alaska bear excursions

Bear Viewing Tours

Travel by float plane to observe Alaska’s coastal brown bears in their natural habitat.

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Alaska Bear Viewing Tours

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• Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing
• Redoubt Bay Bear Viewing
• Lake Clark Bear Viewing
• Katmai Bear Viewing

Denali Park Bus Tours

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There are several ways to view bears while on a visit to Alaska, the most popular being a fly-in experience across Cook Inlet to places like Chinitna Bay, Katmai National Park , or Lake Clark National Park . Many bear viewing trips are day excursions from Anchorage.

Each bear viewing tour has a season based on when salmon and other food sources are abundant at that location. Our reservation agents can help direct you to the best tour to take depending on when you will be in Alaska. Here's a general guide.

Chinitna Bay

• Late May through August
• Arrive by bush plane, beach landing
• Bear viewing by bus and on foot

The Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing Tour is a six-hour adventure from Anchorage's Lake Hood Seaplane Base, over scenic Cook Inlet, and past Mt. Redoubt. Your plane will land on the beach at Bear Mountain Lodge where you'll hop into modified buses for the short drive to viewing areas around Chinitna Bay. Here you can watch bears feed on clams, sedge grass, and fish among the waving meadow grasses and sandy wetlands.

Redoubt Bay

• Late June through July
• Arrive by floatplane
• Bear viewing by boat

Redoubt Bay is an excellent location to view brown bears, this time from the shelter of a covered pontoon boat. This six-hour excursion also departs from Lake Hood and provides a roundtrip flight, viewing opportunities, a dedicated naturalist guide, and a homemade lunch served at Redoubt Bay Lodge, a rustic retreat for fishermen and bear enthusiasts.

Brooks Falls at Katmai National Park

• Through July
• Bear viewing by platforms, unguided, travel by foot

At two to three hours, the flight out to Katmai National Park makes this the longest of the bear viewing tours. On it you'll pass through some remarkable mountain scenery before landing on Naknek Lake. Here you'll have several self-guided hours to observe bears from the park's riverside viewing platforms. The whole excursion is about 11 hours long. Note that trips to Katmai are most often impacted by poor weather. If it's your hope to see the bears at Brooks Falls, we recommend leaving some open time in your itinerary in case you have to reschedule for weather.

Crescent Lake at Lake Clark National Park

• August through mid-September

The Lake Clark National Park full-day tour departs from Anchorage's Lake Hood in the morning and travels 70 minutes by air into the heart of this remote national park. Here you'll land on Crescent Lake near Redoubt Mountain Lodge for several hours of unrushed bear viewing by boat. The whole excursion is about 11 hours.

Bear Viewing Flight Lake Clark National Park

View bears as they feed on abundant Alaskan salmon in the shadow of the Chigmit range and Mt. Redoubt volcano on this immersive full-day excursion into Lake Clark National Park. Learn More >

Bear Viewing Flight Chinitna Bay

Embark on a flight along the Cook Inlet from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park's southernmost border on this six-hour flightseeing and brown bear viewing excursion. Learn More >

Bear Viewing Flight Katmai National Park

See the world-famous Brooks Falls brown bears in person on this full-day floatplane and bear viewing trip to Katmai National Park. Learn More >

Bear Viewing Flight Redoubt Bay

Fly by floatplane into the Redoubt Bay Critical Habitat, an isolated wilderness area home to a dense population of black and brown bears. Learn More >

Denali National Park's lone road offers visitors plenty of chances to view impressive backcountry and abundant wildlife, whether you choose a half or full-day narrated bus tour. Learn More >

Bear Viewing in Alaska

1-907-398-1744, call or text, welcome to bear viewing in alaska.

Welcome to Bear Viewing in Alaska, your trusted gateway to unforgettable wildlife adventures. Our expertise lies in crafting captivating tours that present an unparalleled chance to observe the majestic Alaskan brown bears in their native habitat. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a devotee of nature, or an individual in pursuit of a singular, unforgettable encounter, our expeditions pledge an adventure filled with amazement and marvel amidst the untouched splendor of Alaska’s wild expanses.

Why Choose Us?

• Experience : Captain Mel Erickson has been guiding in Alaska for 33 years, Extensive knowledge of navigating Cook Inlet.
• Dialed in on bear viewing by boat in Chintna Bay : We have the best, & quickest system of getting to, and from the boat to shore. We supply high end chest wader’s to wade to shore, and you won’t get your feet or butt wet riding in a raft like other outfits.
• Why depart from Anchor Point instead of Homer for your Bear Watching trip to Chintna Bay in Lake Clark National Park? Travel distance is only 38 miles and 1 hour 15 minutes by boat from Anchor Point, Homer is 62 miles each way, saving you 48 miles and over 2 hours of travel time round trip.
• Professionally guided bear viewing tours : We do professionally guided bear viewing tours every day, and have been for 8 years now, we know when, where, & how to find the bears. We have never not seen at least 1-2 bears in all our trips, most days we see 10-25 bears.
• Time : We spend more time with the bears than most operators,
• Waders & hiking poles : We supply waders and hiking poles allowing you to get out on the tide flats or crossing streams to get very close to bears digging clams or fishing for salmon, many operators don’t supply waders therefore they can’t get their people up close to bears on the tide flats or cross the stream’s.
• Safety : we know bears, & how to keep you safe while watching bears at very close range, Chintna bay and cook Inlet has extreme tide fluctuation, it takes local knowledge, & skill to navigate these waters and the everchanging extreme weather that Alaska can throw at you. Everyday is different and we have learned over the years how to deal with each situation.
• Photos : Photos on our website are our photos that we or our clients have taken on bear viewing trips with us, they are not stock or stolen pictures. Our information is real and accurately portray our Alaska bear viewing trips.
• Small groups : We keep our groups small with 6 people in most cases.

Top 5 reasons access to Chinitna Bay by boat is better than plane, we provide waders, & hiking poles so you can walk on the tide flats to watch bears dig clams up close, and not get wet!

• Safer, & more affordable than going by plane,several plane accidents have happened on beach landings the last few years.
• Better view of marine life such as whales, seals, sea lions, and sea birds
• Option to dig clams.
• low clouds & visibility don’t prevent us from going on our tour.
• We can access many other areas that planes cant go,& often see bears very close from the boat walking the coastline.

What To Bring/ What we provide

Be prepared for cool, wet, & windy weather, wear layered clothing windproof fleece, hooded sweatshirts, light pair of gloves, warm socks, rain gear, jacket & pants .(You can take clothing off if it is sunny and hot) Bring a day pack and water bottle. Bring your camera, memory cards & batteries.

Binoculars, bug repellent, , sunglasses and hat are also recommended. Bring whatever you want to eat & drink , we do not bring any food into the field and food will remain on the boat.

We provide Waders, & hiking pole’s for all our guests to keep your feet dry getting off, & on the boat. Plus this allows us to walk across the tide flats and cross creeks to get closer to some bears in different locations other than the main viewing spots. Many other bear viewing companies dont provide waders or allow their clients to walk out on flats to see the bears clam digging.

Alaska Bear Viewing by Boat to Chinitna Bay & Lake Clark National Park

Interested in Bear Viewing tours in Alaska? Captain Mel Erickson is a renowned Bear Viewing Guide with a commercial operator permit from the National Park Service, that offers you the best bear watching trips. When you plan a once in a lifetime trip to Alaska. Chinitna Bay Bear Tours will take you by boat, or plane to the remote pristine wilderness of Lake Clark National Park.

We are the first, & only Bear Viewing charter service  that accesses Chinitna Bay & Lake Clark National Park via boat. Another extremely important feature which allows you to walk out on the tide flats so you can see bears dig clams is we provide our guests with waders, & hiking pole’s. Many other bear watching tours dont provide these so you either get your feet wet or dont see the bears up close digging clams.

An Unforgettable Bear Watching Experience in Alaska

Unlike many of our competitors, who offer crowded Alaskan bear viewing tours , Chinitna Bay Bear Tours lets you experience a less crowded, and a more remote wilderness wildlife tour to one of the largest national parks in the largest US state.

A Journey to Spot the Majestic Brown Bears (Grizzly Bears) of Alaska

Your experienced Bear viewing guides will get you Close to Alaskan Brown (Grizzly bears) safely. This is an awesome adventure whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, naturalist, or photographer.

At Bear Viewing in Alaska, we strongly believe that each wildlife expedition should be as distinctive as those participating in it. This is why we meticulously organize every aspect of our Alaskan brown bear tours, guaranteeing that your adventure aligns with your interests, expectations, and comfort level.

Your brown bear viewing tour begins in Anchor Point, Alaska which is close to Homer. After departing Anchor Point, you cross the beautiful Cook Inlet to Chinitna Bay in Lake Clark National Park. Once we arrive we get out of the boat and walk a short distance to watch the bears.

We provide a broad range of tour choices, each tailored to meet varied tastes and adventure thresholds. Whether you opt to partake in the thrill of bear viewing by boat in Alaska, or venture on a spectacular voyage to Chinitna Bay for a unique bear viewing experience, we pledge to provide a wildlife encounter that will be etched in your memory for years to come.

Thinking about visiting the park’s Cook Inlet coastline? This short film offers a spectacular introduction to what your day may include and how to stay safe and protect the park’s bear populations.  Viewing this video is required by the National park service for all travelers to the park.

Why Go Bear Watching Tours in Alaska with Us?

At Bear Viewing in Alaska, we offer an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Our commitment to delivering authentic, safe, and informative wildlife encounters is what sets us apart. Here’s why you should choose us for your bear watching tours :

• Authentic Encounters: With us, you’ll get the opportunity to observe Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat. Our expeditions are crafted to offer a genuine wildlife encounter, enabling you to observe these majestic beings thriving uninhibited and untroubled in their natural environment.
• Safety: Ensuring your safety is our utmost concern. Our seasoned guides possess thorough training in understanding bear behaviors and following safety protocols, making certain that your bear viewing journey is not only exhilarating but also secure.
• Educational: We believe in offering more than just a viewing experience. Our tours aim to educate our guests about the bears, their habitat, and the unique Alaskan ecosystem. Our knowledgeable guide Captain Mel Erickson will share fascinating facts, insights, and stories about Alaskan brown bears and the breathtaking wilderness they call home.

Explore the Wild – Book Your Bear Viewing Tour Now!

When you book your bear viewing tours in Alaska  with us, it’s not uncommon to see at least 20-30 brown bears, with sow’s rambling around with their cubs, Juveniles playing and wrestling, Big Bears chasing Females in the breeding season, digging clams, or trying to catch salmon The panorama surrounded by towering peaks, forest, & snow capped mountains also draws your eyes with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet!

You also have a bonus of digging some clams, or fishing for salmon.  Really, what makes your Alaska bear watching trip with us so special is that we love showing people the real Alaska!

And this is not it. A total of five snow-capped volcanoes rise up 10,000 feet from sea level in an exquisite American national park just for you. Also, available from us is bear viewing with an Alaska bush plane to explore the other beautiful locations.

Contact Details:

Bear Viewing in Alaska 209 Sterling Hwy, Homer, AK 99603 (907) 398-1744

Alaska Bear Viewing

Fly with our experienced  pilots and guides on a bear viewing adventure you will never forget. we’re proud of our 30 years of creating safe and one-of-a-kind experiences..

See Alaska’s wild bears

Custom alaska bear viewing tours in lake clark & katmai.

Based out of Lake Hood Seaplane Base, our aircraft can take you on a personalized trip to Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park. The flight to Lake Clark and Katmai is an experience in itself that most people only dream about. Along the way you will fly along the high peaks of the Alaska Range past volcanoes and vast glaciers.

After landing on the beach, our experienced guides will take you along the coastline to see these amazing animals in action for once in a lifetime photo opportunities. You may see bears fishing for salmon, digging for clams, and playing around with their siblings.

Your safety is our number one goal and we assure every bear tour is of the highest quality. We hope you join us for one of our custom bear viewing tours.

Alaska Bear View is part of Fly907 —a family-owned air taxi with decades of experience taking guests on wild experiences across Alaska.

Decades of Experience

Our family-owned small business has been serving guests for 30 years..

Alaska Bear View  is a second-generation family-owned Alaska tour company.  Experienced guides and pilots will take you on a bear viewing adventure you will never forget.

The owner, pilot and guide Luke Miller has been flying airplanes in Alaska since he was 14 years old. He grew up at his family’s off-grid lodge and has been helping guests explore Alaska his whole life. He loves to help visitors see moments and places that most people never get to experience.  His air taxi business Fly907 helps bring people and equipment all around bush Alaska.

He maintains commercial use authorizations at Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park to be able to bring guests to some of the most spectacular wild places in the world.

He flies his airplane across Alaska in support of Iron Dog snowmachine races and along the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. In his free time, he loves fly fishing and exploring new streams all across Alaska.

Only Accessable by Airplane

Our trips to remote Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park begin in Anchorage. There are no roads that connect to these wild spots.

Our pilot and guide flies you across some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America.

You’ll see steep snow-covered mountains, massive glaciers, and the volcanos of the Ring of Fire.

Why fly with Alaska Bear View?

Small group tours.

Most trips have only four people, plus y our pilot and guide Luke. There are no crowds, no big groups, and no waiting in lines. It’s just your group and the pilot/guide on an incredible adventure. We maximize the time on the ground viewing bears and exploring the area.

Incredible access

Our permits for Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park give access to some of the most productive and stunning brown bear habitat in the world. Fly-in access to the estuaries where bears feed gives you a chance to see bears in their natural habitat in a waythat most people never get to experience.

Customized trip itineraries.

We can work with you to build a single day or multi-day adventure to make the most of Alaska’s incredible summer. If you want to combine world-class fishing with hiking, bear viewing, and backpacking, Alaska Bear View can help make your dream trip happen. Send us a message or call us today to

The best way to see Bears

Safe and comfortable access to alaska’s most wild places.

Our experienced guides and pilots bring you to see the bears in their natural habitat in Lake Clark and Katmai National Park. You’ll get to see brown bears making the most of the short Alaska summer and eating as much salmon, berries, grass, and clams as they possibly can to bulk up for the long winter ahead.

Our guides choose the best location each day based on the seasons, weather, and the natural cycles of bears’ behavior. Our airplanes bring you to incredible locations that most Alaskans will never experience.

Alaska’s BROWN BEARS

See the unique brown bears in their natural habitat.

Alaska’s coastal brown bears can grow up to 1,200 pounds after feeding all summer on a rich diet of salmon and berries. The bears we watch are highly skilled at catching the fish they need to prepare for a winter of hibernation.

A large male may be up to nine feet tall on its hind legs and more than five feet at its shoulder. Alaska is home to 95 percent of brown bears in the world. 

Brown bears concentrate in large numbers around estuaries—where rivers meet the ocean and provide a rich environment. Bears here dig up huge amount of clams on the tidal flats and walk a short distance to  find protein-rich sedge grasses to eat. And helping them pack on pounds for the wintertime are huge numbers of Pacific Salmon returning from years of feeding at sea return to streams to spawn. 

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Alaska Bear Safaris

Homer, Alaska

See and Photograph Wild Grizzly Bears!

​Wildlife enthusiasts and Photographers from all over the world come to Homer Alaska, the "Bear Viewing Capitol of the World", each year to view and photograph it's abundant wildlife!

Bear Viewing season runs May  through September of each year.

We provide Day Trips to Katmai National Park

​ We have smaller groups for a better viewing experience!!!

• Late Summer Bear Viewing

VIDEO CREDIT: Mr. Scott Allen

Experience unparalleled bear viewing in Alaska at Katmai Wilderness Lodge

Katmai Wilderness lodge is situated in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. This extraordinary lodge serves as the epitome of Alaska bear lodges, immersing visitors in captivating wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking landscapes. Discover the raw beauty of Alaska's untamed wilderness, where majestic bears roam freely. With comfortable accommodations and exclusive access to prime bear-viewing locations, Katmai Wilderness Lodge assures an unforgettable adventure for those seeking an authentic Alaskan bear-watching experience. From eagles to otters along the coast of Katmai National Park, our lodge is home to a diverse array of species, ensuring a trip of a lifetime. Explore the vibrant flora of Alaska, indulge in fine dining with our nationally renowned chef, and relax in one of our seven charming and well-appointed cabins.

The best Alaska bear lodge! You will see bears,  eagles, sea otters, moose, and many other species call Katmai National Park home.

From colorful lichen to fields drenched in blankets of fuchsia Fireweed, over 700 species of plants prosper in this complex ecosystem.

Our lead guide has over 40 years experience in the area. You are certain to have a trip of a lifetime!

Our chef is nationally renowned for excellence in the kitchen. His presentations will delight your senses!

Rustic elegance, and well appointed. You'll feel right at home in one of our seven beautiful cabins.

• Alaska, Canada & Northern Adventures
• Alaska Grizzly Encounter: Kodiak to Katmai

Trip Highlights

Extraordinary Close-Up Brown Bear Encounters

A Private Chartered Ship for Exclusive Access

Explore Kodiak & Fly by Private Floatplane to Katmai

Photo Expeditions Available

The World's Most Intimate Grizzly Encounter! 

• A Maximum of Just 8 Travelers We charter a small ship for our Alaska adventure cruise, hosting just eight guests. A very small group is essential to approach the bears safely without disturbing them. You won't find a more intimate setting in which to observe and photograph bears, nor will you find a better guide-to-guest ratio on any Alaskan tour.
• An Exclusive Itinerary into the Heart of Brown Bear Habitat Our itinerary—offered solely by Nat Hab—focuses exclusively on nature and bears—wasting no time in cruise ship ports and tourist towns. In fact, you can't get here by cruise ship or by road—we access this untouched wilderness by private floatplane, then transfer to our chartered expedition vessel to explore the uninhabited coast. No standard Alaska tour package can provide these matchless bear observation and photography opportunities. 
• Our Privately Chartered Ship We're based aboard our chartered vessel, the Natural Habitat Ursus, where we are the sole guests. This converted research ship, originally a crab fishing boat that has been retrofitted to comfortably accommodate guests, is ideal for exploring the scenic bays of Katmai National Park. With a shallow draft,  Ursus  cruises close to the coastline, offering views of bears foraging in the meadows and clamming on the tide flats—plus we travel ashore by skiff to view and photograph them on foot. And since we sleep aboard, our route can be flexible—we follow the bears!
• Watch Bears on Foot—Often Just Feet Away! It's hard to fathom that we can stand on the ground with Alaska's mighty brown bears at close range, getting thrilling photos from yards, or even feet, away. Yet that's exactly the amazing opportunity this rare adventure affords. When we step ashore among the bears, we are generally the only humans around—and the bears are completely nonchalant about our presence! They often wander past in such proximity that you won't even need your telephoto lens.
• Gain Exclusive Access with Help from Our Guides You may think a trip like this is outside your physical capacity, given the remote nature of our destination and the way we reach bear territory (in open skiffs to the shore, then on foot in wild terrain wearing waders)...but your Expedition Leader and the Ursus crew are by your side to lend a hand. Mobility is important, but you don't need a big degree of physical fitness to participate in this mostly sedentary adventure.  
• Explore Kodiak Island by Chartered Boat  Remote Kodiak Island isn't typically featured on Alaska tour itineraries. But its scenic shores offer rich photography opportunities, with abundant wildlife in rockbound coves and tidal pools. On a private boat tour, we're likely to see sea lions, otters, puffins and bald eagles, and we often see whales. Look, too, for less frequently seen moose, black bear or coyotes on shore.
• The World's Finest Naturalist Guides The Expedition Leaders on our grizzly adventures are professional naturalists and bear experts, with years of experience in the field. They know these bears and their behaviors intimately, and their depth of knowledge is integral to a successful bear safari. We take pride in employing Alaska's most qualified, dedicated and passionate natural history guides—our Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years’ experience each. They also receive additional training from WWF scientists. While our Expedition Leaders regale guests with their in-depth knowledge, they're also close at hand to ensure safety and comfort in every respect. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Photo Departures are Guided by Photography Pros When you choose a special photo departure, you'll travel with an Expedition Leader who is not only a bear expert but a photography expert, too, with extensive experience not only capturing images of Alaska's matchless wildlife and landscapes, but sharing tips and techniques for how you, too, can come home with outstanding photos. 
• A Commitment to Bears & Other Wildlife In support of our commitment to the conservation of Alaska's brown bears and other wildlife, we've created a special website, Bears & Beyond , managed and edited by NHA Expedition Leader and bear expert Brad Josephs. The site is a showcase for photos and stories about bears and other wild animals, including wolves. Take a look, and share the link with your friends, too!
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Alaska Bear Encounter Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations established in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about Alaska Grizzly Encounter: Kodiak to Katmai

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Katmai Wilderness Lodge Bear Viewing

Live among the bears while enjoying the safety and comfort of a coastal wilderness lodge..

Photo Journey:

Home » Tours » Lodge-Based Vacations » Bear Viewing Lodges » Katmai Wilderness Lodge Bear Viewing

Tour Overview

Alaska bear viewing at Katmai Wilderness Lodge is possible throughout the summer. Located in the Katmai National Park’s coastal wilderness, one of Alaska’s richest habitats for brown bears. It attracts naturalists and animal lovers worldwide looking for an authentic Alaskan bear-watching experience. The lodge lets guests safely spend their entire day viewing and photographing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat up close while enjoying the comfortable nature lodge. You’ll fly from Anchorage to Kodiak Island for a brief visit before continuing to Katmai Wilderness Lodge for three nights, then returning to Kodiak and Anchorage.

Note: Starting at the end of July, salmon begin to arrive in the area, increasing bear activity, with August being the best for bear viewing.

What's Included

• Roundtrip flights Anchorage to Kodiak
• Floatplane flights from Kodiak to Katmai Wilderness Lodge
• Two nights hotel in the coastal city of Kodiak
• Overnights at Katmai Wilderness Lodge
• All meals and guide service at lodge

What's Not Included

Meals in Kodiak, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and transfers in Anchorage / Kodiak.

Tour Itinerary

Important - Please overnight in Anchorage before this program. Due to weather reasons, please schedule 2 nights in Anchorage after this program! The lodge itself is located on the Katmai Coast, not on Kodiak Island. However you access the lodge via Kodiak City.

Anchorage to Kodiak

In the afternoon transfer on your own to Anchorage International Airport for a scheduled afternoon or evening flight to Kodiak. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Kodiak City.

Kodiak to Katmai Wilderness Lodge

In the late morning, transfer yourself to the floatplane dock for your flight to Katmai Wilderness lodge. The next days are spent viewing and photographing some of the largest grizzlies in the world! Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Katmai Wilderness Lodge

During the day participate in activities from the lodge such as guided bear viewing, photography, bird watching, etc. A licensed captain will guide you to the best spots in Kukak and the surrounding bays, depending on the time of day and tides. The touring vessel, “Wilderness”, was specially designed for the Katmai Wilderness Lodge – to get close to the remote beaches. A front loading ramp makes boarding easier. The boats have enclosed cabins, large decks, and marine toilets for use while out and away from the lodge. After dinner relax in main lodge. Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

One to two additional free days, depending on length of stay. Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Katmai Wilderness Lodge to Kodiak

In the early afternoon a floatplane will land for the 1-hour flight back to Kodiak. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kodiak on own. Rest of day at leisure in Kodiak. Overnight at a hotel in Kodiak City.

Kodiak to Anchorage

Morning at leisure to explore Kodiak City or as weather window for delayed returns from Katmai Wilderness Lodge. In the afternoon transfer on own to the Kodiak Airport. Afternoon / evening flight from Kodiak to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer on own.

The layover time in Kodiak City is needed for potential weather delays and due to flight schedules. We cannot shorten the stay in Kodiak City.

Dates & Rates

To complete this reservation we will need for each person: Full name including middle name(s), gender, date of birth and body weight.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Special Payment Policy: Deposit of 50% is due at time of booking. Final payment is due by 31 Mar 2024!

Cancellation Policy: Until March 30, 2024: $1000 per person cancellation fee March 31, 2024 to 61 days prior: 50% cancellation fee 60 to 0 days prior: 100% cancellation fee/ non-refundable

Due to limited availability and a short operating season, stays at Katmai Wilderness Lodge are non-refundable even if your flights to the lodge are delayed or cancelled for weather related reasons, or for reasons beyond the lodge's control.

Full Covid-19 vaccination may be required for each guest. Guests may also have to self-test for Covid-19 throughout the stay.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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Our trip was the trip of a lifetime!!!  Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit your fantastic state!!! Loved the variety of various activities and places to visit while we had time to fit in other activities. Thank you again for the fantastic trip!!!  We look forward to returning to... Read more  

LuAnn | Pennsylvania

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907-364-2333   /   [email protected]

Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing

Venture to the fortress of the bears at pack creek.

Duration Day Trip About 8 Hours

Activity Hiking, Kayak, Wildlife Viewing

Highlight Brown bear viewing, float plane flight

Price From $989 per person

Difficulty Easy to Moderate

Transportation Meet at "C" Sign by the Mount Roberts Tramway

Experience The Trip

Join us for an unforgettable brown bear viewing adventure at the renowned “Fortress of the Bears” within the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, the premier coastal brown bear viewing area on Admiralty Island. Your day begins with a trip briefing and safety orientation lead by your experienced wilderness guide, followed with a breathtaking 25-minute floatplane flight to Pack Creek. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly greeted by the dedicated rangers of Pack Creek. Your guide will then lead you on a journey along the very paths the bears tread, guiding you through shoreline and forest trails to prime brown bear viewing locations.

Known as the “Fortress of the Bears,” Admiralty Island holds the Tlingit name Kootznoowoo, and it lives up to its title with an impressive brown bear population of approximately 1,800 brown bears. This island boasts one of the highest bear densities in the world, with roughly one brown bear per square mile. It’s home to about 10% of Alaska’s entire brown bear population, making it one of the most densely populated brown bear areas on the planet.

From the banks of Pack Creek, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat, whether they’re clamming or foraging on beach greens, salmon fishing in the creek, or enjoying a nap in the tall grass. While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, the abundant bear population in the Pack Creek vicinity seldom disappoints. Brown bears are most active during mating season (late May – June) and annual salmon runs (late July – August). 

*** Kayaking can be included June 20th – July 20th due to limited bear activity. Enjoy the scenic, wilderness paddle along the coastline as you approach Pack Creek. 

We are grateful to the Tlingit village of Angoon for allowing us to share this part of their homeland with our guests. Pack Creek is an ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, providing abundant nourishment for the thriving brown bear population on Admiralty Island. Eagles soar over Admiralty’s lakes, their calls echoing in harmony with the diverse bird population. This experience is a true gem of Southeast Alaska, offering visitors the chance to closely observe and photograph wildlife in their natural environment.

See What It’s Like!

The trip itinerary, about 8 hours, pick up from downtown meeting location.

Van transport to ABAK base for outfitting and transport to floatplane base

Scenic Floatplane Flight

Enjoy the views of mountains and oceans as you leave the city behind

Brown Bear Viewing at Pack Creek

Cache your food in the bear-proof lockers!

**June 20th – July 20th kayaking will be included. Kayak portion 2 hours total and bear viewing 3 hours total.

Return Scenic Floatplane Flight to Juneau

Your van transport will be waiting to return you to the main office

Return to ABAK Base

De-gear at ABAK base and return transport to meeting location – Thanks for joining us!

Practical Info

Client pickup information.

Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.

Clients arriving at AJ Dock:

Clients who dock at the AJ Dock within 30 minutes of the ABAK pick-up time will be picked up directly from AJ DOCK.

Clients Staying Locally:

Clients can be picked up from any major hotel in the Mendenhall Valley.

Clients staying at major hotels in the Downtown area will meet at our Downtown meeting location.

ABAK is unable to provide pick-up in residential neighborhoods. Clients staying at private residences, Air BnB’s, VRBO’s, or have own transportation please contact our office for meeting location information at 907-364-2333 or [email protected].

• From $989 per person **Guests travelling June 20th – July 20th have the option to land at Windfall Island and kayak into Pack Creek.

(non-refundable $60 National Forest Service permit fee is included in all reservations)

Group Size:  Minimum of 4, Maximum of 5 –  Contact for availability.

Minimum Age Public Tour: 12 years old

Minimum Age Private Tour: 8 years old – Requires a minimum of 5 guests to book to make Private.

Book early! Pack Creek Permit space is extremely limited!

Included In The Price

• Professional guides
• Roundtrip van & float plane transportation
• US Forest Service permits
• Rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants)
• Picnic lunch and Hearty Snacks
• Souvenir water bottle (we strongly encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste)

Not Included In Price

• Hot shower at the end of the day, but you can book your unique stay with us.
• Professional Photography
• Gratuity for your Guide: If you feel that your guide went Above and Beyond to facilitate an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a welcomed way to show your appreciation.

Important Notes

• Bear Sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!
• Due to aircraft restrictions, there is a 250 lbs per person weight limit on this tour. All passenger weights need to be provided at time of booking. Passengers may be weighed by float plane operator – those over 250 lbs may be subject to an additional fee.
• Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 55 inches (140cm). Maximum weight limit is 600 lbs (272kg) for double kayaks. People taller than 6’2” find operating the rudder challenging, as the pedals only adjust to a certain maximum distance; however, people as tall as 6’8” have been able to paddle our kayaks.
• The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is a wilderness area with no facilities, restrooms, or shelter on site. All garbage and waste must be packed out.
• All participants must agree to follow all guide and ranger direction, always stay with the group, store all food items in designated bear proof lockers, and keep all personal belongings on their person.
• Participants must be able to confidently hike 1-2 miles in the wilderness. Kayaking is offered June 19th-July20th and must be able to paddle up to 2 miles roundtrip.
• This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet.
• Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
• Every participant must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk Form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the form are not permitted.
• Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if you clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
• Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.

Departure Times: Daily, dependent on permits. *Please contact us for departure times and availability.

Dates of Operation: 

May 15 – June 19th and July 21st – September 10: Guests will fly directly to Pack Creek .

June 20th – July 20th: Guests will fly to Windfall Island and Kayak to Pack Creek

Group Size:***Pack Creek Permits from July 5 – August 25 are extremely limited Minimum of 4, Maximum of 5

Minimum Age:  12 years old – public tour

8 years old – private tour – must book out the full plane of 5 seats to make private

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Documentation Needed:

• Name of client(s)
• Cell phone contact number of client
• Desired trip date and departure time
• Name of cruise ship or hotel
• Participants’ ages, especially anyone under the age of 18
• Rain gear & shoe sizes (please specify male or female)
• Any pertinent medical issues, allergies or dietary restrictions
• Primary language spoken, if other than English

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• All About Above & Beyond

Celebrating Twenty Years

Above & Beyond Alaska, LLC is a local, employee-owned guiding company based in Juneau Alaska. We have been exploring the region from ocean to ice for over 25 years and guiding others since 2002. Our goal is to provide a complete Alaskan wilderness experience by sharing with clients our passion for the outdoors, technical know-how, and natural history knowledge.

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Adventure Green Alaska Certified

Whale Sense Since 2020

PO Box 211202 Auke Bay, Alaska United States AK 99821

907-364-2333 [email protected]

Permitted by the U.S. Forest Service, Tongrass National Wilderness

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Bears of Anan Experience

Bears, Eagles, Harbor Seals and More!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 7 Hours

The Best Anan Bear encounters in Wrangell, Alaska!

This A nan bear tour takes you to the world class Anan Bear Observatory. Depart Wrangell for a one hour boat ride, where you will debark at the Anan shoreline for the ½ mile trail walk to the observation deck. Limited permits are available for this Anan bear tour so book early. See Alaska’s majestic giants up close.

Book your A nan bear observatory tour today! 

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Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour with Denali Add-on

• Included in price
• Testimonials

Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with Denali Add-on

Our Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is the only tour package in Alaska that allows you to see Grizzly and Polar bears on the same tour! You will see Grizzly Bears and other wildlife like caribou and moose as well as experience the peak of the fall colors in Denali National Park, and stay at a small lodge in the heart of the park near Wonder Lake. Then you will travel to the Arctic Coast to observe Polar Bears in the best Polar Bear viewing area in Alaska as well as experience Northern Lights in one of the best aurora borealis viewing locations in North America.

You will also experience the world famous Dalton Highway of ‘Ice Road Truckers’ fame, cross the Arctic Circle, stay in heart of the Brooks Range in a quaint Alaskan Bush village, explore one of Alaska’s most captivating landscapes, visit an Eskimo village, relax in natural hot springs, and much more.

‘The Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is one of the best adventures I have ever taken!’

Miquel Correll, Texas

‘This was my second trip with Laurent, having been on the Aurora Photo Tour few years ago. My prior experience assured me that I was in good hands and rightly so, Laurent and his Wild Alaska Travel ensured we had a 5-star experience yet again. Laurent does not believe in taking tourists from point A to point B, but he really tries to give an authentic Alaskan experience to the group. His well thought out itinerary, chance to interact with locals and added buffer of plan B (and C) really goes a long way in making every trip a solid lifetime experience! We were also very lucky with the wildlife sightings and remarkably good weather in Denali, Wiseman and Kaktovik. We were constantly shaking our heads not believing what we were witnessing!! Laurent – Thank you so much for such good memories!’

Hemant Parmar, Michigan

We ask that you consider the following before requesting to be part of this adventure:

• The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes. For instance, be flexible with possible flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
• Don’t expect five star accommodations in northern Alaska because they don’t exist.
• Be prepared to use outhouses along the Dalton Highway.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Zoom call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

If the above made you pause for thought, this perhaps isn’t the trip for you—we do have other tours that might be a better fit for you, and we’d be happy to help you choose. However, if the above caveats made you more excited, then we encourage you to contact us.

You may also consider our Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour  (10 days/9 nights) which has the identical itinerary but without a visit to Denali National Park.

• Experience Denali National Park at the peak of the fall colors
• See caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and moose along the park road
• Stay in the heart of Denali National Park
• See polar bears in the best polar bear viewing area in Alaska
• Experience the Northern Lights from one of the best viewing locations in North America
• Travel along the Dalton Highway, an almost mythic road that runs for over 400 miles through Arctic wilderness, and follow the famous Ice Road Truckers
• Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Stay with local Alaskans in the Brooks Range wilderness
• Visit one of the most remote native communities in Alaska
• See Arctic Wildlife
• Dip your toes in amazing hot springs
• Visit an ice museum
• Small group of maximum six guests provides for highly personalized experience
• 13 days (12 nights) of lodging
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• All transportation during the tour incl. return flight from Deadhorse to Kaktovik
• Full day boat excursion with native guide to view polar bears
• All activities (ice museum, hot springs)
• Professional guide
• Permit fees

Day 1 – Fairbanks

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city. You will arrive on your scheduled flight, be picked up at the airport and transferred to our local hotel. You will share our Welcome Dinner in the evening in downtown Fairbanks. Fairbanks is called “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the character of her people as much as to the location in Alaska’s interior, or to the discovery of gold in 1902. Its central location makes it the focal point for the tiny villages scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, and Fairbanks is a staging point for North Slope villages such as Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Yet, unlike Anchorage, it still retains its down home “frontier” feel. It is contained within the North Star Borough, similar to a county, but roughly the size of New Jersey!

Day 2 – Fairbanks – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you are driving down to Denali National Park, the crown jewel of National Parks in Alaska. The park is one of the superlative places in the world: a land of gigantic mountains, plentiful wildlife, burly rivers and sublime wilderness. Autumn in Denali offers the chance to experience Alaska’s greatest park cloaked as comparatively few see it. During any season, the park offers some of the most striking vistas found in Alaska, but at no other time is the vast tundra more colorful than in early fall. A spectacular 90-mile drive across the park into the backcountry provides our group with a broad sampling of the epic landscapes this remarkable park has to offer. With clear weather the drive places us within easy photo access of the great mountain itself—Mt. McKinley or Denali – North America’s highest peak at 20,320 feet. In autumn the mountain tends to be less frequently eclipsed by clouds, and stunning images can be made featuring it in sweeping fall-colored landscapes or reflected in lakes and tundra ponds. You will stay in a small lodge in Kantishna at the end of the Denali Park road, far away from the crowds that can be overwhelming around the entrance of the park. The lodge serves as the base of operations for Kantishna Air Taxi, and their pilots stay there as well. In the evening, we will do an excursion to see and photograph the alpenglow on Mount McKinley reflected in Wonder Lake, where most of the iconic pictures of Mount McKinley have been taken.

Day 3 – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you will have many options, including a couple of short but very scenic hikes in the beautiful Kantishna Hills to capture some exceptional views of Mount McKinley and the vast tundra landscape in blazing fall color. The fall colors will be at the peak, and opportunities to capture this magical tapestry of colors abound, as the tundra provides an endless variety of colorful subjects: dwarf willows and birch trees only a few inches or feet in height will be in full golden hue, punctuated by the vibrant reds and magentas of wild blueberries and bearberries. You also have the option to go mountain biking on the Park road and old mining roads, fishing in Wonder Lake, or taking a flightseeing tour around Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. If you prefer, you may just relax in the lodge. You will get a first-hand view of the daily lives of Alaskan Bush pilots and crew.

Day 4 –Denali National Park – Fairbanks

You will backtrack the 90-mile Park road today as you return to the park entrance. Denali National Park is one of the greatest wildlife viewing areas in the world. It’s simply the best place in Alaska to see and photograph some of the large mammals like moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. We may spot these and other smaller animals that also inhabit the park such as foxes, arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares, and beavers. We will continue our trip back to Fairbanks tonight, and embark on the journey up the Dalton Highway to Wiseman tomorrow.

Day 5 – Fairbanks – Wiseman

You head north along the James Dalton Highway, a 414 mile road connecting Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway near the town of Livengood, located approximately 80 miles north of Fairbanks. Made famous by the recent Ice Road Trucker series, it’s considered by many to be one of North America’s most scenic and beautiful wilderness roads. Also known as the Haul Road, the Dalton Highway is critical to the delivery of material, equipment and supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. You will travel through the boreal forest and north of the Yukon River you will reach a milestone on our trip: the iconic Arctic Circle, an invisible line at the elegant latitude of 66º33′. North of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle you will reach the foothills of the Brooks Range, and a couple hours later you will arrive at our oasis in the wilderness in Wiseman, population 13, a historic gold mining community town located in the heart of the Brooks Range. During our nights in Wiseman we will keep a watchful eye for the northern lights. Wiseman is located closed to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska (and in North America!) where you can see the northern lights most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 6 – Wiseman – Deadhorse

You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings. You will go for a hike in the alpine tundra near Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for hiking along the Dalton Highway and a great place to look for Grizzly Bears, Moose and Dall Sheep. Beyond towering Atigun Pass, the Arctic Slope extends 170 miles, first through rolling tundra foothills, then over the broad, lake-dotted flatlands of the vast Coastal Plain that extends to the Arctic Ocean. We will keep our eyes peeled for Dall Sheep in the mountains and Caribou and Muskoxen on the North Slope. You will spend the night in Deadhorse. The town consists mainly of facilities for the workers and companies that operate at the nearby Prudhoe Bay oil fields.

Day 7 – Deadhorse – Kaktovik

You will spend the morning exploring Deadhorse and head back out along the Dalton Highway if weather permits. Around noon you will board a scheduled flight to Kaktovik. This flight will give you an incredible aerial impression of Alaska’s Arctic. The small Inupiaq Eskimo village of Kaktovik is located on Barter Island, population around 280. You are now only about 60 miles from the Canadian border, but still 1,400 miles from the North Pole! During a tour of the village, you will catch our first glimpse of Alaska Polar Bears at a place called the ‘bone pile’. Polar bears have historically used the barrier islands and sand spits around Barter Island as a resting place, a feeding place and a stopover until winter sea ice forms. However, the possibility of seeing large numbers of bears in one place can be linked to the local whaling. The greatest numbers of bears loafing in the area are typically found in September and October, just prior, during and after the time Kaktovik residents hunt bowhead whales. The Polar Bears feed on unused portions of whale carcasses that are deposited at a “bone pile” a few kilometers from the village during Kaktovik’s subsistence whale harvest season in September and October. The sea ice generally forms soonest again near Barter Island, which explains the bears’ presence in the area.

Day 8 – Kaktovik

Your Inupiaq guide, who is US Coast Guard licensed and vetted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, will safely guide you by boat and on shore all day along the barrier reefs for rare Polar Bear encounters. Viewing Polar Bears in the wild is probably one of the most unique experiences in the world. Certainly the Polar Bears take center stage, but there are opportunities to see other wildlife. Wherever Polar Bears roam, it is highly likely that arctic fox will follow. The arctic tundra itself—stark and barren as it may at first appear—can be truly breathtaking under an ever-changing Arctic sky. There are very few places on Earth allows this kind of intense Arctic experience.

Day 9 – Kaktovik – Deadhorse – Wiseman

You will have all morning to explore Kaktovik and return once more to see the Polar Bears. By mid-day, you will fly back to Prudhoe Bay on a scheduled flight. You will then slowly work your way back across the Coastal Plain towards the Brooks Range. The snowline will have been creeping down to lower elevations, and it is not unlikely to have snow on the ground at the end of September, which will add another dimension to the already stark landscape. After crossing over Atiugn Pass, you will reach treeline again. Your accommodation in Wiseman will be a welcome sight to relax in. You will keep your eyes peeled again at night for aurora activity. Many factors do affect our ability to see the Northern Lights, however the location of Wiseman close to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska where you can see the aurora most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 10 – Wiseman

Today will head up Nolan Creek Valley for an all-day hike and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Brooks Range. Some of you may decide to just want to spend the day exploring on your own, at your own pace.

Day 11 – Wiseman – A Taste of Alaska Lodge

You will be heading south this morning, across the Brooks Range and back into the Boreal Forest of Interior Alaska. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Your destination for the night is A Taste of Alaska Lodge, a gorgeous B&B along Chena Hot Springs Road.

Day 12 – A Taste of Alaska Lodge – Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks

Today your destination is the Chena Hot Springs Resort, internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs and its Aurora Ice Museum, which we will visit first. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes. and prime location for viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). After lunch, you will appreciate soaking your tried bodies in the legendary healing mineral waters. Not only is this a place where you can enjoy a dip in a natural hot tub (the hot springs source is 165 degrees F), but the resort itself is an excellent example of geothermal energy and sustainable design. The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.

Day 13 – Fairbanks

This morning you bid farewell to Alaska and each other. You will return home from your Alaska Polar Bear and Northern Lights Tour with a wealth of images and stories and new friendships. And you will have gained a better appreciation for a unique part of Alaska and its majestic wildlife that very few people will ever encounter.

• In Alaska, travel plans and especially flights can change in the blink of an eye, mostly due to poor aviation weather. Weather delays and/or cancellations account for about one in four scheduled flights. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay.  You need to be flexible with such flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
• You must understand and be willing to accept that weather can and does affect our planned itinerary. The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes.
• You should also plan to have some “buffer” days in your itinerary. We will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Skype call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

Peter Zemek and Merran Matheson, Australia

Hans & Anina Bodenstein, South Africa

Nirmalya Chakraborty, New York

Julianne Skai Arbor, California

“Thanks again for such a fantastic trip, don’t think I will be surpassing that one anytime soon.”

Alison Byrne, Ireland

Ruth Zhang and David Tan, Singapore

Michelle Theall, Colorado

Frans Badenhorst, South Africa

**We only require a $500 deposit per person to hold your space.

• 907-225-8800
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Alaska Bear Adventure & Flightseeing

Fly into the ultimate adventure, bear-watching in alaska..

Our veteran Alaska bush pilots are your ticket to an awesome Alaska experience. This tour is only available to a small number of visitors, thanks to a special U.S. Forest Service permit. It’s designed to land you in a world of wildlife unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

A short guide to the adventure ahead.

You’ll take off from the Ketchikan waterfront in a DeHavilland Beaver or Otter floatplane, rising above the harbor, historic homesteads,  and over the shimmering waters of Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage. Now that would be a thrilling experience right there. You’ll fly for about 20 minutes over forested mountains and pristine lakes on your way to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest.

Here’s a big feature of your trip:  A bear guide, at your service.

Frankly, when it comes to wildlife, we plan the perfect trip.  An Alaska naturalist/bear guide will meet your plane, and you’ll be driven by van about a mile to a trailhead. From there, you’ll take a short and visually stunning hike along an improved trail that leads to a viewing platform overlooking rapids, as a fast flowing creek cascades towards the sea.

You will find yourself – literally –  in the middle of an Alaska forest ecosystem.

This is where black bears gather to feed on runs of pink, Coho and Chum salmon, as they head upstream to spawn. You may see bald eagles perching in the surrounding trees waiting for scraps left by the bears. And if that weren’t enough for the photographers and nature lovers among you, a variety of birds, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink and marten are often within viewing range. Plan on asking your guide just about anything, like, “How fast do black bears run?” The answer? “Faster than any human.”  If you’ve been wondering where and how to see bears in Alaska, you’re headed for the right place because you’ll be safe and sound with us – the first airline in Alaska with an approved FAA Safety Management System.  

Please Note: This flightseeing tour is conducted from July through mid-September on a daily schedule and  with a four fare minimum. Weather could alter flight routes for safety and enjoyment. While wildlife sightings are frequent and expected, they cannot be guaranteed.

Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for weight and balance calculations and flight manifesting. To ensure aircraft weight and balance is within operating parameters, guests weighing 250 lbs. (clothed weight) or more may be required to pay an additional surcharge of $168 over the published fare direct to the tour operator. A no-bag policy applies; however, if you have medical needs that require a carry-on bag, please see the Shore Excursion office on board. All other bags brought to our terminal will be stored until you return from your flight.

If the weather is not suitable for a flight you will have an option to join Herring Cove’s  Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration  and your onboard folio will be credited the difference in the flight portion.

Taquan Air operates this tour under a special use permit issued by the United States Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• 3.25 hour, including check-in time and flight. Transportation not included.
• Aircraft weight/balance may require guests 250 lbs or more to pay surcharge
• Shopping opportunities will be available at Taquan Air's terminal

Exclusively Sold On Board All Major Cruise Lines

*This experience involves an increased amount of physical activity including walking over uneven terrain and extended periods of standing. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.

Other Tours

Misty fjords flightseeing, anan creek bear adventure & flightseeing.

Taquan Air operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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We’re recommended on.

Site by Bold Design Group

Flights do not operate on the following

Federal holidays.

New Year’s Day

Memorial Day

Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Independence Day

Veteran’s Day

President’s Day

Taquan Air’s Safety Management System Program

First faa-accepted part 135 air taxi safety management system (sms) program in alaska.

In January 2021, Taquan Air became the first Part 135 Air Taxi Operator in the State of Alaska to receive the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) acceptance of a Safety Management System (SMS) developed in accordance with the standards and requirements set forth in the FAA’s SMS Voluntary Program.

AN ORGANIZATION-WIDE PROGRAM TO MANAGE SAFETY IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

 ACTIVE SMS APPLICATIONS THROUGHOUT THE FLIGHT, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORTING PROGRAMS

OUR FACILITIES

Ketchikan waterfront base, taquan air terminal.

Taquan customers enjoy our state-of-the-art, custom-built facility, with a comfortable lobby, water view and floatplane dock with its waterfront patio.

The 16,000 square foot facility is located in Ketchikan’s 6.0 acre Harbor Point Business Park located at 4085 Tongass Avenue. Vehicles access the business park via a separate entrance and exit driveways from Tongass Avenue, with motorcoach loading, unloading and staging areas as well as ample short and long-term parking for customers.

The spacious check-in area, passenger lounge, gift shop and restrooms are specifically designed to handle groups large and small. Other features in this spacious complex include:

Administrative and flight operations offices

• A large conference room and training facility
• Space for expansion
• Ramps and Floats

Extended passenger access ramps

• Non-skid surfaced floatplane dock
• Over 600 feet of floatplane dock space
• Maintenance Hangar

Hangar space for up to six aircraft

• Fully equipped and staffed maintenance bays
• Expanded parts department and inventory
• Office spaces and an employee break room
• Freight Department

Extensive storage for freight and U.S. Mail

• Large walk-in cooler and freezer
• Industrial size floor scale

Aircraft Specs

Taquan air otter, taquan air dehavilland beaver.

• Information
• About Alaska
• Meet Your Guides
• Our Testimonials
• Why Choose Us
• Arrigetch Peaks
• Canning River Rafting
• Sea Kayak Icy Bay
• Above The Circle (NEW!)
• Adventure To Oz
• Decadent Denali (NEW!)
• Seven Pass Route
• The Southern Traverse
• The Northern Traverse
• The Goat Trail
• Photo Tours
• Alaska Landscapes
• Aurora Borealis
• Bald Eagles
• Brown Bears & Coastal Wildlife
• Brown Bears of Summer

Fat Bears in the Fall

• Grizzlies in the Mist
• Northern Lights in the Fall

Polar Bears

• Hungry Whales Photo Tour
• Backpacking
• Packrafting
• Sea Kayaking
• Snowshoeing

Where We Go

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
• Denali National Park
• Gates of the Arctic NP
• Lake Clark NP
• Wrangell St. Elias NP
• Eye of the Beholder
• Expeditions
• Gates of the Arctic
• Wrangell St. Elias
• Grizzly Bears
• Guests Gallery
• Northern Lights

• Explore Our Trips
• Photo Slideshow

Polar Bear Photo Tour

Get eye to eye with a polar bear. get eye to eye with two polar bears..

• Eye level polar bear photography
• Frequently as many as 30-40 polar bears
• Daily excursions on our chartered boat
• Catch the polar bears in snow and ice
• Local Inupiaq guide and boat captain
• Accommodations and meals in arctic Alaska
• 6 nights, 5 full days, 2 half days of photography

Eye-level with a polar bear? How about you get eye-level with two dozen polar bears? This photo tour puts you and your lens smack in the middle of the polar bear’s world.

Snow and ice. This is the arctic.

Nanuq the Sea Bear, front and center.

Small, photo only group. Limited to 5 clients.

Bears of all sizes. Adult male polar bears, sows and cubs and playful juveniles.

The polar bear;  Ursus maritimus . This photo tour provides a simply unparalleled opportunity to photograph the largest terrestrial carnivore in North America. The photo tour is scheduled to meet the absolute prime conditions for polar bear photography in the region. We spend 6 nights in arctic Alaska, taking boat trips out each day (weather permitting) to photograph the bears. The best polar bear photo tour in Alaska, bar none.

The Alaska Polar Bear

Arctic Alaska is home to many creatures we all love to see and to photograph, but perhaps no other animal quite encapsulates the region like the great Polar bear;  Ursus maritimus ; Nanuq (or Nanook). We’ll spend 6 nights in a small native island community, at the very northern edges of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with 5 full days and another half day focusing on photographing the magnificent polar bears that gather here late in the fall.

Unlike most other Alaska polar bear photo tours, this tour is all about the bears. We spend the entire week concentrating on polar bear photography, and everything else we may or may not shoot along the way, such as northern lights, etc, is somewhat secondary (if the northern lights might ever be considered  “secondary”  ). 🙂 Rather than just 2 or maybe 3 days with the bears like most other arctic Alaska polar bear photo tours, we spend the entire week focused on getting the very best polar bear photos we can. For the most part, that means giving ourselves as much time as possible.

To do that we’ll spend all week on the island, looking for optimal conditions. Good light, no wind, and active and energetic polar bears! Watch the video below to see a small sample of the kind of opportunities available.

Expeditions Alaska Polar Bear Tour Video

Polar Bears. Playful. Powerful. Photogenic.

Returning to the arctic coast in mid-fall, polar bears of the Southern Beaufort Sea congregate ned the mouth of the ago River in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A local Inupiat Village subsistence whale hunt provides further attraction for the hungry bears.

Tolerant of human activity, these polar bears are an enigmatic photographic subject. Playful and curious, they’re also shy and elusive. Fierce and solemn, yet timid and cautious.  A photogenic creatures like few others.

Sows with cubs are common, as many as three sows may have cubs of the year. Often several other sows in the area have yearling or two year old still with them. Subadults roam the beaches. Large adult males spar and wrestle on the snow.

Surprisingly sociable creatures, polar bears routinely play and tussle with each other. Cubs will chase one another along the shoreline. Even while sleeping on a pad of fresh snow, a polar bear is a subject like no other.

Polar Bear. Ice Bear.

This tour is all about the bears. You’ll photograph bears playing in the water, polar bear cubs chasing each other across the frozen snow-covered islands, and adult males wrestling and sparring. More poses and portraits that you can imagine.

Bears are always a treat to photograph. Polar bears particularly so. Nowhere in the world is there a better place than Arctic Alaska to photograph these astonishing creatures.

An average of 40 bears in the immediate vicinity each of the last 5 years. A high population of nearly 80 bears in 2012). This is simply THE place to go.

Eye Level Photography. Intimate encounters. Swimming bears. Playful Cubs. Sows Nursing. Males sparring.

Want to learn more about polar bears?

Polar Bears on Ice.

All 19 subpopulations of polar bears have experienced some degree of ice loss. Loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is the single biggest threat to polar bears throughout their range.

Trip Details

Photographing from your small privately chartered boat, we’re able to photograph the bears without disturbing them. The polar bears here are used to our presence, and (as are most polar bears) extremely curious.

The photography opportunities will amaze you. I can’t overstate this. There’s nothing I can say here that might fully prepare you for you just how incredible the polar bear photography is here. I can, however, offer you that in the last few years, more and more people are coming here, to Alaska, and forsaking the better known locales of Churchill or Svalbard (Spitzbergen). The polar bears are concentrated here in the Barter Island area this time of year, feeding off the remains of the fall subsistence whale hunt.

The bears gather here as the area is typically the first in the region to freeze up in fall, allowing the bears to hunt on the ice. The other draw for the bears here is carrion. The local Inupiat village have a subsistence Bowhead whale hunt each fall (autumn) and the polar bears feed off the remains from that hunt (the village has a quote of three whales each fall).

A high concentration of polar bears in a small, accessible area.

Trip Logistics

Orientations, meals & wheels, on the water, cameras & clothes, terms & conditions.

We’ll pick you up when you arrive on Barter Island, and shuttle you to the hotel. There we’ll check in and have lunch, as well as a brief orientation for the tour. Immediately afterwards, we’ll ride down to the waterfront and meet your boat captain.

The nearby barrier islands are where we typically find the bears, so it’s a short ride. There we’ll find which bears we want to photograph, and spend our first afternoon with the bears.

Dinner back at the hotel again. Meals are first class food (this is the arctic, not New York City, but the food is always excellent, and plenty of it). After dinner we can download and review or edit images if you like.

The hotel serves three meals a day, buffet style, with custom orders limited but available as time and staffing permits. Any dietary restrictions, if you can let me know ahead of time, we can typically accommodate.

Your transport from the hotel to the boat and back is provided each day, morning and afternoon.

Weather conditions vary, but you should expect it to be cold. You’re in the arctic. Wind can be strong, and blowing snow is not uncommon. If the weather is too adversarial, we won’t go out on the water (at the boat captain’s discretion). Safety is a priority, of course.

Your boat captain is a US Coast Guard licensed marine captain. Both the boat captain and myself are permitted through the US Fish & Wildlife Service to operate on the Arctic Refuge waters. We also carry all the requisite insurance, and licensing, etc. Both operators have submitted safety plans for your tours. I carry a satellite phone as well as a first aid kit on the water. The boat operator also has the requisite radio and emergency equipment for safe operations in arctic waters.

Sometimes the bears are feeding at the  “bone pile” , so shooting from there is an option if the weather dictates we don’t take the boat. We’ll look into a vehicle and take you there as needed.

Upon your reservation, I’ll send you a full Trip Departure Packet eBook, filled with photos and information about the tour, including two chapters on clothing and camera equipment options. As a general rule, think of any standard wildlife photography (long, fast lenses, high ISO performance cameras are a good start). Beanbags or monopods work better than tripods, but occasionally a tripod can be handy.

Clothing needs to be arctic wear. If you’re not familiar with what that is, we’ll discuss than and I can send you the section on what to wear.

The Terms and Conditions for all Expeditions Alaska trips, my guiding business, can be found on  the website here .

This tour is limited in scope, by weather and available space, so it fills up early. If you’re at all interested in the tour, I strongly suggest you contact me asap via the form below, and we look at availability and waiting lists. Thank you.

Any Questions? Email me.

Trip Itinerary

Day 0 – You arrive in Fairbanks, AK, overnight there (not included)

Day 1 – You’ll fly to Barter Island, arrival approximately noon. Check in and orientation, then head out for an afternoon of photography.

Day 2/6 – Breakfast, the we head out to photograph. Daily photography excursions, morning and afternoon, by chartered boat. Typically we’re out around 8:30am, back for lunch, out again in the afternoon and back for dinner. Time are dependent on weather and conditions. 6-8 hours on the water each day. One evening (TBD) we’ll schedule your optional cultural evening with local Inupiaq sharing local traditions and stories

Day 7 – Pack up your things, check out (you can leave luggage in the hotel), have a morning trip on the water to photograph, followed by your return flight to Fairbanks. Plan on overnighting there (not included), and taking your flight home no sooner than the following day.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Currently, I’m providing one chartered flight Fairbanks – Barter Island. For the first week (Oct 4-10), that’ll be your return flight. For the 2nd week tour (Oct 10-16), that’ll be your arrival flight to Barter Island. So for week one, you need to book a flight Fairbanks -> Barter Island on the 4th. For week two, you need to book a flight Oct 16 Barter Island -> Fairbanks.

All transport on Barter Island is included.

Daily boat charter out on to the waters of the inner coastal, with a Coast Guard licensed and US FWS permitted boat captain.

Photography instruction as needed. Photography processing advice and instruction if required.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Your airfare to/from Alaska.

Accommodations outside Barter Island.

Camera Equipment. Camera Insurance.

Personal expenses.

Gratuities.

Polar bears have long garnered the attention of those people who live amongst them in the cold north. For millennia, people here have regaled one another with countless tales of close encounters with Nanuq, the sea bear. Stories of grandeur, real and imagined, tales of his hunting prowess, his wit and his energy, his strength, his bravery and his cunning.

Inuit and Alaska Native tales include stories about polar bear-men, fabled creatures that walked upright, lived in igloos and could talk. These creatures were humans inside their home, but donned magnificent fur coats when they went outside to hunt Ugruk, the bearded seal.

The scientific name for the polar bear is Ursus maritimus, or sea bear. The bears are classified as marine mammals, oddly by the same folks who refer to the polar bear as the largest terrestrial (i.e., land) predator in the world. It seems he doesn’t really fit neatly in to any pigeon hole or category we try to squeeze him inside. Sadly, we seem as prone to classify and typecast animals (and plants) as we do ourselves.

Polar bears are indeed a string of contradictions. Solitary yet extremely sociable, he’s fearless, yet timid. Curious, yet cautious. Intelligent, yet comical. A powerful athlete, yet clumsy and awkward. A fierce predator, yet playful and affectionate.

Collectively, they’re a successful apex predator, yet a vulnerable species, precariously balanced on that apex and now threatened with extinction. These paradoxes tell me we have a lot more to learn about (and from) the polar bear.

A series of adaptations make the polar bear a great swimmer. They have some webbing between their toes, they have a water repellent coat, a streamlined, tapered body shape, strong powerful forelegs for paddling (they don’t use their hind legs when paddling, but hold them aloft behind, like rudders) and broad feet.

Though they’re excellent swimmers and have been known to swim over 400 miles to reach an ice pack, polar bears are generally not capable of out-swimming the seals they prey on.

Polar Bears FAQs

1. what are the chances of no bears.

I’d be extremely, extremely surprised. Every year we’ve been here we’ve seen and photographed well over two dozen bears in any one week.

2. What gear do I bring?

On your reservation I’ll provide you with a comprehensive Trip Departure Packet, and I cover gear (camera gear and clothing) extensively. Suffice it to say, the last three years I’ve shot primarily with a Nikon FX body and my 80-400mm lens. I also bring a 500m F4, a DX body and a 1.4 extender. By far the most used set up for me is the 80-400mm.

3. What temperatures can we expect?

It will likely be right around freezing. Expect snow. Remember too, that an ambient temperature of 32˚F (0˚C) will feel significantly colder than what you might expect when we’re on a small boat on the icy water of the southern Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean.

4. What communications are available?

The accommodations of choice have satellite internet (included). It’s not fast, and not good for uploading large files, etc, but for email and reading the news, it works fine. Cell coverage is available, but can be spotty for different providers. AT&T works well. There is a landline available at the hotel as well. In the field I carry a satellite phone, and we have radios on the boat as well. Typically, the boats are NOT out of cell phone coverage from the village.

5. Any northern lights opportunities?

For my groups, no. I think it’s unsafe and unsound to take a group of photographers out of the village to photograph the northern lights in an area with 40 polar bears in the vicinity. Some other tour operators will do this, and you’re welcome to book with them if you want to. In my opinion, it’s reckless and asking for a problem.

6. What other photography opportunities are there?

This tour is all about polar bears. There is not a lot of other wildlife in the nearby area. Some times we’ll see an arctic fox. Most of the birds have left this lateen the year, but there are various gulls and some waterfowl still in the area.

It’s my opinion that the best polar bear photography comes when we spend our time working on photographing polar bears.

7. Any weather caveats

Weather will of course dictate everything. This  IS  arctic Alaska after all and we can expect some inclement weather.

You’ll see more information about this throughout this page but know that a flexible itinerary and a fluid approach to the schedule are needed.

Some days we might not be able to go out on the water if the ocean is too rough, etc. There’ll likely be some downtime, which is par for the course in the arctic anytime of the year. We’ll make every effort possible to utilize everything available to maximize our opportunities for some great polar bear photography. The benefit of a week long stay is the chances improve dramatically for a combination of great weather and light conditions, polar bear activity and photography.

I highly HIGHLY recommend you purchase Trip Insurance .

I have more questions

I know you do. As well you should.

I recommend starting with the General Trip FAQ page

More questions?  Email me  or  call me  if you like.

Upon your reservation I’ll send out a comprehensive trip information packet that covers just about everything and more you might imagine about your trip.

Polar Bear Tour Review

“All in all I think he’s very professional and yet very friendly and makes a good company. It matters since in most of trips you’ll be spending a lot of time with him together. Hes got some humours and he’s definitely got great knowledge of the tours he does. When I return to Alaska he’s the one I’ll be calling. I’m a professional photographer myself and I’m not easily pleased. But his tours have pleased me. That’s for sure” .

Read a complete review of this tour here

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Alaska Brown Bear & Coastal Wildlife Photo Tour

Bears, bears and more bears. And seals, sea otters and bald eagles. Alaska as it gets.

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, one boot is appealing. Basically it means “You got this” .

1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy 2 boots = easier backpacking trip 3 boots = intermediate level trip 4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking 5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?

Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level LOWER on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.

One boot is about as easy as we do here in Alaska. That doesn’t mean it’s easy; you’re carrying gear, and even on a basecamp trip you’ll find expending some effort required of you. And there is always the weather or some other adversarial element to contend with.

What you won’t find on a single-boot-rated trip is the difficult terrain challenges we see on our other ventures. No glacial moraines to deal with, or alder and muskeg, or sidehills to wreak havoc on your ankles hours on end.

Great option for starters, the older or the younger folks who want to see some astonishing remote wild country, without all the rigors or the more common backpacking adventures we undertake. You’ll love it.

A week with a private chartered boat, the best captain in the business and some of the most stunning wild Alaska backdrops you can imagine, And did we mention the bears?

The Fat Bears of Brooks Falls. Alaska. You. And Your Camera.

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An American icon. Thousands of them. Bring Your Camera. Or Two.

One week of bald eagle photography on the famous Chilkat River. Hundreds, even thousands of bald eagles gather. So bring plenty of memory cards.

Aurora Borealis Photo Tour

Alaska’s Lady of the Night. She Dances With Darkness.

This is how we do aurora borealis photography. Take the time to do it right. Go to the right locations. Learn the technicals of the photography. And enjoy the stunning Aurora borealis.

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Sitka Premium Scenic Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totem Village

• Photos / Video
• Things to know
• Reviews (86)

Excursion Overview

See sitka’s top three attractions in one amazing tour.

View rescued brown bears and eagles up close on this premium tour of the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and Totem Village in Sitka. After a quick shuttle ride into the town of Sitka, guests will begin their small group tour from the Visitor Center. A comfortable and smaller capacity van will transport guests throughout their expedition in Sitka; positioned at the edge of Baranof Island towards the end of the Inside Passage. A local guide depicts everyday Sitka life on the way to the first stop along this extensive tour, Silver Bay. The stunning beauty of the region reveals itself with every turn of the road south. The van will stop for an incredible photo opportunity along the way and there is always the potential wildlife spotting along the way; eagles, whales, sea lions, and salmon are among the common sightings along this region. The next stop brings guests to the popular Fortress of the Bears; a naturalized habitat offering visitors opportunities for up-close viewing (within 25 feet!) of local rescued brown bears. Set along the National Forest, the 3/4 acre environment is the largest bear dwelling in North America. Skilled rescuers will share their experience, care and knowledge of a generally feared, yet revered forest dweller. Guests will learn the challenges these rescuers face in the pursuit to protect these amazing creatures. The intimate small group tour will continue onto the Raptor Center, a 17-acre habitat against the Tongass National Forest and the Indian River; its mission to rehabilitate injured and/or ill birds of prey like hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. Being the largest rehabilitation center in Alaska, and one of the largest in North America, it takes in between 100 and 200 birds each year. Many of the birds are recovering from gunshot wounds as well as trauma related to traffic incidents. It is the goal of the center to heal and introduce the birds back into the wilderness. Guests will learn about the part of that healing process that focuses on retraining the birds to fly within the expansive flight training center. While birds that can no longer return to the wild are often sent to wildlife centers and zoos throughout the country, a few do remain as permanent guests. Visitors can often view more than two dozen winged inhabitants who aid in the public education mission of the Raptor Center. Guests will then be transported within their small group to the final stop along the tour and Alaska's oldest national park, Sitka National Historical Park. A stunning stroll through the Tlingit and Haida totem poles among spruce and hemlock trees awaits each guest on the breathtaking coastal trail. Joining a guide on a scenic walk looking out over the Indian River will educate guests on the salmon life cycle, and midseason opportunities to observe spawning. As the tour concludes, guests are given the option of riding back to town with their guide or staying longer and strolling along the beautiful Sea Walk back to town (about a 15-20 minute walk to the ship shuttle).

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation
• Entrance and activity fees

Requirements:

• Due to seat availability and guest safety/comfort, passengers weighing 250 lbs or more should purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Sitka.)

• 35 minutes - total transport time to all attractions
• 40 minutes - Fortress of the bears
• 40 minutes - Alaska Raptor Center
• 35 minutes - Sitka National Historical Park
• Guests will have a choice to drive back with a guide or stay longer and stroll the Sea walk back to town (a 15-20 minute walk to ship shuttle)

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets downtown, and some guests will need to take a free shuttle. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the ticket price covers all associated entry costs.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 10 guests. If you have more than 10 passengers in your party, multiple vans will provide transportation for your group.

There is open seating on the tour van, however if you require a certain seat due to a physical impairment then please inform your tour guide.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Bears will be viewable at the Fortress of the Bears stop during the tour.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

No food or drinks are included.

The transportation van does not have the capacity to accommodate most wheelchairs, collapsible or not, unfortunately.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On sep 2023.

Excellent excursion. Our ship was late into port and the shuttle buses were behind. They actually called me on the shuttle to let me know they were aware of the delay and they would be waiting!!! Awesome customer service! The coastal brown bears were amazing! They are so large! Very infomative about the eagles and the totems. Definitely recommend this excursion!

We enjoyed this tour very much! To see three different premium locations in two hours was amazing. We saw so many different animals and totem poles, and this was well worth the cost of the tour. Also, our tour guide could not have been better. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. Would absolutely recommend! Customer service was also very nice to work with as we had to make some last-minute changes!

It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and the air was crisp. Our guide Sharon was so very excited to show us all the places on our tour. The raptor and bear sanctuaries were wonderful places to see and learn about the eagles and bears. Sharon shared her knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area as well. Seeing the totems was terrific. She stopped the van a couple of times so we could see an eagle sunning itself and the salmon jumping in the bay. It was a great time.

Great tour with an informative driver.

Knowledgeable guide. Great experiences at each site.

• Reviews Showing: 86

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7 Alaska Cruise Excursions That Are Worth The Money

E xcursions come in all shapes and sizes. Some cruise lines include all excursions in the cost of your cruise passage, allowing you to choose the ones that suit your desires. Others include no excursions, which helps keep the initial cost of the cruise low, but you may find your onboard charging slipping higher than you expected. Still other cruise lines offer a hybrid option, where the basic tours are included and there is an upcharge for the higher-priced options.

1. Whales, Wildlife, And Brown Bear Search

For a full-day, 5.5-hour wildlife adventure, try the Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search out of Icy Strait Point. This excursion is offered by Princess cruise lines.

On this guaranteed whale sighting tour, jump on a high-speed catamaran to cruise the very active feeding ground of the humpback whale. Return to shore for an often bumpy ride to the Spasski River for a guided drive in search of brown bear, black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The walking portion involves covering about a half-mile of gravel and boardwalk pathways, meaning this excursion requires moderate exertion.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Exploration

Alaska is all about the ice. Glaciers are ubiquitous and the variety of glacier-centric tour options runs from genial walks to full-on glacial climbs.

Mendenhall Glacier is the top excursion for your Alaska cruise’s Juneau stop. You can choose from a large variety of tours, and many providers have handicap-accessible options. They vary in time and price, meaning there’s a glacier tour option for everyone.

Princess Cruises offers the creme de la creme Mendenhall Helicopter Glacier Trek . If you are searching for the bucket-list Alaska cruise item, this is it. The 4- to 5-hour heli/walking tour starts around $480. You will be fitted for outerwear, hard hats, mountaineering boots, and crampons. Your kit will include a much-needed ice ax. After you touch down on the glacier, your guide will lead you on a 2-hour hike. You do not need experience, but you will be hiking for about two miles on uneven terrain.

Disney offers the 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration that explores the Juneau icefield and five of its glaciers. Your seaplane journey takes you over the Tongass National Forest before you soar over Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, Taku, and the East and West Twin glaciers. Wildlife spotting is very likely; keep on the lookout for eagles, bears, and moose. This tour is perfect for adventurers who require or prefer little or no walking. The minimum age is 2 years old, making it accessible for most family members. 

3. Sport Fishing

Salmon is king in Alaska, but there are many types of fishing adventures suitable for everyone from novices to hardened anglers.

Disney cruise line also offers a Ketchikan Alaska Fish Camp and Wilderness Dinner . The 5.5-hour fishing trip is available to family members 5 and up. Once you are outfitted with authentic Alaska fishing gear, you can cast your line in hopes of catching “The Big One.” After several hours of fishing, head to the campsite where chuck-wagon cooks will prep and cook your catch, serving up a wonderful outdoor dinner.

4. Panning For Gold

If you are traveling with teens or tweens, gold panning in Skagway is a fun, hands-on activity for the entire gang.

Princess offers a 6-hour exclusive Gold Panning, Sled Dog, and Scenic Railway excursion. The tour includes a gold panning lesson during which you can participate in a prospecting session in a controlled pavilion. You will also watch a dog sled demonstration run that includes a meet-and-greet with the sled dogs and musher. The tour concludes with a historic train ride through Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. This is a great tour for everyone in the family and requires only mild exertion.

5. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen

Hop aboard Holland America Line’s Bering Sea Crab Fishermen excursion and explore the world of Disney’s Deadliest Catch TV Series.

In the port of Ketchikan, travel along the Inside Passage with experienced fisherman hauling up the day’s king crab catch. Guests as young as 5 years old are welcome aboard the ship where stories of Alaska wilderness and maritime adventures will astound wide-eyed guests.

6. Food Tours

There is no shortage of tours for the foodie in your group. Disney’s Woodhouse Wine Estates tasting visit combined with a downtown Seattle tour is a fun date night excursion without the kids. Princess offers a Juneau Foodie Walking Tour in conjunction with Bon Appetit where you can sample some of Alaska’s finest local cuisine.

7. Scenic Drives In Sitka

Viking Cruises offers a 1.5-hour Scenic Sitka by Motor Coach excursion that is included in the passage price. This tour does include some incline walking when you visit Sitka National Historical Park, where you can view the site’s 18 totem poles. Learn Sitka’s Russian and U.S. history in this Southeast Alaska city.

Pro Tip: Booking Excursions

It is a good idea to choose an excursion that is booked through your cruise line. They will, in good faith, wait for you if there is a delay in your returning to the ship. If the ship cannot wait, they may make accommodations to get you to the next port of call. If you book an excursion with a private tour company, though, you are essentially on your own to get to the ship on time. If you miss the departure because of the tour arriving late, you will be responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port of call. That could be a considerable distance if they are at sea for two days, and some of the Alaska cruises have several consecutive days at sea.

Alaska Cruises are a bucket-list item you will want to explore at any age. You will find the history, natural beauty, and fresh-from-the-earth (or ocean) cuisine bring you closer to nature.

Still not sure an Alaska cruise is right for you? Read one traveler’s intimate account of her Alaska by small-ship cruise experience.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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How to plan a memorable first-time alaska cruise.

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The remarkable scenery of Glacier Bay is a highlight on many Alaskan cruise itineraries.

Embark on a journey through Alaska's pristine wilderness aboard a cruise ship, where you can experience the awe-inspiring nature of the last American frontier in comfort.

As you glide past icy fjords and into secluded bays, seize the chance to witness magnificent glaciers up close, and keep your eyes peeled for the mighty bears, whales and eagles that call this rugged landscape home.

However, don't make the mistake of thinking you’ll have peace and quiet. Remote it may be, but Alaska is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.

Ports such as Skagway can accommodate up to four large cruise ships at once. Smaller ports can easily become overwhelmed with visitors, while popular shore excursions sell out well in advance. As such, there’s a lot to understand about Alaska cruises before booking.

Cruise Lines In Alaska

Most major cruise lines sail in Alaska, ranging from large, modern ships full of amenities, down to smaller, older ships with more outside space and a relaxed vibe. Expedition cruises on even smaller ships focus more on wildlife and geology.

When picking a line and ship, consider your choice of cabin carefully. Although inside cabins offer a cheaper deal, the value of a balcony cabin shouldn't be underestimated. On scenic cruising days, you’ll be able to enjoy the landscape—and potentially wildlife—without jostling for position.

Alaska Cruise Itineraries Explained

There are two main types of Alaskan cruise itinerary: the Inside Passage roundtrip, and a one-way Gulf voyage. Each route offers unique opportunities to see both glaciers and wildlife, with specifics depending on the season.

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Alaska is a popular cruise destination in the summer.

Seven-night Inside Passage cruises typically depart from hubs like Seattle or Vancouver, calling at popular stops like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Many feature a scenic cruising tour of the breathtaking Glacier Bay National Park.

For example, this 7-night itinerary on Norwegian Encore including all those highlights is available between April and October in both 2024 and 2025.

For those seeking deeper exploration, one-way Gulf voyages include the highlights of the Inside Passage route, but also venture closer to the Arctic Circle. Typically, such itineraries start or end at Whittier or Seward near Anchorage.

This 7-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises includes port calls at Sitka, the historic Icy Strait Point, and scenic cruising of the Hubbard Glacier on the way from Vancouver to Seward.

Some cruise lines combine Gulf voyages with curated tours before or after the cruise for a comprehensive Alaska experience. Such tour packages include famous rail journeys, visits to Denali National Park, and optional overnight stays in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Longer Alaskan cruise itineraries, especially those on smaller ships or expedition lines, may include remote locales like Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.

Port Excursions In Alaska

Exploring ashore on guided excursions is a highlight of any Alaskan cruise. Each port offers unique opportunities to engage with the natural environment and local culture, but the popularity of cruising in the region means advance booking is essential.

Some of the most popular tours may fill up just days after they go on sale, in some cases months before the actual cruise. Consider independent tour options, but read the terms and conditions carefully and check for reviews from previous cruisers.

Mendenhall Glacier is a popular cruise excursion from Juneau on Alaska cruises.

Alaskan capital Juneau is renowned for its glacier tours and wildlife viewing opportunities. The hike through backcountry to the Mendenhall glacier requires a good level of physical fitness, while whale watching boat trips are just as popular.

The historic Skagway train tour along the Klondike route in a vintage coach, featuring stunning vistas and rich gold rush era history, is a must-do.

Cultural tours in Ketchikan often include visits to the Saxman Native Village, where totem poles and traditional dance performances offer insight into the local Tlingit culture.

When To Cruise Alaska

Alaska is not a year-round cruising spot, and the season is shorter than most leading cruise destinations. Alaska’s cruising season ranges from late April to late September.

April : Expect relatively dry days, though not completely devoid of light showers and fog. Bears are only just emerging from their winter slumber so sightings are unlikely, but you may see eagles and humpback whales.

May : With more ship options, relatively dry weather, long hours of daylight, and good value fares, May is a popular time to cruise Alaska before the peak. Wildlife, including migrating shorebirds, whales, and bears, are more visible.

June : Mild temperatures and long daylight hours—up to 19 per day—provide optimal cruising conditions. Enjoy vibrant greenery and more wildlife sightings, but prepare for the possibility of mosquitoes (especially on trips inland) and variable weather.

July : July brings mild temperatures, often reaching the 70s, but it's also the start of the wetter period. Expect long hours of daylight ideal for wildlife sightings, including salmon runs and bear activity. However, peak cruise season means high fares, busier ships, and busier ports. Local produce starts to feature heavily on menus shoreside.

Juneau, Alaska, has a spectacular natural setting and is a gateway to many exciting outdoor ... [+] experiences.

August : Expect rain, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-60s and nights cooling to the upper 40s, and ample wildlife viewing opportunities, as bears and bald eagles are active near salmon streams. Fares, along with the number of daylight hours, fall later in the month.

September : Expect cooler temperatures and frequent rain, which may risk the success of outdoor excursions. Despite less demand, wildlife viewing remains good with bears still active near salmon streams and whales still present in coastal waters. September also offers a chance to see the northern lights .

What To Pack For Alaska Cruises

Packing smart for an Alaska cruise means being prepared for both adventure in the great outdoors and the comforts of cruise life.

An Alaskan journey demands attire for cooler climates. Essentials include a fleece jacket, thermal socks, and a warm hat to combat the cold, along with sweaters and thermal underwear for effective layering. Waterproof gear such as a reliable rain jacket and waterproof pants are crucial for unexpected rain or snow showers.

You should also consider waterproof bags to protect your electronics and important documents during shore excursions.

Sun protection is vital due to the deceptive Alaskan sun. High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are necessary to guard against UV rays and snow glare.

Footwear should include waterproof hiking boots for rugged terrain and slip-proof sandals for the deck, accompanied by thermal or wool socks for additional warmth.

For shore excursions, a collapsible backpack and a thermal water bottle will keep you organized and hydrated, while binoculars can greatly enhance wildlife tours. A simple first aid kit, sea-sickness bands, and insect repellent are other wise packing choices.

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