Bear Viewing and Wildlife Search
Tour Times: Tour time will be confirmed on your voucher to best fit your itinerary
Don't Port,
Don't Pay Security
Back-to-Ship
Guarantee
Hassle-free
Cancellation
Book ahead!
On average, this booked 4 months in advance.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included
Overview
Bears! Bears! Bears!
Everyone coming to Alaska wants to see bears.
This is a chance to do so without flying in a small plane, taking a fast boat, or doing whatever is necessary to capture that opportunity.
Because the secret to finding bears is all about the salmon!
You will begin with an eight-mile coastal drive to the forest area of Herring Cove.
It sits within the Alaska Rain Forest Sanctuary and during your ride it will be clear to you how special this forest is - it is actually the largest national forest in the US.
Your guide will be waiting for you, ready to introduce you to the Alaska wilderness and when you are ready, you will begin your walking expedition to locate some of the black bears that made this area their home.
You will pass through tall growths of hemlock, spruce and cedar as you explore the sanctuary.
An elevated walkway trail will continue to lead you to a private viewing platform that overlooks Eagle Creek where the bears come to the stream to fish for salmon.
This really is the key to finding bears - go where they feed!
Nearby, the Whitman hatchery feeds into the river, which guarantees that the river will be teeming with salmon every summer.
The walk is approximately half a mile trail, over relatively flat terrain. Your guide may change the order of the tour or time spent in any one area to give you the best chance to see bears. Although the chances for seeing bear are excellent, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The wildlife viewing time is approximately 60 minutes.
It is fascinating to watch the bears but also the bald eagles perching above, waiting to come and feed on the scraps left by the bears.
Mink and marten and seals linger at the mouth of the stream, catching occasional fish that come within their reach.
It is an amazing scene to watch this natural act of nature that occurs when the fish run, usually starting in mid-July and through August and early September.
You return to the ship by the same scenic route.
Look out for Wildlife (not guaranteed): Black Bears, Bald Eagles, Seals, Mink and Marten, Trees - Spruce, Cedar and Hemlock
What's Included
- Roundtrip Transfers
- English Speaking Guide
- Knowlegeable dedicated Guide
- Lovely walk through the Rainforest Path
- Private viewing platform at Eagle Creek
- Food and Beverages
- Tips/Gratuities
Considerations
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Minimum age is 8 years old
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Guests arriving at Ward Cove need to take a shuttle to downtown. Allow 30-40 minutes to travel from Ward Cove
Special Instructions
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The walking portion is on a well-maintained compact gravel. The elevated boardwalk reaches 15 feet above ground at its highest
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This tour operates rain or shine. Wear warm clothing, dress in layers, and wear comfortable walking shoes and rain jackets
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Expect to be standing and observing for a period of time
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This tour is only available between late July and late September to maximize the chance of bear sightings during salmon spawning
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The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a multi-use site and there will be other guests there. It is a tour offered on a limited basis only for small groups by approved companies
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Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
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Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore (and binoculars if you have them)!
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