Homer Bear Viewing Tours
Homer is one of the most popular launching points for bear viewing adventures in Alaska. Situated on the shore of Cook Inlet, it's a quick plane ride to some of Alaska's prime bear viewing spots. And Homer itself is easy to get to. It's a scenic 5-hour drive from Anchorage or a quick 30-minute flight by jet.
A group watches bears on the beach with Alaska Bear Adventures
Where can you go bear viewing from Homer?
Brooks Falls
Many of the most famous shots of bears pouncing for salmon swimming up waterfalls were taken at Brooks River Falls, in Katmai National Park. The world's largest salmon run floods this river and draws many bears at a time in early June. At the peak of the salmon run, you might see large males jaw spar and compete for the best fishing spots. After checking in with the rangers for a briefing on bear etiquette, it's about a mile walk to the viewing platform.
When to Go? Peak Season is July and September during the salmon runs.
Katmai National Park Coast & Wilderness
While Brooks Falls is the most popular spot in this park to see bears, it’s not the only one; other areas (like Hallo Bay, Geographic Harbor, and Moraine Creek) also offer stellar viewing experiences. They’re just more remote. You may have to hike a few miles, and you won’t see as many bears in one spot as you will at Brooks. The tradeoff? You’ll be completely removed from the crowds and get the chance to watch bears in their natural environment. In late May and June, you might see them feeding on sedge grass and digging for clams, while from July to September, you may witness them feeding on salmon.
When to Go : June - September
Lake Clark National Park
There are several locations to view bears in this 4-million-acre park. In Chinitna Bay and Silver Salmon Creek, you’ll land on the beach and walk to see the bears. At Crescent Lake, you’ll likely view them from a boat while they fish from shore.
When to Go: Mid-May - September
How To Get to the Bears
Another choice you have is how you'll get to the bears. From Homer you can choose a floatplane which lands on the water, a wheel plane which lands on the beach, or a helicopter which can land on a beach or in large grassy areas. Helicopters also have an advantage of 180 degree views from the large front window, the ability to cruise at lower altitudes, and an overall smoother ride.
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Bear Viewing Tours
Float & Wheel Plane Bear Viewing Tours
Spend several hours or a full day watching bears in the wild on a quintessential Alaskan adventure with a family-run company. Start with a scenic flight out of Homer over Kachemak Bay and into Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Once you land, your pilot/guide will take you to an optimal spot to watch and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, hunting, playing, and relaxing. Spend anywhere from 1.5 to 9 hours on the ...more
Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young – all in a short flight from Homer to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. Smokey Bay’s bear tours last about five hours total — including flights and about three hours on the ground. On any given day there will always be a morning outing (leaving at 8 a.m. at the latest) and possibly one that leaves around 2 p.m.
See Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears in the wild on a floatplane trip to Katmai National Park. Visit Brooks Falls or join a guided tour to other remote locations within the park. Both trips provide 5 hours on the ground with the bears. Founded in 1991, Emerald Air Service’s mission is to increase the understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem that supports bears.
Multi-Day Bear Viewing Lodges
Exclusive wilderness immersion. See bears from camp and from daily walks with naturalist guides.
In the best way possible. you’re outnumbered by bears during your stay at this private fly-in wilderness camp. Fly by chartered plane from Homer to Alaska Bear Camp on a 5‑night, 6‑day all-inclusive package. This deluxe backcountry camp accommodates just 14 guests in some of the best bear habitat in the world. In contrast to day trips catering to dozens of visitors at a time, Bear Camp offers a rare and exclusive wilderness immersion.
Helicopter Bear Viewing Tours
For many Alaskan travelers, bears are the ultimate highlight. Pair a magnificent sighting with a gorgeous helicopter flightseeing ride and you’ll have an unforgettable experience. On this unique tour from Homer, you’ll take a helicopter ride out into one of Alaska’s gorgeous national parks to witness these spectacular creatures in the wild.
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