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Ocean Raft Alaska
Ocean Raft Alaska
5
Adrenaline & Extreme ToursBoat ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
Full view
About
Get ready for an intimate boating adventure through Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord! We will get extra-close to the shore while exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, beaches and abundant wildlife on this fun-filled, two-hour sightseeing tour. Your knowledgeable captains will make multiple stops for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings, while providing a colorful narrative throughout the tour. Keep your eyes open for whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, mt. goats and sea birds as we explore the rugged wilderness of this majestic fjord.
Skagway, Alaska
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
342 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
18
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
StateofWonder
USA16 contributions
Jun 2011
We had the time of our lives on the Ocean Raft Alaska sightseeing adventure out of Skagway. I looked on a map afterwards and saw that we went a long ways down the fjords and into a little bay where the fish were jumping. We saw lots of eagles and an active eagle nest with male, female and hatched chick. We loved getting right up under the waterfalls -- especially Sawmill Falls and Long Falls, which are really amazing. Our guides were knowledgeable and fun, and made sure we were warm in our Mustang suits and Oakley goggles. I feel like we saw a part of Alaska that few ever see. Spectacular! Unforgettable!
Written July 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoiraInWisc
Milwaukee, WI12 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
I took my not-so-adventurous husband and two teenage daughters on this tour. It was the best thing we did in Alaska!! We had an awesome time :-) Our guide was Jen and she was awesome. She was so knowledgeable on the local wildlife and plants. She did a great job explaining everything as we went along. Captain Ashley was a wild man at the helm, but in all seriousness, he did a great job piloting the boat. The boat got us deep inside coves to see the seals and eagles up close. We could see the talons on the eagles as they flew near us. We had some great photo opportunities near several waterfalls. The survival suits they put us in kept us toasty warm, so we were very comfortable even though the day was a bit chilly and we were moving at high speeds (we definitely recommend that you wear the hats and goggles they provide). The boat ride itself was great fun, and the straddle seats are a bit like riding a horse. The ride can be bumpy, so I would not recommend it for anyone with back problems or significant joint problems -- you really have to use your legs and knees on this ride. We spotted plenty of wildlife, including harbor seals, eagles, and sea lions. Our boat was followed for a while by a whale. At the end of our tour, the crew thanked us for choosing them out of the pages and pages of opportunities that were available to us thru Royal Caribbean. I would recommend this excursion to anyone who has a sense of adventure and wants to be up close to nature/wildlife. Great great day in Skagway!!
Written November 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgina M
Pasadena, California, United States6 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Our tour with Ocean Raft Alaska was amazing. I wanted to make sure it was safe because my husband and I were bringing his 89 year old dad with us. We needn't have worried. The trip was absolutely exhilarating. We sped through the waters of the Lynn Canal on the kind of raft that is used by Coast Guard rescue teams. The raft is safe, stable, amazingly maneuverable, and fast!
We had the opportunity to view the breathtakingly beautiful fjord from a perspective far different from the cruise ship on which we arrived. There were dozens of waterfalls, eagles and seals. Our guide and our captain were both very knowledgeable about the fjord, its origins and its inhabitants. They were a lot of fun and really wanted us to have a wonderful trip. The highlights of our trip had to be the exhilaration of speeding over the water, getting really close to many of the spectacular falls, and the sightings of a group of humpback whales. I think the last sighting left us all breathless. We were just waiting in an area where they had been sighted earlier. The whales emerged no more than 40-50 feet off the port side of the raft! We could see blowholes that together were probably the size of a basketball. It gave us an idea of the enormity of these amazing creatures. What a trip! It was a really wonderful experience.
We had the opportunity to view the breathtakingly beautiful fjord from a perspective far different from the cruise ship on which we arrived. There were dozens of waterfalls, eagles and seals. Our guide and our captain were both very knowledgeable about the fjord, its origins and its inhabitants. They were a lot of fun and really wanted us to have a wonderful trip. The highlights of our trip had to be the exhilaration of speeding over the water, getting really close to many of the spectacular falls, and the sightings of a group of humpback whales. I think the last sighting left us all breathless. We were just waiting in an area where they had been sighted earlier. The whales emerged no more than 40-50 feet off the port side of the raft! We could see blowholes that together were probably the size of a basketball. It gave us an idea of the enormity of these amazing creatures. What a trip! It was a really wonderful experience.
Written July 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldFart49
10 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
The Ocean-Raft Alaska experience we had during our recent trip to Alaska was one of the high points of our trip. The excursion is fun & exciting and the scenery is simply awesome. We saw eagles, seals, waterfalls, peaks, and, of course, the stunning fjord of the Taiya Inlet.
The tour guides are fun, laid-back dudes who are a refreshing change from the slick tour operators and bus drivers with pre-planned "comedy" routines: these are genuine guys who obviously love Alaska & their enthusiasm is part of the fun -- as are the breakneck speeds at which they take the Zodiac Hurricane craft. And it's pure fun to dress up in the "exposure suits" they provide -- you sort of feel like the music from "The Right Stuff" should be playing in the background. Our family -- our two twenty-something sons & the sixty-something parents -- totally enjoyed it.
This tour isn't listed among the Princess Cruise line excursions -- book it at the M&M Tours stand at the end of the Skagway Cruise Ship Pier.
The tour guides are fun, laid-back dudes who are a refreshing change from the slick tour operators and bus drivers with pre-planned "comedy" routines: these are genuine guys who obviously love Alaska & their enthusiasm is part of the fun -- as are the breakneck speeds at which they take the Zodiac Hurricane craft. And it's pure fun to dress up in the "exposure suits" they provide -- you sort of feel like the music from "The Right Stuff" should be playing in the background. Our family -- our two twenty-something sons & the sixty-something parents -- totally enjoyed it.
This tour isn't listed among the Princess Cruise line excursions -- book it at the M&M Tours stand at the end of the Skagway Cruise Ship Pier.
Written August 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family N
14 contributions
Jul 2018
Wonderful time. A bit nervous about it to be honest but it was safe, fun, and we were able to see the shore line and sea life. Great company and staff.
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailBlazer41109
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
We absolutely loved this outing! Jen and Alyssa was wonderful on and off of the raft. All crew members extremely helpful with getting your wet suit on and off. Wet suit was warm and comfortable. Very informative about what we was seeing. We saw Eagles and Harbor seals, several waterfalls. They stopped several times to allow for picture taking and even offered to take pictures of you. I would highly recommend this. Well worth the money. They even provided gloves. Goggles, and hats. I am a bigger gal and was afraid I would have trouble with the wet suit but I didn't. Alyssa is the one with the goggles on her head.
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tom g
Chapel Hill, NC30 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
Our group of 8 had a great experience on this trip. The rafting is exciting as you speed across and down the fjord. Great eagle sightings and close up looks at gushing waterfalls were the best parts. Captain Jen and Alissa (sp.?) were knowledgeable, professional and fun.
The details: you won't get wet, the suits keep you dry and warm, the rafts are very stable. We were very happy that we chose this excursion from our ship.
The details: you won't get wet, the suits keep you dry and warm, the rafts are very stable. We were very happy that we chose this excursion from our ship.
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gatwicksmom
Saint Paul, MN28 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Was looking for a shore excursion in Skagway on our recent cruise to Alaska...and came across this one. I read the reviews here and wondered if it could really be THAT good. The answer is...YES--it's THAT good!
This excursion wasn't being offered through our cruiseline, so I contacted Ocean Raft Adventure directly via their website. They say they will get back to you within 24 hours--and they do...! They are a small company, so their service is very personalized--I didn't realize that I was emailing back and forth with one of the owners...!
We were picked up at our cruise dock and taken to their location to "suit up"...giant suits (think snowmobile suit) that will keep you warm and dry--and they have sizes to fit everyone. A short walk to the pier--and you board the boat. They give you easy instructions on how to get in and out. The seating is remarkably comfortable (heavily padded) and there are grab bars on every seat, so holding on is VERY easy.
As we departed the dock, we were given the safety spiel...these guys are well-trained and certified--they know what they're doing..! The owners operate this tour themselves, so there is a great sense of pride. There is also a naturalist who is also onboard to explain all of the things that you will see.
From this point forward, the only way to describe the rest of the tour is to say...it's PHENOMENAL! We cruised up and down the Lynn Canal at various speeds (some fast, some slow, some loops). We got up close to the beautiful waterfalls and cliffs--with plenty of opportunities for picture-taking. We saw birds, seals, sea lions...and even a small crab swimming around in one of the inlets! (Would have loved to see a whale, but that's not something they can control.)
We cruised for a full 2 hours and we LOVED every minute of it...! It was truly the best excursion we've ever done--and would definitely do it again...!
Ocean Raft Alaska is definitely a MUST DO...!
This excursion wasn't being offered through our cruiseline, so I contacted Ocean Raft Adventure directly via their website. They say they will get back to you within 24 hours--and they do...! They are a small company, so their service is very personalized--I didn't realize that I was emailing back and forth with one of the owners...!
We were picked up at our cruise dock and taken to their location to "suit up"...giant suits (think snowmobile suit) that will keep you warm and dry--and they have sizes to fit everyone. A short walk to the pier--and you board the boat. They give you easy instructions on how to get in and out. The seating is remarkably comfortable (heavily padded) and there are grab bars on every seat, so holding on is VERY easy.
As we departed the dock, we were given the safety spiel...these guys are well-trained and certified--they know what they're doing..! The owners operate this tour themselves, so there is a great sense of pride. There is also a naturalist who is also onboard to explain all of the things that you will see.
From this point forward, the only way to describe the rest of the tour is to say...it's PHENOMENAL! We cruised up and down the Lynn Canal at various speeds (some fast, some slow, some loops). We got up close to the beautiful waterfalls and cliffs--with plenty of opportunities for picture-taking. We saw birds, seals, sea lions...and even a small crab swimming around in one of the inlets! (Would have loved to see a whale, but that's not something they can control.)
We cruised for a full 2 hours and we LOVED every minute of it...! It was truly the best excursion we've ever done--and would definitely do it again...!
Ocean Raft Alaska is definitely a MUST DO...!
Written May 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah F
Lanoka Harbor, NJ58 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This was so much fun. You go into a fjord on a motorized raft speed boat thing. The guides are young and fun guys that really enjoy what they do. They will randomly do donuts in the boat, just for fun. You tour along one side of the fjord then the other and the guides stop and show you wildlife like eagle and seals,beautiful waterfalls, they explain the foliage and ecosystem and what exactly a fjord is. We got to see humpback whales up close. Don't worry about dressing warm because they give you this full body outdoor suit that doubles as a life preserver and it keeps you warm. And don't forget your camera, it wont get wet if you sit in the middle in the boat!
Written September 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnotherNiteOnTheRoad
Kerrville, TX286 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
We booked with Ocean Raft Alaska before we went on our cruise the first week of September. It turned out to be one of the best choices we’ve ever made. We were fortunate to have only four guests on the excursion - plus the three owners. Their knowledge and obvious love of the area greatly enhanced our experience, and they were quite entertaining as well. The day was cloudy, the water choppy, the speed was fast - and we loved every second of this adventure. There is something very special about the opportunity to be at the base of a huge waterfall, skim the edges of the magnificent rock cliffs, and see sea lions, eagles, and gorgeous scenery up close. I recommend this company without hesitation, and when we return to Skagway I will be calling them again. We had an exhilarating, absolutely fantastic experience!
Written September 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are planning on taking this tour in August 2022. There are multiple times of day I can sign up for. What time do I pick? Is there a better time of day to see more wild life or does it not matter? I was thinking first or 2 nd cruise of the morning. Then we would have the rest of the day. Decisions, decisions- need guidance please
Written July 24, 2022
We have booked this excursion through RCCL Ovation May 20. Through the reviews I see the survival suit is provided. What kind of footwear would be recommended? Will our feet get wet? I see it's a straddle seat but are you secured by a belt? Will we need waterproof bags for our camera's?
Written May 1, 2019
It looks like you've already had your excursion with us and hopefully it was amazing! For other readers I'll answer your question for informative purposes. You want to wear whatever comfortable footwear you'd normally wear to walk around town that day. Your feet generally won't get wet on the excursion. Also there are no seatbelts on the boat but it is easy to secure yourself by holding on to the grab bar on the seat pod. As far as cameras, we encourage all of our guests to bring them! If you have a larger camera with a neck strap you can wear it around your neck and tuck it underneath the suit when we are going fast and pull it out for photos on our multiple photo stops. Smaller cameras and phones fit nicely in the pockets of the exposure suit we provide.
Written May 29, 2019
I can find everything but pricing and availability for 4 adults on August 13th. Could you please be of some help? Thank you!
Written May 18, 2018
You can either book directly through the website oceanraftalaska com or through your cruise line. Prices will vary depending on what cruise line you book through. Please contact us if you have any further questions!
Written May 28, 2018
How physically difficult is this excursion? What kind of shape do you need to be in and what type of physical strength would be needed?
Written June 29, 2017
hi! this excursion is quite active...the seats are standing - you kind of straddle them the whole time. you have to have some arm strength as there are lots of bumps and turns that you have to hold on for. my mom has had previous back injuries - and she was able to do this with no problems. definitely worth trying!
Written July 16, 2017
We have departures starting at 7:30 am and can have departures as late as 5:30 pm.
Written March 21, 2017
dkjohnson5402
Meridian, Mississippi
How much per adult in May, possibly 3 adults
Written October 16, 2016
I'm not sure how much it would cost if you booked directly with them. We always book through the cruise ship. We booked in 2013 for $139, and it was $149 in 2016.
Written October 26, 2016
Linda C
Coconut Creek, Florida
My husband has had issues with his back with quick jerking. Are passengers buckled in tightly and secure?
He really wants to do this excursions ,but I am a little concerned.
Written August 2, 2016
You will experience rapid changes in speed and direction. There is on bench seat on board, but the rest are saddle like. If he has weak core muscle strength, he may strain his back on this experience. Also, if the water is less than calm, it will be a different experience than most of the descriptions here.
Written August 3, 2016
I sometimes get motion sickness - usually from things like rides at an amusement park. I haven't yet experienced it on a boat. Should I be worried about motion sickness on the raft?
Written July 21, 2016
This ride is fun but can be like an amusement park ride. It's only a few hours, so I'd take something just in case. I take generic Bonine on cruises daily just in case. It doesn't make you sleepy and works! Don't miss out - this excursion was awesome!
Written July 22, 2016
We were not made aware of any weight limitations upon booking or upon arrival. They have suits to fit all body types. My brother in law is a big and tall ex-football player and his suit was most comfortable.
Written July 11, 2016
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