Soaring over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a seaplane, guests embark on a thrilling expedition to witness bears in their natural habitat. This peak season adventure offers unparalleled access to remote bear-viewing sites, where visitors can observe the powerful creatures amidst the breathtaking Alaskan landscape. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants must navigate a challenging terrain to reach the prime viewing location, providing an exhilarating and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. But the journey is just the beginning, as the true reward lies in the unforgettable moments spent observing these majestic animals in their element.
Key Points
- This adventure involves a scenic seaplane flight to a remote bear viewing area, accessible only by air or water.
- The trek to the viewing site requires navigating over half a mile of slippery rocks and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
- Essential gear like rain gear and boots is provided, but participants must have the physical fitness and mobility to undertake the challenging trek.
- The bear viewing area is subject to inclement weather, with strong winds and other unpredictable conditions that participants should be prepared for.
- This high-demand experience has a non-refundable policy, so careful consideration of one’s abilities is necessary before booking.
Overview of the Peak Season Bear Viewing Experience
Although the Peak Season Bear Viewing experience is an exhilarating adventure, it requires some physical prowess. Participants board a seaplane for a scenic flight before disembarking onto a beach.
They then must navigate over half a mile of slippery rocks to reach the bear viewing area. The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Once at the viewing site, guests have the opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat during the peak season. The experience includes essential amenities like rain gear, boots, and lunch.
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Logistics and Meeting Information
Travelers can meet for the Peak Season Bear Viewing experience at Ward Air Inc, located at 8991 Yandukin Dr #100 in Juneau, Alaska.
Self-driving guests should meet in the lobby, where free parking is available. For cruise passengers or downtown hotel guests, the meeting point is Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, the official loading zone.
Self-driving guests meet in the lobby with free parking. Cruise passengers or downtown hotel guests meet at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, the official loading zone.
Those arriving at AJ Dock less than 30 minutes prior to departure or staying outside downtown should contact the provider directly.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
Pregnant travelers and those with heart problems or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to participate.
Seaplane Transportation and Accessibility
The Peak Season Bear Viewing experience involves a seaplane flight to reach the bear viewing area. This mode of transportation is necessary, as the bear viewing site is only accessible by air or water.
Travelers will board the seaplane at Ward Air, located at the Juneau Airport. Cruise passengers and downtown hotel guests can opt to meet at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, the official loading zone.
The seaplane flight is included in the tour package. However, the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, and participants must be able to disembark the seaplane into the water and walk over a half-mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area.
Bear Viewing Location and Terrain
The bear viewing area can only be accessed by air or water, as it’s situated in a remote location. After disembarking the seaplane, travelers must walk over 1/2 mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the viewing site.
The terrain is rugged and challenging:
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Uneven, rocky beach
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Muddy and slippery conditions
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Tall grass and brush along the shoreline
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Potential for strong winds and inclement weather
Participants should be prepared for the demanding physical nature of the trek and have appropriate footwear and outerwear.
The remote setting offers exceptional bear viewing opportunities, but requires a level of fitness and mobility.
Included Amenities and Gear
The tour includes an array of essential gear and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Participants are provided with rain gear and rubber boots to keep them dry and stable on the slippery beach.
A hearty lunch is included, so travelers can refuel after their bear viewing excursion. All necessary landing and facility fees are covered, and gratuities are included, eliminating any need for out-of-pocket expenses.
These thoughtful inclusions allow guests to focus on the thrill of witnessing bears in their natural habitat without worrying about logistical details.
Activity Requirements and Restrictions
Although not wheelchair accessible, the bear viewing tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
Pregnant travelers and those with heart problems or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to participate.
Participants must be prepared to disembark the seaplane into water and walk over half a mile on slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area.
Participants must be prepared to disembark the seaplane into water and traverse over half a mile on slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area.
The tour has the following activity requirements and restrictions:
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Not wheelchair accessible
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Near public transportation
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Participants should have no heart problems or serious medical conditions
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Guests receive confirmation at the time of booking unless the reservation is made within 9 days of travel; in that case, confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. Due to the high demand for this popular activity, the booking and cancellation policy is firm. There are no refunds for cancellations. See the table below for more details:
| Policy | Details |
| — | — |
| Confirmation | Immediate or within 48 hours |
| Refunds | Non-refundable |
| Cancellations | No refunds |
| Reviews | 5.0 rating, 5 reviews |
| Pricing | From $1,299.00 per person |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Topping off the impressive details of this peak season bear viewing experience, Wild Coast Excursions maintains a flawless 5.0 rating across 5 highly positive customer reviews.
The reviews highlight:
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The breathtaking seaplane flight over Juneau’s stunning landscapes.
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The knowledgeable guide who provided insightful commentary on the bears and their habitat.
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The convenience of the included rain gear, boots, and transportation that made for a seamless experience.
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The abundance of bear sightings and photo opportunities during the excursion.
The Sum Up
The Peak Season Bear Viewing by Seaplane offers an exhilarating and unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Travelers will soar above stunning landscapes before trekking to a remote bear viewing site, where they can witness abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. Though the terrain is challenging, the experience promises breathtaking sights and lasting memories for nature enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with Alaskan bears.
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