Bear Viewing Tours in Katmai National Park, Alaska

Trip Info for Boat Based Bear Viewing Trips

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Alaska Bear Tours offers three, four and five day boat-based excursions to Katmai National Park as well as custom boat-based trips. The basic four day/three night tour typically begins from Homer with an awe-inspiring one-and-a-half hour floatplane ride over the coastal wilderness of Katmai National Park. Along the way, your experienced pilot will point out distinctive geographical features such as recently active volcanoes, and majestic glaciers. Keep your eyes open for whales swimming near the coast.

Typically the pilot will bring the float plane right up to the boat that is waiting for you in a protected bay. Usually you can walk up the floats right on to the boat. Sometimes we bring our skiff out to the float plane and we transfer that way. After stowing your gear and taking some time to explore your new floating home, we'll have a safety meeting and a group orientation. Next, enjoy a quick bite to eat, maybe some Alaskan salmon, fresh vegetables, and some fresh-baked pies. When everyone is ready we'll hit the beach for our first trip ashore and our first look at the Katmai brown bear.

Sometimes we may take the boat on a short trip if the bear viewing is better at another bay. Most of the time, however, we are at the best location when you arrive. We would like to reassure those that are worried about being on a boat. We are in protected waters and it is extremely rare that you will experience any discomfort as we cruise the coastline. Life on the boat is really great, it is stable, roomy, warm and cozy. Bunks are large and comfortable. Showers are hot and there is plenty of great tasting water on board. A washer and dryer is available for your use. There are places to congregate and places to be alone. A comradeship develops as we share experiences and knowledge.

If its June, witness the bears beach combing, clamming and grazing on nutrient-rich spring grasses. Mid-summer we'll find the bears congregating at the salmon rich streams and rivers of the Alaska Range or perhaps at a nearby pristine waterfall. Later in summer view the bears alternating between the hillsides rich with abundant ripe berries and the salmon streams while they prepare for winter hibernation. Be prepared too, for some eagles, red fox, and a myriad of other birds and wildlife.

At the end of our long exhilarating  day ("long" being an understatement as this is the land of the midnight sun) of bear viewing, birdwatching, fishing, and sightseeing, its back to the Kittiwake II, our floating lodge, for a nice hot shower and a gourmet meal waiting. Fresh produce is flown in every week and Alaskan seafood highlights our dinner. The rest of the evening gives us time to relax and enjoy discussing the events of the day while the boat takes us to our next days destination.

Each morning on the boat the aroma of fresh-baked muffins and whole grain breads from the galley will be a hint of the delicious breakfast our cook is preparing. Take your mug of fresh-brewed morning coffee on deck as you look out to sea for a pod of Humpbacks or Orcas. Enjoy a hearty breakfast sitting around the galley table as the captain fills you in on the day ahead. Maybe an easy hike to a Puffin rookery or a pristine glacier-fed waterfall could be on tap. Harbor seals, sea lions, and otters could also steal our attention for a while but we never forget that we are in bear country. Accompanied by and experienced naturalist guide, we'll always go back to view these magnificent creatures, the Katmai brown bears.

 The Boat  |  The Crew  |  Trip Info   |  Planning Your Trip |  Rates & Reservations