Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour By Air From Ketchikan

Exploring the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s Prince of Wales Island is an unforgettable experience. The bear-viewing tour by air from Ketchikan provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With a scenic flight over the stunning Inside Passage and a chance to observe bears hunting for salmon, this tour promises an immersive wildlife adventure that’s not to be missed. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique Alaskan experience, this tour offers a glimpse into the remarkable ecosystem of the region.

Key Points

• Scenic 40-minute flight from Ketchikan to Prince of Wales Island to observe wild bears hunting for salmon along Polk Inlet.
• Bear-viewing platform provides opportunity to see bears in their natural habitat.
• Tour highlights include spotting salmon, bald eagles, and other wildlife during the flight and at the observation site.
• Minimum of 2 people required, with a maximum of 18 travelers per group.
• Non-refundable tour with high traveler recommendation and flexibility to accommodate weather-related changes.

Tour Overview

This half-day bear-viewing tour takes visitors from Ketchikan on a scenic flight over the Inside Passage to Prince of Wales Island.

Once there, guests visit a United States Forest Service bear-viewing platform at Polk Inlet to observe wild bears hunting for salmon along the creek.

The tour includes the 40-minute scenic flight, a professional guide, and transportation from central Ketchikan.

Bottled water and headsets are provided for clear communication during the tour.

A minimum of 2 people is required, with a maximum of 18 travelers per group.

Pickup is 30 minutes before departure at the Ketchikan Visitor Bureau.

Experience Highlights

During the scenic 40-minute flight, travelers can enjoy aerial views of Alaska’s breathtaking landscape while the pilot provides commentary via radio headset.

This offers an opportunity to spot salmon, bald eagles, and other wildlife below.

Once at the bear-viewing platform, guests can observe wild bears hunting for salmon along the creek.

The trip provides a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, as well as the stunning scenery of the Inside Passage and Prince of Wales Island.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes bottled water and headsets for clear communication between guests and the professional guide.

Transportation from designated pickup points in Ketchikan is provided. A minimum of 2 people is required per booking, with a maximum of 18 travelers per tour.

Infant seats are available, but strollers must be left at the operator’s office. Flight times may be adjusted for weather delays.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

No refunds are given for cancellations, as the tour has a high traveler recommendation rate.

Pickup Details

Where can travelers be picked up for the Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour?

Travelers can be picked up 30 minutes before departure at the Ketchikan Visitor Bureau, berth 2. Pickup times may adjust for weather delays.

The tour company provides these contact numbers for assistance: 907-225-1206 or text 907-617-1967.

The pickup location and contact information offer travelers several advantages:

1. Convenient central location in Ketchikan.
2. Ample time to arrive and prepare for the tour.
3. Flexibility to accommodate any weather-related changes.
4. Direct communication with the tour operator if needed.

Additional Information

Travelers receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Children must be accompanied by an adult on this tour, and it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Service animals are allowed, and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

The tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.

However, the tour enjoys a high traveler recommendation rate of 96% based on 25 reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Wildlife Sightings

On this bear-viewing tour, visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife beyond just the iconic grizzly bears.

Along With the bears hunting for salmon, guests may spot:

• Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, keeping a watchful eye on the creek below.
• Schools of salmon swimming upstream, their silvery scales flashing in the sunlight.
• Playful sea otters floating on their backs, munching on fresh seafood.
• A variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese, paddling along the inlet’s tranquil waters.

The diverse ecosystem of Prince of Wales Island promises an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.

Pilot Commentary

While in flight, the tour’s pilot provides engaging commentary via radio headsets, enabling guests to gain valuable insights about the stunning landscapes below.

The pilot describes the rugged coastlines, forested mountains, and winding waterways of the Inside Passage. Guests learn about the local wildlife, including the salmon that attract the bears to the region.

The pilot also highlights the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people and the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving this pristine wilderness.

This aerial commentary enhances the overall experience, allowing travelers to truly appreciate the beauty of Alaska.

Scenic Flight Highlights

The 40-minute scenic flight to Prince of Wales Island offers guests a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s awe-inspiring landscapes.

During the journey, the pilot provides insightful commentary via radio headsets, enhancing the experience.

Some highlights of the scenic flight include:

1. Sweeping vistas of the rugged coastline and densely forested islands of the Inside Passage.
2. Glimpses of cascading waterfalls and glacial-fed rivers winding through the pristine wilderness.
3. The chance to spot wildlife such as whales, seals, and bald eagles from the air.
4. An appreciation for the scale and grandeur of Alaska’s untamed natural beauty.

Sum Up

The Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour by Air from Ketchikan is an unforgettable aerial adventure showcasing Alaska’s stunning wilderness. Travelers can observe bears hunting salmon, spot bald eagles and sea otters, and enjoy a scenic 40-minute flight over the breathtaking Inside Passage. This tour provides an immersive wildlife experience in the bears’ natural habitat, with informative pilot commentary throughout the journey.