Excursion Keystone canyon rafting tour at Valdez

Experience the stunning natural beauty of the Keystone Canyon in a unique new way during this fun-filled and exciting, half-day river-rafting excursion.

Valdez, Keystone Canyon, River-Rafting Starting Point & Preparation

You'll be driven to a location where you will be fitted with drysuits and booties. Following this, there will be a 20-minute drive to and through the Keystone Canyon. Upon arrival, proceed to the river-rafting starting-point and your awaiting river-raft. After meeting your guides, receive your safety instructions and equipment, including rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry suits, neoprene booties, and personal flotation devices, and don your gear.

Rafting and Paddling Instructions and Practice on Class I-II Water, River-Rafting into Class III Water

Valdez’s only land-route to the Alaskan interior, the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon offers an exciting and historic white-water rafting adventure. The initial Class I-II water offers a great opportunity to conduct basic rafting and paddling instructions, familiarise yourself with the raft, and practice commands prior to entering the awe-inspiring Keystone Canyon. As the canyon narrows, the waves and rapids increase into Class III big water. If the water is really moving, you can hear boulders turning on the riverbed.

Bridal Veil Falls, Sheer Rock Canyon Walls, Mountain Scenery, Glaciers

Upon arrival at a short section of calmer water, a stop is made at Bridal Veil Falls, one of the many massive waterfalls adorning the sheer rock walls of Keystone Canyon. Afterward, return to your raft to navigate the rest of this magnificent canyon, which features amazing mountain scenery and glaciers. As the Keystone Canyon opens and the river calms, disembark your river-raft, re-board your coach, and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Valdez, Keystone Canyon, Guided River-Rafting, Sheer Rock Canyon Walls, Bridal Veil Falls, Waterfalls, Amazing Mountain Scenery, Glaciers

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 266 yards (about 243 metres), at times over uneven, natural, dirt, gravel, grassy, and sandy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, four-six steps down to access the rafts, and a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the rafts. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour takes place in river depths ranging from approximately 6 feet (about 2 metres) to approximately 20 feet (about 6 metres). This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition and can swim in water too deep to stand. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with balance issues, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable, non-cotton clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes you won’t mind getting wet, and bring sun protection, a warm, weatherproof jacket, towel, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship; an extra layer of clothing and warm socks are recommended. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 5’0" (about 1.5 metres) in height to participate on this tour. Guests weighing more than 275 pounds (about 124 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. This rafting tour operates in 2-7-passenger rafts. Rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry suits, neoprene booties, and personal flotation devices are provided; there is no shade on the rafts. Guests who have consumed alcoholic beverages cannot participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. A safety vest must be worn at all times whilst rafting. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.