Port
Ketchikan, Alaska, US
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$420
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Ready for a genuine Alaskan bear encounter? This trip to Neets Bay offers beautiful scenery and a wealth of wildlife, including bears.
Your day begins with a narrated motorcoach ride to the pier. You’ll board a 36-passenger boat and set out for adventure toward the Neets Bay Bear Observatory. This pristine wilderness area is limited to a small number of visitors annually. The splendor of the Tongass National Forest is breathtaking, offering numerous photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for whales, eagles and sea lions during the one-hour scenic cruise to the observatory.
Southeast Alaska is home to thousands of black bears, who stake their claim near salmon-spawning streams. When you arrive on land, you’ll head to the base of such a stream to learn about the habitat you’re about to explore and the bears you’ll observe. Enjoy the serenity of the lush forest and a chance to spot smaller woodland creatures from the well-maintained forest trail as you walk to the viewing platform.
Your guide has all the answers about these majestic ursine mammals and will share his/her knowledge. Breathtaking photo opportunities give you the chance to document your co-existence with these incredible creatures in their habitat. You may even see the bears teaching their young to fish or relaxing after a meal of fresh pink salmon. Nothing compares to being near these beautiful creatures in the wild.
Please note: Bottled water and light snacks are included. The walking trail is gravel and the earth is covered with roots, steps, rocks and water channels, making the surface uneven. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion; outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.
The operators of this tour are confident that a bear will be sighted by your group on this excursion. If not, you will receive an $100 on-board credit from the tour operator. It is important to note that seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity and there are times when bears will not be seen. Please keep this in mind when booking the tour.