Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

Discover the Wild with the Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and craving a genuine taste of Alaska’s wilderness, the Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea offers a compelling mix of scenery, wildlife, and storytelling. For around $414 per person, this roughly 4-hour 45-minute journey takes you from the bustling cruise port into some of the most secluded parts of Tongass National Forest, where bears feed on salmon in their natural habitat.

What makes this tour special? First, you’ll visit the Neets Bay Bear Observatory, a rare spot equipped with permits only your tour operator has access to — ensuring you’re in prime position to see bears in the wild. Second, the boat ride along the coast offers stunning views of the forested shoreline and salmon-filled streams. The highlights are not just the wildlife sightings, but the fully narrated experience that enriches your understanding of local ecology and history.

A couple of things to keep in mind: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, though the guide’s expertise and the tour’s history of near-constant bear observations give you a good shot. Also, the tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness, since you’ll be walking in the forest and on uneven terrain. This adventure is perfect if you love nature, crave a genuine wilderness experience, and enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Wildlife in its element: Visit the only permit-holding bear observatory at Neets Bay, increasing your chances of seeing bears feeding in their natural habitat.
• Expert narration: The fully narrated boat and coach tours provide engaging stories about local history, ecology, and the environment.
• All logistics handled: Permits, transportation, and boats are arranged for you, making for a hassle-free experience.
• Scenic boat ride: Enjoy a comfortable, fully enclosed boat exploring the Tongass National Forest’s coast and salmon streams.
• Authentic experience: The tour emphasizes genuine wildlife encounters and quiet observation, with a high success rate for bear sightings.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 36 travelers, you’ll find this tour offers a good balance of intimacy and shared adventure.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Ketchikan: The Historic Gateway

The journey begins with a coach ride from your cruise terminal in downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove (depending on your ship’s docking). This part of the tour, lasting about 30 minutes, is fully narrated, so you’ll learn about the area’s history, fishing legacy, and native culture from your guide. We appreciated the stories about Clover Pass Lodge, the oldest operating fishing lodge in Alaska, which adds a layer of local authenticity. This initial leg sets the tone, blending scenic views with educational tidbits.

Heading to Clover Pass Resort: Into the Wilderness

Once at Clover Pass Resort, you’ll board a fully enclosed boat with your captain and crew. The boat is comfortable and designed for wilderness exploration, offering protection from weather while still providing excellent viewing opportunities. Here, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes cruising along the coast of Tongass National Forest, spotting waterfalls, towering trees, and salmon spawning streams. The narration deepens as your guide shares stories about the ecosystem, local history, and the importance of conservation.

The Main Event: Neets Bay Bear Observatory

After a scenic water journey, you arrive at the Neets Bay Bear Observatory — a rare, permit-only location where bears are often seen feeding on salmon in the wild. The walk to the observatory takes you through beautiful, dense forest, giving you a small taste of Alaska’s lush landscape. Once at the observatory, you’ll stay for about 30 minutes quietly watching for bears. Here, the experience is about patience and respect for nature; the guide will remind us that wildlife is never guaranteed, but with a little luck and keen eyes, sightings are highly probable.

Many travelers find this part the most thrilling — and reviews praise guides who are both knowledgeable and patient, answering questions and pointing out subtle signs of bear activity. One reviewer called it “easily the BEST excursion of our trip,” highlighting the close-up encounters and expert guidance.

Return Journey

The trip back includes a fully narrated boat ride returning to Clover Pass Lodge, about 1 hour long, followed by a short 30-minute coach ride back to downtown Ketchikan. Both segments offer more storytelling and scenic views, wrapping up the experience with a well-rounded sense of Alaska’s natural beauty and history.

Practical Details for Travelers

Transportation and Group Size

All transportation logistics are seamless — from the comfortable coach to the enclosed boat. The group size is capped at 36 travelers, providing a more personal experience without feeling crowded. The guides are experienced and eager to share their knowledge, making the journey both informative and fun.

Price and Value

At just over $400, this tour might seem steep. However, consider what’s included: permits for the bear observatory (a significant logistical hurdle), a scenic boat ride in protected waters, and expert narration. Many travelers find the value in the exclusive access and the opportunity to see bears in the wild — experiences that are often not available on self-guided trips or larger tours.

Timing and Weather Considerations

The tour runs from July to October, aligning with the salmon spawning season, which increases the likelihood of bear sightings. Since Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, be prepared for rain or cool breezes, especially on the boat. The fully enclosed vessel helps, but dressing in layers is advisable.

Accessibility

Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as walking in forested areas and uneven terrain is part of the visit. It’s worth noting that service animals are allowed, making it accessible to a broader range of travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Alaska’s iconic bears in their natural habitat. If you appreciate guided storytelling, stunning scenic boat rides, and authentic wildlife encounters, this tour will hit the mark. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a well-organized, informative adventure that balances scenery with wildlife viewing.

Final Thoughts

The Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea delivers a memorable slice of Alaska’s wilderness, combining scenic watercraft, expert narration, and a genuine chance to see bears in the wild. While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed — as nature has its own schedule — the high success rate and the tour’s logistical ease make it a top pick for travelers wanting an authentic wildlife experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

The tour’s balance of comfort, education, and adventure makes it particularly appealing for those with limited time but big curiosity about Alaska’s famed wildlife and landscapes. Plus, the stories and scenery create lasting memories that go beyond just spotting bears.

In short, if you’re in Ketchikan and craving a safe, well-organized, and truly Alaskan experience, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including transportation, boat ride, and bear viewing.
• Is transportation included? Yes, transportation from the cruise terminal to Clover Pass Lodge and back is included, along with the boat ride.
• How many people are in a group? The maximum group size is 36 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.
• Do I need special physical fitness? A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as walking in the forest and uneven terrain is involved.
• Are wildlife sightings guaranteed? Not entirely — wildlife is unpredictable, but guides have a strong track record of spotting bears.
• What should I wear? Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, as weather can vary and it often rains in Alaska.
• Is the boat fully enclosed? Yes, the boat is fully enclosed to protect against weather and ensure comfort.
• Are permits included? Yes, permits for the Neets Bay Bear Observatory are arranged by the tour operator.
• Can I bring children? The tour generally suits travelers with moderate physical fitness; check with the operator if you’re bringing young children.
• What is the best time of year for this tour? The tour runs from July to October, aligning with salmon runs and increased bear activity.

This tour offers a great blend of scenery, wildlife, and storytelling — perfect for those looking to see Alaska’s famous bears and learn about the environment that sustains them.