Best Haines Alaska Cruise Excursions Ranked

Haines, Alaska offers exceptional cruise excursions showcasing the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Top-ranked activities include viewing bald eagles at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, exploring glaciers and fjords, experiencing Indigenous Tlingit culture, visiting Fort Seward, kayaking pristine waters, wildlife watching for bears and whales, and scenic float trips down the Chilkat River through temperate rainforest.

Quick Facts About Haines Excursions

Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what to expect at each stop?

Top Haines Cruise Excursions Ranked

1. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Tour

This is the crown jewel of Haines shore excursions and for good reason. The preserve hosts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles, with thousands congregating during peak season. Here’s the insider secret though: most cruise passengers visit during summer when you’ll see dozens of eagles, not thousands. The real spectacle happens during late fall when salmon runs attract massive numbers.

What makes it special:

• Guaranteed eagle sightings even during off-peak months
• Knowledgeable guides who can spot eagles you’d walk right past
• Photo opportunities that’ll make your friends think you hired a National Geographic photographer
• Usually includes a scenic drive along the Haines Highway with mountain views

Challenges: Tours can feel repetitive if you stop at multiple viewing areas that look similar. The best operators move locations based on where eagles are actively fishing that day.

2. Chilkat River Float Trip

This gentle rafting experience takes you through temperate rainforest without requiring Olympic-level paddling skills. You’ll float past the same wildlife viewing opportunities in Haines that kayakers work hard to reach, all while your guide does the steering.

Why it ranks high:

• Perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants nature without the workout
• Eagles, seals and occasionally bears visible from the raft
• Dry suits provided (you’ll still want layers underneath)
• Shorter duration fits well within port time constraints

Reality check: “Float” doesn’t mean lazy river at a water park. You’ll get splashed and the water is glacier-fed cold. Those dry suits aren’t optional fashion statements.

3. Kayaking in Chilkoot Inlet

For those who want an active adventure, kayaking offers an intimate perspective on Alaska’s coastline. You’ll paddle through waters so clear you can watch jellyfish pulse beneath your kayak while scanning for marine wildlife.

Advantages:

• Small group sizes create a personal experience
• Access to shallow coves where boats can’t navigate
• Excellent for photographers who want unique angles
• Most tours include a beach landing for snacks and stretching

Important considerations: Weather determines everything. Tours get cancelled if conditions aren’t safe, so book early in your cruise in case you need to reschedule. Also, “no kayaking experience necessary” really means it, but your shoulders will remind you about this tour the next day.

4. Fort William H. Seward and Tlingit Cultural Experience

This historical and cultural tour provides context that makes the rest of your Alaska cruise more meaningful. Fort Seward’s former Army post buildings now house artists and cultural centers showcasing Tlingit heritage.

Highlights:

• Traditional dance performances and storytelling
• Demonstrations of totem carving and other Indigenous arts
• Much more affordable than similar cultural tours in other ports
• Can be combined with town walking for a half-day excursion

The catch? This tour doesn’t include dramatic wildlife sightings or adrenaline rushes. It’s educational and fascinating but appeals to different interests than nature-focused excursions.

5. Glacier and Fjord Helicopter Tour

If your budget allows, helicopter tours deliver unmatched aerial perspectives of the Chilkat Range and surrounding glaciers. You’ll cover terrain in 90 minutes that would take days to hike.

Why it’s ranked here:

• Weather-dependent and frequently cancelled
• Expensive compared to other Haines options ($300-500 per person)
• Similar helicopter tours available from other Alaska ports
• Weight restrictions can split up groups

That said, if weather cooperates and you haven’t booked a flightseeing tour elsewhere, this delivers spectacular memories. Just have a backup plan ready.

6. Mountain Biking the Chilkat Peninsula

This under-the-radar option attracts active travelers who want something beyond standard tourist routes. You’ll bike logging roads and trails through dense forest with potential wildlife encounters.

Best for:

• Experienced cyclists comfortable on varied terrain
• Those who’ve already done multiple Alaska cruises
• Anyone seeking solitude away from cruise crowds

The downside is that weather can make trails muddy and less enjoyable. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the remoteness factor.

Booking Strategy: Ship Tours vs Independent Options

Haines presents a unique situation for deciding between ship-operated versus independent shore excursions. The town is small with reliable local operators, making independent bookings less risky than in larger ports.

When to book through your cruise line:

• You’re on a tight schedule and can’t risk missing the ship
• Your preferred tour requires transportation far from the dock
• You value the guarantee that the ship won’t leave without you

When to book independently:

• You want smaller group sizes and more personalized attention
• Budget is a significant factor (independent tours often cost 20-30% less)
• You’re willing to manage your own timing and return to the ship
• You want to support local businesses directly

Check out this comprehensive guide to booking Alaska shore excursions for detailed comparison strategies.

What Most Cruise Passengers Don’t Know About Haines

Unlike Juneau or Ketchikan, Haines rarely feels overrun with tourists. Some cruise days only bring one ship to port, meaning you might share an excursion with 12 people instead of 50. This creates dramatically better wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

The town itself is walkable and charming. If your excursion returns early, you have time to explore independently. The things to do in Haines include browsing local art galleries, visiting the small but excellent Sheldon Museum, or grabbing fresh-caught fish and chips at a local spot.

Another insider detail: Haines serves as the connection point between Alaska’s ferry system and the road network. This means it has better infrastructure than its small size suggests, including surprisingly good restaurants and well-maintained excursion equipment.

Practical Tips for Your Haines Visit

Weather and Clothing:

• Layers are non-negotiable – temperatures vary wildly based on activity and location
• Rain gear should be waterproof, not just water-resistant
• Even summer days can be chilly on the water or in shaded forest areas
• Bring gloves for kayaking or rafting even if it seems unnecessary

Photography Considerations:

• Telephoto lenses (200mm+) are essential for eagle photography
• Bring lens wipes – the moisture and occasional spray require constant cleaning
• Waterproof camera cases or dry bags protect equipment on water tours
• The golden hour lighting in Alaska lasts longer than you’d expect

Money and Logistics:

• Most tour operators accept credit cards but cash tips are appreciated
• Cell service is surprisingly decent for a small Alaskan town
• The walk from ship to town is easy and safe
• Public restrooms are available near the dock and in town

Bonus Tips Nobody Tells You

• Book morning excursions when possible: Wildlife is more active and you’ll have the afternoon free to explore town if your tour ends early
• The Haines Brewing Company: Located walking distance from the dock and serves excellent post-excursion refreshments
• Bring binoculars even on guided tours: Guides share theirs but you’ll miss moments while waiting your turn
• Motion sensitivity matters on rafting trips: The Chilkat River is generally calm but those prone to motion sickness should take precautions
• Ask about group size limits when booking: Tours advertising “small groups” might mean 20 people to some operators and 6 to others
• The American Bald Eagle Foundation: Offers an educational backup plan if weather cancels your outdoor excursion
• Combination tours save time: Some operators bundle eagle viewing with cultural experiences or short hikes
• Tipping guidelines: 15-20% is standard for guides who provide exceptional service
• Wheelchair accessibility: Limited on most nature-based tours but Fort Seward and town attractions are accessible

How to Choose the Right Excursion for You

Start by honestly assessing your physical capabilities and interests. The most common mistake is booking an active excursion that sounds adventurous but exceeds your comfort level. “Moderate activity level” in Alaska means something different than it does in Caribbean ports.

Consider your overall cruise itinerary too. If you’re doing wildlife tours at every port, the cultural experience in Haines might provide welcome variety. Conversely, if Haines is your only small-port stop, maximize the intimate wildlife encounters you can’t get elsewhere.

Read the fine print about cancellation policies and weather contingencies. Understanding the process for booking your cruise excursions helps avoid surprises when weather forces changes.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I see the northern lights from Haines during my cruise?
Not during typical cruise season (May-September). Aurora viewing requires dark skies that don’t occur during Alaska’s summer months when cruise ships visit.

Are brown bears or black bears more common on Haines excursions?
Both species inhabit the area but sightings on standard tours are uncommon. Black bears are slightly more likely to be spotted near the river. Specialized bear viewing tours exist but aren’t always timed with cruise ship schedules.

How close can you get to eagles during tours?
Regulations prohibit intentional approach closer than 100 yards but eagles often perch near viewing areas. Quality binoculars or camera lenses make distant birds feel much closer.

Is Haines better than Skagway for nature excursions?
Different focuses. Skagway emphasizes gold rush history and railway experiences while Haines specializes in wildlife and pristine natural settings. Neither is objectively “better” but Haines feels less commercialized.

What happens if weather cancels my excursion?
Ship-booked tours typically offer refunds or alternative activities. Independent operators have varying policies so confirm before booking. This is one advantage of cruise line bookings.

Can I rent a car and explore on my own?
Yes, though rental agencies are limited and vehicles book up quickly. The scenic highway drive toward the Canadian border is spectacular but watch your timing carefully to return before the ship departs.

Are there vegetarian or dietary restriction accommodations on tours?
Most tours that include food can accommodate restrictions with advance notice. Mention dietary needs when booking, not the morning of your tour.

How much time should I allow between my tour ending and ship departure?
Independent tours should end at least 90 minutes before all-aboard time. Build in buffer time for unexpected delays like traffic or equipment issues.

Personal Experience

We spent weeks researching Haines excursions before our Alaska cruise, and honestly, it made all the difference. Instead of booking the first tour that popped up, we dug into reviews and compared what each one actually offered. The wildlife viewing tour we chose took us to spots where we saw bald eagles up close – way more than we expected – and our guide knew exactly where to position the boat for the best views. Meanwhile, we heard from other passengers that some of the generic bus tours just drove past the same eagles from a distance and called it a day.

The biggest lesson? Not all shore excursions are created equal, even when they sound similar. We almost booked a cheaper kayaking tour but ended up spending a bit more for one that included better equipment and a smaller group size. That decision paid off when we had calm waters and plenty of attention from our guide, while another tour group we saw later looked crammed into barely-functional kayaks. Taking time to compare the actual details – group sizes, equipment quality, and what’s really included – helped us avoid wasting money on tours that just weren’t worth it.