Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search – LEO, Military, Teacher Discount!

Description

This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered on Chichagof Island, a one-of-a-kind location with the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. Depending on the season, catch the bears coming out of hibernation and looking for food; or later on in the season when the bears are mating and eating grasses on the tidal flats. Older males fight each other for dominance and mating rights with the females, who at times are not receptive and force the male to give chase. This is truly an experience for the books, and cameras.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 10
Price starts at
$140
Meeting Point

Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub

Open in Google Maps
Dropoff location

ICY STRAIT POINT EXCURSION DROP OFF POINT

Open in Google Maps

Why take this tour?

In the pristine wilderness of Hoonah, Alaska lies an island known for its year-round beauty, massive bear population, and rich wildlife. The vast majority of which reside in Alaskan’s pure untouched forests teeming with bears or deer depending on what you're looking for - there's plenty to see here! The brown bear reigns supreme as king but other animals like seabirds can also be spotted during your tour--it truly offers something unique from all walks of nature when it comes down how diverse nature really is at this remote destination. The Chichagof Island has the highest population of bears per square mile anywhere on Earth. This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered May through September during months with highest probability for sightings, such as late April or early May when they're coming out from hibernation mode looking to find food, while mating occurs between June into August. This time period offers for a chance to see males fight other alpha males over females who can be unreceptive at times and force the males to give chase! With years of experience, your guides will know exactly where to go for the best chance to spot a bear. In July, the salmon start their migration from the ocean up the rivers and we find the bears feeding in coastal rivers and streams. In August and September, the salmon have made it further up the rivers to shallow streams where the bears chase them. Depending on the month and the weather, the wildlife can be found in different locations throughout the island. Join us as we search for these amazing creatures! This tour is located on the Tongass National Forest under special use permit from the Forest Service, USDA. Icy Strait Shore Excursions is an equal opportunity provider.

Included

  • Round Trips Transfer From Icy Strait Point

  • Return to ship "Anytime Shuttle Pass" on regular shuttles from Hoonah to Icy Strait Point

  • Vans with individual seating

  • 10% Discount at the Oso Gordito Food Truck on the harbor in Hoonah! Use Discount Code HTA.

Frequently asked questions

This is primarily a van based tour and not a “trail hiking” tour. The most moving involved will be the 5 minute trek from your ship to the Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub. Guest must be able to move up a sometimes, wet, slippery, uneven, and sometimes soft ground for approx 100 yards.
We ask that you do not bring food on this tour. A granola bar or similar item is ok if needed to maintain sugar levels.
When traveling to Alaska binoculars are always a great item to have but not essential.
Yes. Your guide will stop at various locations looking for wildlife. You will be able to get out, stretch and take advantage of photo opportunities.
No. While Chichagof Island has the largest concentration of brown bears of anywhere in the world, these animals intentionally stay away from people. Our guides spend lots of time in the Tongass and will do everything they can to find wildlife for you.

Things to know

COVID - Heath & Safety

Your health is our top priority! All of our boat crews, drivers and guides are fully vaccinated.

Stringent Cleaning – We’ve increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces and high traffic areas during those tours that allow and between all tours. Aside from the increased cleaning abo...

Your health is our top priority! All of our boat crews, drivers and guides are fully vaccinated.

Stringent Cleaning – We’ve increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces and high traffic areas during those tours that allow and between all tours. Aside from the increased cleaning above, our boats and vehicles are now deep cleaned at the end of each day.

Wellness Checks – Employees receive daily wellness checks, to include temperature to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free. If you or anyone in your group is experiencing symptoms, we will work directly with you to cancel or reschedule your tour.

Passenger Minimum

Minimum of 4 passengers is needed for this tour to go out. Bookings will be combined to meet minimums.

Minimum of 4 passengers is needed for this tour to go out. Bookings will be combined to meet minimums.

Cancellation Policy

To receive a full refund guests may cancel up to 24hrs before the experience. If for some reason your cruise ship does not make it to port, or we have to cancel due to weather, this would also be a 100% refund. No refund for cancelations less than 24hrs. This policy does not apply to Private Char...

To receive a full refund guests may cancel up to 24hrs before the experience. If for some reason your cruise ship does not make it to port, or we have to cancel due to weather, this would also be a 100% refund. No refund for cancelations less than 24hrs. This policy does not apply to Private Charters, please email for details.***There is a booking fee applied to all online bookings. This fee will not be refunded on partial cancellations. It is refunded on full cancellations. We unfortunately have no control over this as a business.***

What to Wear

The weather in Hoonah is often wet (we live in a rainforest.) Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a camera and/or video camera, and comfortable shoes. Keep food and flavored drinks packed tightly away. Water is permitted.

The weather in Hoonah is often wet (we live in a rainforest.) Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a camera and/or video camera, and comfortable shoes. Keep food and flavored drinks packed tightly away. Water is permitted.

Check Availability

More Experiences