_G, Aug 2025
This was hands down one of the best experiences we had in Alaska. Honestly, this was my favorite excursion, I could have floated all day.
The tour guide was extremely accommodating of kids - they provided car seats upon our request - and they were kind enough to have five kids and four adults on the tour.
We had some communication prior to the tour and there was always a prompt response.
Coby_L, Aug 2025
From the moment we got picked up to when our trip ended it was a great experience. Owen was so knowledgeable and a great conversationalist. We had an amazing time on the river float. We wish we could have been on it longer and gotten to learn more.
Janet_M, Aug 2025
Very relaxed and easy float trip
Saw plenty of eagles, no other wildlife
Our guide Rachel was very pleasant and informative
Sean_S, Jul 2025
Our tour guide, Owen, was sensational! He was full of information and so friendly!!! Everyone in our group agreed he was the best tour guide any of us ever had.
The river float was packed with beautiful scenery and was so relaxing! It was definitely a highlight of our Alaskan cruise and we would recommend to anyone.
JESSICA_P, Jul 2025
My husband and I had a great day floating down the river with Owen as our guide. The entire crew took great care of us. I highly recommend doing this adventure, you will not be disappointed.
Likely to Sell Out
From $102.32
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Skagway Shore Excursion: Scenic River Float Tour
268
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$102.32
