Skagway: Ocean Raft Adventure Along Scenic Coastline

The fjord rewards a fast, close look. Skagway’s Ocean Raft Adventure combines the thrill of a rigid inflatable boat with close views of waterfalls, coves, and beaches along Lynn Canal. I like the way the boat can skirt the shoreline instead of simply cruising down the middle, and I like that the crew builds in several stops for photos and wildlife watching. The main drawback is the price: at $169 per person, it is a serious excursion expense, especially if your wildlife sightings are brief.

You will wear a Coast Guard-required Mustang survival suit, gloves, and goggles before boarding. That gear sounds bulky, but it matters in Skagway’s cool, wet air and makes the open-air ride much more comfortable. The boat ride is lively and scenic, though you should know that wildlife is never guaranteed. One recent outing produced many eagles and harbor seals, while another had less wildlife but still delivered a fun ride and fine views.

Key points to know before you book

• Fast RIB boat ride: Expect bursts of speed across Lynn Canal, followed by slower shoreline viewing and photo stops.
• Close-up fjord scenery: The route reaches coves, beaches, waterfalls, and rugged mountain views that larger boats cannot approach as closely.
• Wildlife possibilities: Keep watching for bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, mountain goats, and seabirds.
• Warm safety gear included: Mustang survival suits, gloves, and goggles help protect you from wind, spray, and cool weather.
• Small-boat feel: The boat holds about 25 people, giving you a more intimate outing than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Best for active sightseers: You need to be at least 10, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Setting out from Skagway’s Broadway Street

Your meeting point is easy to miss if you are looking only for a dock. It is at a restroom south of First Avenue on Broadway Street, beside a grassy field. Look for the wood-sided building with Native artwork and a guide wearing Ocean Raft Alaska clothing, holding a sign for the Ocean Raft Wildlife Adventure.

Check in outside the building before boarding the bus. The transfer to the dock takes about five minutes, according to the tour details provided by the operator. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, leave enough time to walk from your pier to Broadway Street and find the meeting point without rushing.

This setup is simple, but the meeting point is not directly at the water. That is worth knowing if you are coordinating the excursion with a ship departure, a train ride, or another Skagway activity. The full listed duration is 150 minutes, while the actual sightseeing portion is described as about two hours. The short bus transfer fits within that overall outing.

Suiting up for the open water

Before you board, the crew outfits you in a Mustang survival suit. These insulated suits are required by the Coast Guard and serve two purposes: safety and warmth. You wear the suit over your regular clothes, with gloves and goggles supplied as well.

The suit has an attached hood and is designed to resist wind and water. One recent rider found a light jacket underneath sufficient on a mild day, while another was especially glad to have the cold-weather gear. I would still dress in layers, since Skagway weather can change quickly and you may feel different temperatures during the faster and slower parts of the ride.

Wear comfortable footwear. Sneakers worked well for one outing and stayed dry despite some spray. Sunglasses are useful on a bright day, and a beanie may fit comfortably under the hood if you tend to get cold. You can bring a phone or camera, but protect it with a secure strap or waterproof pouch if you have one.

Large bags and backpacks are not meant to ride with you. The crew can lock them on land, so bring only what you need for photographs and personal comfort. There is no bathroom on the boat, another small detail worth handling before departure.

The first run across Lynn Canal

Once you leave the dock, the trip alternates between speed and scenery. The RIB boat can move briskly across the water, giving the outing its playful side. You feel the wind, hear the engines, and get a much stronger sense of motion than you would on a covered sightseeing boat.

Then the captain slows down for the setting that makes the trip worthwhile. Lynn Canal is North America’s longest and deepest fjord, with steep, rugged shores and mountain views that appear to rise directly from the water. From a small boat, you can look toward the shoreline at a lower angle, which makes waterfalls and narrow inlets feel close and immediate.

The ride is not simply a long straight run. Captains make multiple stops for photographs and wildlife viewing, then continue to another section of coast. Captain Alyssa, Captain Bevin, Captain Jen, and other crew members have received especially warm praise for making the ride both entertaining and reassuring. Naturalist Nicolette and naturalist Brianna were also singled out for clear explanations of the area’s ecology.

The tone is friendly rather than formal. You can expect safety instructions, a running explanation of what you are seeing, and time to ask questions. On some trips, the crew has added a few playful turns, including doughnut-style spins. Those maneuvers add excitement, but anyone prone to motion sickness should keep that possibility in mind.

Waterfalls, coves, and the close shoreline

The boat’s main advantage is access. A larger vessel can show you the broad shape of the fjord, but this RIB can approach small coves, beaches, and rocky shoreline features at a much closer range.

Waterfalls are among the most dependable visual rewards. Several stops may focus on thin streams dropping down the rock, while others reveal broader cascades after rain. The exact number and size will depend on conditions and the route that day. You should think of the stops as a collection of changing views rather than a fixed checklist.

The crew may also point out salmon in the water, jellyfish-like creatures, seabirds, and other signs of marine life. The boat pauses long enough for you to take photographs, but do not expect every stop to become a long wildlife encounter. The captain must balance scenery, safety, weather, and the timing of the overall tour.

I like this rhythm because it prevents the outing from becoming either a constant adrenaline ride or a slow lecture. You get a fast crossing, a quiet look at the shore, a chance to take pictures, and then another run across the fjord.

Watching for eagles, seals, and whales

Bald eagles are one of the strongest wildlife possibilities on this trip. Several outings produced many eagles, and the birds can add a memorable Alaska touch even when larger animals stay out of sight. Keep your camera ready, but use your eyes first. A telephoto lens helps, though a phone can still capture the wider setting.

Harbor seals have also appeared in groups, including two separate sets on one outing. Baby seals were spotted during another trip. Seals may surface briefly or rest near the shoreline, so listen closely when the crew calls out a sighting.

You might also see sea lions, whales, mountain goats, or seabirds. Whales are less predictable than the scenery. One outing included impromptu whale sightings, while another produced fewer wildlife encounters than expected. That variation is normal for a wild fjord, and it is the most important expectation to set before booking.

If wildlife is your only reason for going, this may feel expensive for the risk involved. If you value the ride, the waterfalls, the shoreline, and the chance of animals, the experience makes more sense. You are paying for access to a remote setting, not a guaranteed animal show.

What the guides add to the experience

A strong crew matters on a small boat, and the staff receives high marks for friendliness, humor, and useful information. Harp has helped guests at the meeting point, explained how the outing would work, and offered suggestions for things to do afterward. That kind of welcome is handy when you have only a few hours in Skagway.

The captains also help shape the mood. Captain Alyssa was praised for making the ride entertaining and safe, while Captain Bevin was described as informative and warm. Captain Jen’s playful boat handling added extra fun to one outing. These details matter because a RIB ride can feel exposed at first. A calm, capable crew helps you relax into it.

The naturalists add context without taking attention away from the scenery. You may learn about the fjord’s plant and animal life while watching for eagles, seals, salmon, or seabirds. The explanations give meaning to what might otherwise be a series of pretty views.

The crew is also attentive to practical needs. They provide cold-weather gear, review safety information, and help manage personal bags before you board. Several outings had all-female crews, and the staff was praised for being professional, kind, and fun.

Comfort, motion, and who should skip it

This is an open-air boat ride, not a soft-seated indoor cruise. You will feel the boat move, especially during faster stretches and turns. The suit protects you from wind and spray, but it does not remove the physical sensation of traveling over open water.

The supplied goggles can help with wind and spray, and gloves keep your hands warmer. On a calm, mild day, some people may choose not to use every piece of gear, but you should bring layers and accept the equipment offered. Conditions on Lynn Canal can shift, and the weather at the dock may not match the weather farther along the fjord.

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people with back problems. Those restrictions are important because the ride includes speed, turns, and movement over the water. It is also not suitable for anyone looking for a completely quiet or highly predictable excursion.

Pets and smoking are not allowed. There is no bathroom onboard, so plan accordingly before leaving the meeting point.

Is $169 a fair price?

At $169 per person, this is not a bargain activity. A couple will spend $338 before adding other Skagway costs, and a family group can reach a substantial total quickly.

The value comes from the combination of transport, captain, naturalist commentary, survival gear, a small boat, multiple stops, and access to close shoreline views. You are not just sitting on a large vessel looking toward the fjord from a distance. You are getting a more active ride into coves and along waterfalls, with a real chance to see wildlife.

Still, the price is harder to justify if you want guaranteed whales or a long list of animal sightings. The ride itself remains the product, and wildlife is a bonus. If the weather is poor or visibility is limited, the scenery may not have the same impact, though the survival suits help keep you comfortable.

For an Alaska cruise stop, I think the cost can be reasonable if you want something more active than a bus tour and more intimate than a large boat excursion. It is less compelling if you are mainly looking for the cheapest way to view Lynn Canal.

Tips for getting better photographs

Bring a camera, but keep it simple. A phone is enough for wide shots of the fjord, waterfalls, and boat group. A camera with a zoom lens gives you a better chance of capturing eagles or seals, but handling equipment with gloves and spray around you can be awkward.

Use a secure wrist strap or case. The boat may spray water, and you will be moving between faster runs and stops. Keep the lens cloth handy, since droplets can blur an otherwise excellent photograph.

At wildlife stops, take a few quick pictures, then watch the animal directly. A seal or eagle may be visible for only a moment. The strongest images may be wide ones that include the animal, the water, and the mountains rather than close portraits.

Bright sun can make the water and pale rock hard to photograph, so sunglasses are useful even when the air feels cool. On a gray day, waterfalls may show up better against darker rock.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for active adults, families with children age 10 and older, cruise passengers wanting a memorable half-day activity, and anyone who prefers close contact with nature over a standard sightseeing loop.

It is especially good for you if:

• You enjoy speed mixed with quiet viewing stops.
• You want to see Lynn Canal from water level.
• You like taking photographs of waterfalls and rugged shores.
• You are comfortable with open-air boating and changing weather.
• You see wildlife as a possibility rather than a promise.

I would hesitate if you have back problems, dislike boat motion, need a bathroom during a two-hour outing, or want a guaranteed whale encounter. The tour is also less appealing if your budget is tight and you can enjoy Skagway’s scenery through a cheaper activity.

Should you book the Ocean Raft Adventure?

Book it if you want a spirited, close-to-the-water look at Lynn Canal and can accept that nature sets the schedule. The best parts are the fast RIB ride, the survival gear that keeps you comfortable, the close shoreline access, and the friendly crew led on different departures by people such as Captain Alyssa, Captain Bevin, Captain Jen, Nicolette, Brianna, and Harp.

I would choose this over a large sightseeing boat when the ride itself matters as much as the view. I would skip it only if $169 feels too high for an experience with uncertain wildlife sightings. For the right passenger, the mix of eagles, seals, waterfalls, mountain views, and open-water speed can become one of the most memorable parts of a Skagway stop.

FAQ

How long does the Ocean Raft Adventure last?

The listed duration is 150 minutes. The sightseeing portion is described as about two hours, with the remaining time covering the check-in and short transfer to the dock.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, mountain goats, and seabirds. Salmon and jellyfish-like marine life may also appear. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable footwear and dress in layers. The operator provides a Mustang survival suit, gloves, and goggles. Sunglasses are useful if you have them, and a beanie may be helpful in cool weather.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the restroom south of First Avenue on Broadway Street, next to a grassy field. The building has wood siding and Native artwork. Look for a guide wearing Ocean Raft Alaska clothing and holding an Ocean Raft Wildlife Adventure sign.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Children under 10 are not permitted. The experience is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, so you do not have to pay at the time of booking.