Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane
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Port
Ketchikan, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$660
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Take off from Ketchikan on a 20-minute flight by floatplane, headed to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest noted for its salmon-rich streams and abundant wildlife. The aircraft has a digital stereo sound system and headsets for each guest to enjoy the narration. Each participant is guaranteed a window seat, and the pilot will identify points of interest en route.
Upon landing, meet your naturalist guide and drive a mile along a forest road to the trailhead. A short hike along an improved trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking a salmon-spawning stream deep in a rich rainforest environment. Here, black bears gather to feed on runs of pink, coho and chum salmon, and bald eagles perch in the surrounding trees, waiting to clean up fish scraps left by the bears. In addition to black bears, the area is frequented by Sitka black-tail deer, bald eagles, mink and marten.
This is an incredible experience for nature lovers and photographers. Ample time is allowed to observe the forest wildlife and ecosystem before the hike back to the van and the short drive to your waiting aircraft.
Please note: Access to this prime habitat is restricted by US Forest Service permit to minimize impact and protect resources. Guests weighing 250 lbs or more (fully clothed) pay an additional surcharge of $168. The surcharge can be paid in advance or directly to the tour operator just prior to the flight. Every guest is weighed at check-in. The tour operator endeavors to be discreet, but individual circumstances may not allow for complete privacy. iPads, iPad minis, tablets, drones, and selfie sticks or other extendable items are not permitted. Carry-on baggage is limited to one small personal item per passenger. A secure location is provided for storing personal items. The aircraft is equipped with a digital stereo sound system. Rain ponchos and bottled water are available. Dress warmly in layered clothing with gloves, a scarf, and a hat; outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. The hike to/from the bear viewing area is .25 miles. Terrain includes uneven, sometimes difficult, slippery surfaces with a few steps. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Tour is available only between late July and mid-September to maximize the chance of seeing bears during the peak salmon-spawning season. Minimum age is 8 years.