Witnessing bears in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience, and Juneau, Alaska offers an unparalleled opportunity during peak season. Travelers can soar over the stunning landscapes by seaplane to reach a remote bear-viewing area, where they’ll observe these magnificent creatures fishing and foraging. This unique tour not only provides incredible photo ops but also deepens one’s appreciation for the bears’ ecological significance. With inclusions like lunch and rain gear, the adventure is both seamless and unforgettable. What lies in store for those who embark on this extraordinary journey?
Key Points
- Scenic seaplane flight to a remote bear-viewing area in Juneau, Alaska during peak season for observing bears fishing, foraging, and interacting.
- Tour includes lunch, rain gear, rubber boots, and all fees, with gratuities covered for a hassle-free experience.
- Opportunity for stunning wildlife photography while appreciating bears’ ecological role.
- Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for those with medical conditions, pregnancy, or wheelchair users.
- Departure from Juneau with two meeting options, including free parking at the Ward Air lobby.
Overview
This peak season bear viewing tour by seaplane offers travelers a unique opportunity to observe the majestic brown bears in their natural habitat near Juneau, Alaska.
Priced from $1,299 per person, the tour accommodates up to 9 participants and boasts a flawless 5.0 rating based on 5 reviews.
Inclusions cover lunch, rain gear, entry fees, and gratuities. Guests can choose to meet at the Ward Air Inc. lobby or the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, depending on their transportation.
While not recommended for those with medical conditions, most travelers can participate in the adventure of landing on the water and walking to the bear viewing area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Juneau.
Location and Meeting Points
The tour departs from Juneau, Alaska, a scenic coastal city known for its stunning natural surroundings.
Guests have two convenient meeting options:
- Self-driving participants meet at the Ward Air lobby, which offers free parking.
- Cruise ship passengers and downtown hotel guests gather at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza.
For travelers with specific pickup needs, such as late arrivals or hotels outside the downtown area, prior contact with the tour provider is required.
The activity ends back at the original meeting point, ensuring a seamless start and finish to the bear viewing adventure.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Although the Bear Viewing By Seaplane tour is priced from $1,299.00 per person, the package includes a variety of valuable inclusions for participants. Travelers will enjoy a provided lunch, rain gear and rubber boots, as well as all landing and facility fees covered. Gratuities are also included, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour’s inclusions are summarized in the table below:
Inclusion | Description |
---|---|
Lunch | Provided |
Gear | Rain gear and rubber boots supplied |
Fees | Landing and facility fees covered |
Gratuity | Included |
This comprehensive package allows guests to focus on the main attraction – spotting bears in their natural habitat.
Activity Details
The Bear Viewing By Seaplane tour offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majesty of Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat.
Guests board a seaplane for a scenic flight over the rugged Alaskan landscape, landing at a remote bear-viewing area. They’ll then disembark and trek through the wilderness to reach the prime observation spot, where they can:
- Observe the bears fishing, foraging, and interacting in their natural environment
- Capture stunning photographs of the bears in their element
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the bears’ role in the delicate Alaskan ecosystem
This once-in-a-lifetime experience combines breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing, and a true sense of adventure.
Participation Requirements
Participants must be prepared for the physical demands of this tour. While most travelers can participate, there are certain requirements and restrictions. Travelers must be able to disembark the seaplane into water and walk over half a mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Mobility | Able to walk over half mile of slippery beach rocks |
Medical | No heart problems or serious medical conditions |
Pregnancy | Not recommended for pregnant travelers |
Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
Participation | Most travelers can participate |
Booking and Confirmation
Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation within 48 hours, or immediately if the reservation is made within 9 days of the tour date. The confirmation details the meeting point, pickup information, and activity requirements. Non-refundable cancellations don’t receive a refund.
Key booking details include:
- The tour ends back at the original meeting point.
- Contact is required for specific pickup needs, such as late arrivals or hotels outside the downtown area.
- Guests must be able to disembark the seaplane into the water and walk over half a mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings for this bear viewing tour are non-refundable, and cancellations do not receive any refunds. This policy is in place to ensure that the tour operator can adequately plan and prepare for the excursion.
Cancellation Notice | Refund Eligibility |
---|---|
More than 9 days | No refund |
9 days or less | No refund |
Day of tour | No refund |
Guests who need to cancel their booking are encouraged to contact the tour operator as soon as possible. While no refunds are available, the operator may be able to assist with rebooking or transferring the reservation to another date, subject to availability and any applicable fees.
Reviews and Ratings
Guests have consistently rated this bear viewing tour 5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 5 reviews.
The tour receives high praise for its exceptional experience, with travelers highlighting:
- The thrill of witnessing bears in their natural habitat from the safety of a seaplane
- The knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide valuable insights
- The seamless logistics, from the convenient meeting location to the included rain gear and lunch
With no negative reviews, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their prime season, cementing its status as a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Juneau.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Seaplane Depart?
The seaplane’s departure time is not specified in the provided information. The tour overview and inclusions do not mention the specific departure time, as this detail is likely communicated to participants upon booking or closer to the tour date.
Can We Bring Our Own Lunch or Snacks?
Travelers can bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. According to the tour details, lunch is provided, but participants are not restricted from bringing additional food or refreshments if they prefer.
Are Professional Photography Services Provided?
No, professional photography services are not provided on this tour. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras and photography equipment to capture the stunning bear viewing experience independently during the seaplane excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. The activity is a set 4-hour itinerary that includes the seaplane flight, bear viewing, and return transfer. Customizations or extensions are not available for this pre-designed tour.
Can We Request a Specific Pilot or Guide?
The tour provider does not allow guests to request specific pilots or guides, as this is not an option offered. The tour operates with a set schedule and crew, without special accommodation for individual preferences regarding the pilot or guide.
The Sum Up
This peak season bear viewing by seaplane in Juneau, Alaska, offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Soar over stunning landscapes to a remote area and observe bears in their natural habitat, all while enjoying the convenience of included meals, rain gear, and fees. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, this tour provides incredible photography opportunities and a deeper appreciation for the ecological importance of these magnificent creatures.
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