Race along sheer granite walls of Lynn Canal in a custom RIB, pause for whale and eagle sightings, and feel the fjord’s hush when the engines cut. This 2¼-hour ocean raft tour out of Skagway blends adrenaline with intimate wildlife viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind pushes past the inhalation valves of the exposure suit as the raft slips out of Skagway’s harbor and into Lynn Canal. Mountains rise abrupt and dark from the water, their faces cut by waterfalls that dare you to look longer. Engines chatter, then fall silent as the captain eases the custom RIB alongside a rocky cove—your first chance to hear only birdcalls and the hush of the fjord.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness and the ability to climb aboard and straddle seats; basic balance required.
Wildlife
History
Skagway was a main artery of the Klondike Gold Rush, and the town’s railroad and wooden storefronts still echo the rush of 1898; Tlingit presence and travel routes predate the gold era.
Conservation
Operators follow strict wildlife-distance practices and the region emphasizes low-impact viewing to protect marine mammals and bird colonies; avoid feeding wildlife and adhere to crew guidance.
Reserve your spot on the Ocean Raft Alaska today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers under the exposure suit
Temperatures on the water are several degrees colder than on land—wear moisture-wicking base layers and an insulating midlayer.
Bring a waterproof camera solution
A small dry bag or waterproof phone case protects gear during spray and unexpected waves.
Take seasickness prevention if needed
The ride can be fast and choppy; consider medication or acupressure bands if you're prone to motion sickness.
Follow distance rules for wildlife
Stay quiet during wildlife stops and obey crew instructions—maintaining distance reduces stress on animals and increases sighting quality.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Protects your device from spray and lets you capture wildlife through pauses in the engine.
summer
Warm hat and gloves
Even in summer the wind off the fjord chills fingers and ears—pack them in an easy-to-reach pocket.
spring
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Grippy shoes help when boarding and moving on damp docks or rocky shorelines during stops.
Motion-sickness medication or bands
Useful for riders sensitive to chop during faster sections of the excursion.