Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea
4.8 / 5 · 171 traveler reviews
The Neets Bay Bear Observatory is closed to the general public and accessible only by permit. As the exclusive permit holder, our guests enjoy a rare opportunity to visit one of Southeast Alaska's premier bear viewing locations—an experience available to very few visitors each year. Observe wild black bears in their natural habitat from a safe viewing platform as they forage along salmon streams and the shoreline. Located in the remote wilderness of Neets Bay, this unforgettable wildlife experience offers exceptional opportunities for bear viewing, photography, and witnessing Alaska's incredible natural beauty up close.
Your experience
Stop 1
You will enjoy a fully narrated coach tour from downtown Ketchikan (or Ward Cove dependent upon your ship) to Clover Pass Lodge, the oldest operating fishing lodge in the state of Alaska.
Stop 2
Upon arrival you will board our comfortable boat, fully enclosed and meet your Captain and crew. You'll be whisked away into the wilderness for a one hour exploration of the wild and wonderful Tongass National Forest, all from the comfort of your boat.
Stop 3
Our destination is Neets Bay Bear Observatory. We will arrive at the mouth of a salmon spawning stream and then enjoy a walk through the incredible forest, fully guided. You'll then arrive at the observatory where we will stay on the lookout for bears feeding in the stream. While we do see bears 99% of the time, WILDLIFE IS NEVER Guaranteed. You'll spend 30 minutes quietly observing these magnificent creatures before we make our way back to the boat.
Stop 4
Fully narrated boat tour return to Clover Pass Lodge
Stop 5
Fully narrated coach return to downtown Ketchikan
What’s included
- Snack
Meeting and pickup
Ward Cove ships: Meet your guide at the Ward Cove Welcome Center 15 minutes before departure. Tour departs from Ward Cove. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SHUTTLE DOWNTOWN YOU WILL MISS YOUR TOUR. All downtown ships meet at “The Rock” statue next to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, 15 minutes prior to departure.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 5 are not recommended for this tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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