Yes! We park close by and our guide walks to the area at the pier where all ship tours meet. This is just outside the security area at your ship pier. We meet 10-15 minutes prior to your departure time. Just look for our representative holding a Skagway Float Tours sign to find us! (If your ship is tendering from your pier to the small boat harbor, we will meet at the top of the ramp from the area at the boat harbor where tenders land).

(We also have a town pickup option available at our Golden North hotel building office location at 3rd and Broadway). The ship pier is our default pickup location so if you want to meet at our office we just ask that you check in there prior to the meeting time to let us know you won’t be at the ship pier location.

We are an independent company, not contracted with the cruise ships. Our Hike & Float has the same tour itinerary as the ship offered tour so the only difference is the provider they use, which means they have different guides and equipment. You can save money by booking directly with us!

Our tours go rain or shine but having said that, Skagway has the least yearly rainfall of any port in Southeast Alaska receiving less than 30 inches of rain per year.

Weather in our area is mostly on the cooler, cloudy side in the summer with temperatures in the 60s. We do sometimes get warm, sunny days and also days of rain as well.

If it is raining the day of your tour, try not to be discouraged. Often the rain will not last the whole day.  Occasionally we start off in the sun too and it can change to rain by the end of the tour. This is why we do not cancel for weather as it can be so variable even on the same day.  One thing Skagway is known for is it breezy conditions so it can feel cooler than the air temperature. We suggest dressing in layers with something light under that you can wear if temperatures are warmer, then a layer of a sweater or fleece and we advise a lightweight waterproof raincoat if the weather looks cloudy/rainy.

The river float is mild with no whitewater splashing over the side of the raft.
We have rain ponchos for protection to wear if needed.
You can bring your camera on the raft ride as it is easy to have out for photos and no need to worry about splashing water.

We have short video clips here so you can see an example of the trail terrain. The trail starts uphill right away and climbs to about 300 feet in elevation. We stop along the way to allow you to catch your breath and keep the group together. Our guide tells stories at these stops. Once you reach the top of the hill, there is an equal portion downhill. Both uphill and downhill have some steep sections like climbing a staircase. The trail is uneven terrain on dirt surface with rocks and roots to step around. Once you have made it past the hill on the first mile, the remaining mile is easier flat walking. Some people find it very strenuous but if you are moderately fit and active person in good health, you should be ok. People with heart or lung problems, bad hips, knees, ankles, balance or other mobility issues should consider not doing the hike. Ask about the alternate option (see below) or consider just doing our Scenic River Float.

We can make an alternate arrangement in place of the hike that we can do with advance notice if you have more elderly, very young, or someone with an issue that may make it difficult to complete the hike. We will have a separate guide to spend time with them and either do a shorter walk in Dyea townsite area or cross the river and walk back toward the group on the flatter section. After the hiking is complete, everyone will meet at the raft for the float portion together. (We cannot guarantee the exact alternate that may be available as it depends on our timing and logistics and staff for the day. There may be some wait time while we are doing background logistics in setting up rafts, etc).

Yes, however our maximum group size on the trail is 11 total with one guide due to National Park Service Regulations. If you have a bigger group than 11 we would divide you into two groups with two guides and the two groups can depart at the same time but as we start the tour you will be separated on the trail and then divide into separate rafts as well (our largest raft holds 11). If the second grouping is small then there may be additional passengers added to your smaller group. If you have people of varying abilities in your group we can also potentially divide up the group that way. (See above question)

Our tours operate rain or shine. In booking a tour you are agreeing to pay for all the seats you have reserved unless you give Skagway Float Tours 24 hours notice of cancellation or changes. Failure to give 24 hours notice will result in your credit card being charged full price for all seats you have reserved. The only exceptions are if your cruise ship does not make its scheduled stop at Skagway, if the ship is delayed arriving to port, or if Skagway Float Tours must cancel the tour for an exceptional reason. Please be on time for your tour. Due to scheduling, if you are late we may not be able to wait for you and we can not give refunds in this case.

We have an office at 3rd and Broadway in Golden North Hotel lobby that we share with our sister company, Frontier Excursions & Adventures. We would be happy for you to call us at 907-983-3688 or stop by and we can see if we can fit you in on a tour the day you arrive. We usually have some space, but it may not be your preferred time. Our morning departures especially fill up.

We also have other tour options for sale at our office like Helicopter, Flightseeing and Dogsledding tours.

All participants must sign a Visitor Acknowledgment of Risks form at the start of the tour. Children under 18 require parent or legal guardian signature. Our tours do operate in rainy weather so please dress appropriately for your comfort. We strongly suggest a waterproof rain jacket in case of rain.  A hat with a brim can also be helpful if the weather is rainy to keep rain off your face. We provide life jackets, rubber boots, and longer ponchos for the rafting portion of the tours. We include a light snack at the end of all tours-granola bars with a gluten free option.
We provide water bottles and hiking poles for the hike. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own water bottle-fill it up before tour-as a way to save using disposable plastic.
We like this travel bottle but there are lots of other options for folding water bottles or regular smaller travel bottles.
https://www.amazon.com/Vapur-Eclipse-Foldable-Flexible-Carabiner/dp/B00BI9AM1Y/ref=asc_df_B00BI9AM1Y/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198084925599&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3824603416256185505&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033319&hvtargid=pla-349469720559&psc=1