Alaska Bear Viewing Tours
Alaska's Wild Bears
Powerful and primal, bears are the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan backcountry. And seeing a bear in the wild is an extraordinary—and humbling—experience. So it’s no surprise that thousands of visitors each year tell us that bear viewing is at the top of their Alaskan bucket list.
It’s unlikely, however, that you’ll just happen upon a bear roaming the state’s massive untamed wilderness.
So what's the secret?
Increase your chances by hiring a professional guide. These experts know the prime spots to find bears.
Book your bear-viewing adventure with one of our recommended guide companies below. A typical day of bear viewing includes a flight, a short hike to the viewing location, hours of photographing bears, then a return flight.
Bear Viewing Map and FAQs
Price Range
$250 walk-in tours, - $900 for remote fly-in
Best Time to Go
Mid-June to mid-August
Where to Go
Most bear-viewing tours leave out of these places:
- Anchorage
- Kenai/Soldotna
- Homer
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- Kodiak
Anchorage View All
Tours from Anchorage include destinations such as Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks, seeing wild brown bears along the coastline. Both locations are two of the best places to see brown bears in their natural habitat. In addition to brown bears, visitors may see caribou, deer, wolves, moose, and many species of birds. There are also many beautiful landscapes to explore and take in, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and active volcanoes.
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.
Viewing brown bears in their natural habitat is one of the most amazing things you can do in Alaska. If it’s high on your list, book a flight-seeing/ bear viewing trip with Trail Ridge Air, knowing that personable pilots will take you to where bears splash and fish, and where visitors run out of words to describe their amazement.
Take off by seaplane for an all-day bear-viewing expedition. Fly past glaciers and volcanoes to the brown-bear country of southwest Alaska. Your Seaplane Bear Safari will take you to Brooks River Falls in Katmai National Park, home of the world ’ s largest salmon run. You can also fly 70 miles southwest of Anchorage to Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve for amazing bear viewing and luxurious accommodations at the Redoubt Bay Lodge. Rust’s, which has ...more
Brooks Lodge offers their own bear viewing tours which are less expensive than most, and give you more time at Katmai National Park to watch bears feasting on sockeye salmon from several viewing platforms. A commercial flight from Anchorage takes you to King Salmon where you’ll switch to a small float plane for a quick 20-minute flight to Brooks Camp. After a brief safety orientation, you can watch bears from several viewing platforms, join the ...more
With Alaska Air Service you’ll fly from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park, where they’re a licensed park concessionaire. On the 6- to 7‑hour expedition with an intimate group (there’s a 4‑to‑1 guest-to-guide ratio), you’ll start with a landing inside the park on a beach or in the grasslands to watch bears. Then you’ll travel, unrushed, to other spots in the park. Few operators include multiple locations, but showing you as much of the park’s ...more
Hop aboard one of Regal Air’s planes departing from Anchorage and after a short, scenic flight you can be watching enormous brown bears swat salmon from Alaska’s rushing waters. Tours visit one of two destinations: Lake Clark National Park or Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park.
Homer View All
Tours from Homer include destinations such as Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks, seeing wild brown bears along the coastline. Both locations are two of the best places to see brown bears in their natural habitat. In addition to brown bears, visitors may see caribou, deer, wolves, moose, and many species of birds. There are also many beautiful landscapes to explore and take in, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and active volcanoes.
A scenic 25-minute helicopter flight from Homer lands you in the bear-viewing paradise of Lake Clark National Park. You’ll land on a beach, where an expert guide from Bear Mountain Lodge will take you in a 4WD vehicle to watch bears as they feed on salmon, sedge grasses, wild berries, or clams.
Get a spectacular bird’s‑eye view of the stunning area around homer. Take off from Homer with Alaska Helicopter Tours to explore the area’s volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls — or even go bear-viewing!
This private, modern 3‑bedroom house in Homer offers luxurious accommodations in a gorgeous setting, with 5 acres of private green space, panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier, a fire pit, fully landscaped gardens and outdoor decks to take it all in. Just steps from your door is the unique, 9‑hole Homer Golf Course, where you can play golf under the midnight sun. The golf course also boasts 2 private suites which can be combined ...more
When is a golf course more than a golf course? When it’s the 9‑hole, par‑3 golf course in Homer, Alaska. Sure, you can play a round on this scenic course— it’s the last golf course in America at “the end of the road”, and the only golf course in Homer, Alaska —but it’s also a great spot to just relax with a beer or a glass of wine. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier, all while enjoying temperatures that are ...more
Soak in breathtaking views of water and mountains when you stay in one of the 4 charmingly rustic log cabins at this intimate, family-owned property beyond Homer. Accessible only via water taxi, each oceanfront log cabin features a porch with chairs to take in the view, along with a bathroom and shower with hot water and a propane heater. There’s no electricity, making it the perfect place to unplug.
Stay in one of the 4 unique, modern, and cozy cabins that make up this intimate resort, all of which marry a luxurious aesthetic with dramatic Alaskan views. And while the location feels pleasantly tucked away, you’ll be just 5 minutes from downtown Homer. Guests also have access to the Nordic-style spa, set in its own building with a large deck and 6‑person outdoor hot tub.
Drive through Alaska with an audio tour guiding you along iconic routes. Audio Tour Alaska gives you an insider’s take on everything from points of interest to history, wildlife, and culture, along with captivating stories. Guides to popular routes include Anchorage to Talkeetna; Talkeetna to Denali National Park; Denali to Fairbanks; Anchorage to Seward; Tern Lake to Homer; and the Denali Park Entrance area and the Denali Park road.
Private rentals set atop a 500-foot bluff right on the ocean, overlooking the shimmering waters of Kachemak Bay. Most of the homes feature private outdoor saltwater hot tubs and all have high-end appliances, art from local artists, a Weber gas grill, and top-quality and locally-made toiletries.
An epic oceanfront wilderness experience, on the beach in stunning Seldovia Bay, Alaska. Your hosts, Scott and Janet Ogan will help you taste the exhilaration of a true Alaskan experience in their off-grid, hand-crafted lodge. It’s a small, family run intimate experience. Their mission “To empower guests to reconnect with their loved ones, and God’s creation, through the extraordinary place, that we are stewards of, at Treehouse Cove Lodge.” ...more
A fully customizable expedition that showcases Alaska’s beauty by land, sea, and air. The trip starts with a private flight from Anchorage to Homer, where guests stay in a premium log chalet. Choose from various activities including driving an amphibious vehicle, bear viewing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. On the fourth day, board the M/V Peregrine and explore Kenai Fjords National Park, glaciers, ice caves, and waterfalls while looking for ...more
Jet skiing in Alaska?! Absolutely! This activity is not as extreme as it sounds — you’ll be toasty warm all day as you cruise along the shoreline of Kachemak Bay. Your adventure begins with a 25-minute floatplane flight, the M/V Peregrine will be anchored awaiting your arrival. After a safety brief and driving tutorial, you’ll be ready to tour the coast of Alaska. After several hours of wildlife viewing you’ll enjoy hearty barbeque lunch before ...more
Spend 5 to 8 hours plying the gorgeous waters of Kachemak Bay on a luxury vessel. Your private group will have the opportunity to see different types of wildlife: Orcas, Humpback and Minke whales; sea lions; Dall’s porpoise; sea otters; puffins; seabirds; and more. Enjoy a gourmet meal aboard, stop in the village of Seldovia, or take a skiff ashore for beachcombing!
There are regular ATVs, and then there are ATVs built for exploring Alaska: 8 x 8 Argos. These simple to drive, amphibious vehicles make exploring the Alaskan backcountry even more fun — and you can find the unique opportunity to drive one with Destination Alaska, out of Homer.
Rent a car from Alaskan Car Rental in Anchorage for your Alaskan adventure. Great value, wide selection, 24⁄7 support, and local advice make this the perfect choice.
Set sail on a luxurious 70-ft yacht out of Homer for 3+ days of fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing while indulging in mass amounts of seafood. Your itinerary will depend on the interests of the group, and the experienced local crew can fulfill those interests.
Go fish! Cast your line for iconic Alaskan salmon and halibut — as well as other species — as you explore the shimmering waters around Homer with the passionate fishing pros of Maverick Charters. The stunning area is one that many travelers don’t get to explore, and all ages can enjoy this unforgettable outing — no experience necessary!
With snow-capped peaks and towering trees all around, you’ll set off onto the calm waters of shimmering Kachemak Bay in a thrilling way — paddling a standup paddleboard. These long, wide, sturdy boards are built to handle the waters of Alaska, and no experience is necessary. Go with your own private group; an experienced guide will be right there to offer instruction and fun tales of the area. Or rent a board and explore this stunning area on your ...more
Family-owned and operated, Destination Alaska Adventure Company, has a passion for showing people Alaska. Whether your must-see list includes national parks, glaciers, volcanoes, great fishing, bear viewing, or more, Homer is not only a great base for flightseeing but also a great home base for your trip. Browse available tours, dream up an adventure of your own, or let the pros at Destination Alaska help you create one!
3⁄4 halibut fishing charters, or skip the 2‑hour boat ride to the fishing grounds and fly straight to the boat instead! From world-class halibut to five species of native salmon runs, the ocean is teeming with life. All trips are private to ensure you and your group have the best possible experience. Further customize the experience by adding a dinner or wildlife cruise to your day on the water.
What’s an affordable, comfortable, and reliable way to get around the Kenai Peninsula? Just hop aboard one of Alaska Bus Company’s 27-passenger shuttle buses! This summertime-only service runs 7 days a week. The 5‑hour route runs in both directions between the Anchorage airport and the charming town of Homer, stopping in Girdwood, Cooper Landing, and Soldotna.
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.
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
Ocean Shores offers amazing views from all of its sites — plus, it’s warmer here than on the Homer Spit, since it’s not as windy. All sites have a picnic table and the side sites have fire pits. You’ll also find DirectTV, Wi-Fi, free showers as well as coin-operated laundry.
Charter their private, live-aboard, 60’ yacht. Wake up each day in the middle of untouched wilderness and go sea kayaking, hike through boreal forests, fish for trophy halibut and salmon, or spend a quiet day on the water photographing wildlife
Volcanoes not only shaped the face of Alaska but also make for spectacular sights. Here are the top volcanoes to look for and photograph during your Alaska vacation.
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience and a gorgeous hike to an iceberg-studded glacier lake!
Whether you’d like to go on a personalized boat tour of the Homer area or take a water taxi to the Alaskan backcountry, Homer is an ideal place to launch from, and Coldwater has the boats and expertise to get you there. Explore places like Kachemak Bay State Park, the small town of Seldovia, and picturesque Halibut Cove.
For many Alaskans, travel by plane is essential for work, getting to medical appointments in the big city, or connecting with family in another part of the state. For visitors, plane travel helps maximize their limited time exploring the state, showcases spectacular views of the land, and gives an authentic peek into Alaskans’ air-centric lifestyle. Ravn Alaska’s network offers flights to major Alaska cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, ...more
Locals know this Homer institution as the place that has everything — from sporting goods to oil for your car, art supplies to prescription medications. While it has a staggering amount of variety, it maintains a charming mom-and-pop vibe.
Explore a quiet coastline just a few miles from Homer, where you’ll kayak through the protected waters of Tutka Bay in search of amazing views, wildlife and adventure! Your guide leads the way on a half-day or full-day tour, gliding past dense woods, rugged shoreline and hidden coves. Add on fishing for the freshest in Alaskan salmon or rockfish!
If you can’t decide whether you’d rather have sunset or sunrise views on vacation, Between Beaches Alaska perfect. Perched on a spit near Seldovia that offers both East and West water views, this idyllic spot also offers the chance to watch whales, otters, seals, shorebirds and eagles while enjoying the tranquility of a unique setting. Choose from 6 cabins.
Your own idyllic log chalet —is surrounded by more than a million acres of Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park and Kenai Fjords National Monument. Every day offers a first-class adventure. There are miles of lovely hiking trails and trout fishing supplies are provided. You may ask the pilot to return and take you for a day of brown bear viewing, or other fly-out adventure! Immersing yourself in some of the best of Alaska involves just a ...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.
Touring Alaska by helicopter gets you to unimaginably wild and remote places. Some of the most amazing have been scouted by Alaska Ultimate Safaris. Explore a glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains, or climb to the steaming summit of an island volcano. In either case, the views are unparalleled and the experience is surreal.
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.
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.
Homer is the halibut capital of Alaska, and this longtime charter company offers a blue-chip way to get to the fish. They have high-quality boats, experienced captains, and enthusiastic crews — as well as an inside line on finding halibut, rock fish and silver salmon. But they also offer a variety of other ways to enjoy the waters off Kachemak Bay, from wildlife cruising to paddling a kayak or hiking in Kachemak Bay State Park.
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
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
From the base of the Homer Spit, take this 4‑mile paved trail to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. The trail is in excellent condition and is flat as a pancake for most of its length. The first mile of trail is along a broad estuary that is great for birding. Once you pass the one-mile mark you’ll be riding past fishing boats that are out of the water being worked on as well as a few shops.
This is one of Homer’s top hikes. It starts on top of Baycrest Hill, crosses Diamond Ridge Road, then follows Crossman Ridge to the Bridge Creek Reservoir. Throughout, it rolls through forests, meadows and over streams. The area is excellent for birding and catching a glimpse at the occasional moose.
One of the top trails on the Homer side of Kachemak Bay, Diamond Creek is a 2‑mile trail that takes you through forest, alders, and tall grass meadows before descending to the beach, where you’ll find small Alaskan sealife.
The McBride Family has perfected their all-inclusive world-class Alaskan experience. Their amazing local Alaskan team and professional guides will personalize and customize your stay based on your interests, the tides, and the weather. Your days can be quiet and relaxing or filled with action-packed adventures including sea kayaking, hiking, tide pooling, marine and wildlife viewing, boat excursions, beach campfires, bird watching, and more! ...more
Not many hotels can say that every room has a great view, but Ocean Shores was designed that way. Each room features views of Kachemak Bay and the surrounding mountains. Also the ocean front property has a nice path to our secluded beach and tide pools of Kachemak Bay. Or explore the nearby town of Homer.
Driftwood Inn presents a variety of lodging options, including hotel rooms, deluxe lodges, a family cottage, and an RV park — all of which have great views of Bishop’s Beach and Kachemak Bay. This family-owned and ‑operated inn and has free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers in most rooms, and a cozy lobby with a fireplace. And you’re within walking distance of coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, and restaurants.
Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge is a premier, full-service destination lodge in Halibut Cove adjacent to the Kachemak Bay State Park. Your hosts understand that experiencing Alaska’s great outdoors is a primary goal for those active in mind and spirit, so they have designed numerous guided adventures to choose from, including hiking, glacier kayaking & wildlife viewing. You can also add-on a fishing charter or bear viewing tour during ...more
Enjoy the serenity of this intimate, all-inclusive lodge, which sits on a private beach just a 20-minute water taxi ride from Homer. Family-run and completely renovated in 2022, the Lodge at Otter Cove offers 5 luxury cabins with 7 private rooms and 3 delicious meals a day. Choose your activity each day from fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
This is one of the few spots along the road system where you might catch halibut from the shore. Check out the beach, which surrounds the Land’s End Hotel, on the Homer Spit. Here, you’ll find a small parking lot, and the water’s only about 100 feet away.
This trail, hands down, is one of the most popular hikes in the Kachemak Bay State Park. It is one of the easiest hikes in the park as the trail is well maintained, and you can’t beat the view of the glacier at the lake. For the first 1.5 miles, the trail meanders through mixed cottonwood and Sitka spruce. These cottonwoods are some of the largest in the park so take time to appreciate their enormous size. After 1.5 miles, the trail proceeds ...more
Probably the second most traveled trail in the park, this trail offers a great day hike for those spending time in the lagoon. You can start hiking the trail from the ranger station or the trailhead in Halibut Cove Lagoon. The trail traverses up numerous switchbacks to a place called First Lake. On a hot summer day, a soak in this lake can’t be beat.
Homer’s Pratt Museum preserves the stories of the Kachemak Bay region and provides a gathering place for people to learn and to be inspired by this region and its place in the world. The museum’s extensive collection offers an excellent way to learn more about the landscape, communities and ecosystems of the area.
The Homer Spit is a long, narrow finger of land jutting 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay. Dotted with businesses, the area caters to visitors and provides numerous recreation opportunities, from fishing and beachcombing to shopping and boating.
Out on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, at (literally) the end of the road, sits the quirky town of Homer — the ecotourism capital of Alaska. Artists, adventurers, and foodies all come to experience the town’s creative energy, great restaurants, and gorgeous wilderness. And at the entrance to town, just off the Sterling Highway, you’ll find the Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
Ketchikan View All
Tours from Ketchikan include a short flight or boat ride into prime bear viewing territory. Anan Creek and Traitors Cove are remote, untouched wilderness areas in Southeast Alaska. The area is home to a large population of black and brown bears, and visitors can expect to see both species sharing the same habitat. The area is part of the Tongass National Forest and is home to some of the best salmon runs in Alaska.
Juneau View All
Tours from Juneau include a short flight into prime brown bear viewing territory. Pack Creek is a remote, untouched wilderness area on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska. The area is home to a large population of brown bears, and visitors can expect to see majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and untouched forests. Other sights include rivers, streams, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
The journey is not just about bears; you might also encounter seals, sea lions, moose, wolves, and an array of birdlife. Ideal for cruise ship visitors, this tour is designed to suit both short and full-day schedules, with snacks and a delicious shore lunch provided on longer trips. Experience the magic of Alaska’s wilderness and its majestic bears in a safe, respectful, and intimate setting.
“Bear” witness to the largest concentration of brown bears anywhere in the world. Admiralty and Chichagof Islands are uniquely accessible; just a short flight from Juneau, and Wild Coast’s daily small-group trips are scheduled to work for cruise ship guests and independent travelers alike. All trips have a net-positive impact on the environment by being 125% Carbon-Negative!
Pack Creek Bear Tours offers fully guided adventures to Admiralty Island or Chichagof Island, each home to more than 1,500 brown bears! After a beautiful 20- or 25-minute floatplane ride, you’ll land on a remote beach. Take a short walk to the bear-viewing area, where you can watch these magnificent creatures for hours in their natural environment.
Kenai / Soldotna View All
Tours from the Kenai/Soldotna areas concentrate on traveling to Lake Clark National Park, seeing coastal brown bears along the shoreline. You will see breathtaking scenery, including mountains, glaciers, rivers, and lakes. You may also see moose, caribou, and countless bird species.
Fly out of Soldotna with Natron’s owner and pilot, Tim. You’ll soar over the Cook Inlet towards Mt. Iliamna Volcano and land on a beach, right where the bears are. You’ll watch them playing and clamming and be close enough to take amazing photos.
Kodiak View All
Tours from Kodiak focus on the coastal brown bear species, seeing brown bears along the Katmai coast and the subspecies of Kodiak brown bears on Kodiak Island. Both locations are two of the best places to see brown bears in their natural habitat. In addition to brown bears, visitors may see caribou, deer, wolves, moose, and many species of birds. There are also many beautiful landscapes to explore and take in, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and active volcanoes.
Immerse yourself in a multi-day Alaskan adventure that promises incredible views and jaw-dropping bear viewing in Katmai National Park, along with a warm camaraderie that only a small group expedition can create. Explore from your home base on the Island C, a research vessel that gets you close to the action while providing comfortable lodging and delicious meals.
On this six-day, all-inclusive summertime expedition, you’ll head to gorgeous Kodiak Island with Dan M Lee and Jessical Haydahl, two professional photographers specializing in Alaska. Your small group tour includes two brown bear viewing fly-outs and a marine wildlife tour. You’ll come away not only with better technical skills, but you’ll also learn how to think outside the box in order to capture the story behind the image, and how to document ...more
Fairbanks View All
View polar bears in the wild