Traitors Cove Bear Viewing provides a unique opportunity to witness Alaska’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Located within the vast Tongass National Forest, this immersive excursion offers a chance to observe brown bears as they forage and interact in their stunning coastal surroundings. With a focus on responsible tourism and guest satisfaction, the experience promises an unforgettable encounter that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. But to truly appreciate the magnitude of this adventure, one must…
Key Points
- Traitors Cove, located in the Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, offers small group excursions to observe Alaskan bears in their natural habitat.
- The tour includes transportation via six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes and interactive narration with voice-activated, noise-canceling headsets.
- Experienced guides lead guests on hikes through the Alaskan wilderness, providing an immersive experience and ideal conditions for wildlife photography.
- The tours are limited to a maximum group size of 12 to ensure guaranteed window seats for unobstructed views.
- The tour package includes a US Forest Service Special Use Permit for bear viewing access and is priced at $525.00 per person.
Overview of Traitors Cove Bear Viewing
The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing activity offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe Alaskan bears in their natural habitat within the Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, USA.
With a total of 38 reviews and a rating of 4.7/5, this small group excursion promises an immersive experience. Guests can expect to hike through the forest, photograph the bears, and enjoy transportation via six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, interactive narration, and special permits for bear viewing.
Restrictions include no food/beverages except water and limited accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Looking for more options in Ketchikan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Experience
Small group excursions to the Tongass National Forest allow visitors to hike through the Alaskan wilderness and observe bears in their natural habitat.
The tour highlights include ideal conditions for wildlife photography, as guests can get close to the bears while they forage, play, and lounge in their pristine environment.
The experienced guides provide interactive narration, and travelers wear voice-activated, noise-canceling headsets to enhance the experience.
With a maximum group size of 12, guests enjoy guaranteed window seats in the six-passenger floatplanes during the round-trip transfers from Ketchikan.
Transportation and Logistics
Guests are transported to the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing location via six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes, which depart from the Liquid Sunshine Gauge, Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, and Cruise Berth #2.
The tour includes interactive narration by the pilot and the use of voice-activated, noise-canceling headsets, ensuring an informative and immersive experience.
Visitors are guaranteed window seats, providing unobstructed views of the stunning Alaskan wilderness.
The tour also includes a US Forest Service Special Use Permit, granting access to observe bears in their natural habitat within the Tongass National Forest.
Inclusions and Restrictions
Aside from the transportation, the tour includes several other amenities.
First, the tour offers interactive narration by the experienced pilot, providing valuable insights throughout the journey.
Plus, guests are equipped with voice-activated, noise-canceling headsets, ensuring a clear and immersive experience.
On top of that, the tour guarantees window seats, allowing for unobstructed views of the stunning Alaskan wilderness.
Lastly, the tour includes a US Forest Service Special Use Permit, granting access to the prime bear-viewing location of Traitors Cove.
However, certain restrictions apply, such as no food or beverages, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Booking and Pricing Information
The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour comes with a price tag of $525.00 per person.
Booking confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. However, the cancellation policy is non-refundable.
To prepare for the tour, travelers should wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes, and provide a contact phone number and cruise ship name.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
With its guaranteed window seats and voice-activated, noise-canceling headsets, the tour offers a unique and immersive way to observe bears in their natural Alaskan habitat.
Preparation and Recommendations
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, travelers should wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Providing a contact phone number and cruise ship name is also recommended to facilitate any necessary arrangements.
Plus, the tour has the following recommendations:
- Bring a camera for optimal wildlife photography opportunities.
- Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.
- Pack snacks, as no food or beverages are provided on the flight.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the Alaskan wilderness can be unpredictable.
Group Size and Exclusivity
With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing experience offers an exclusive and intimate wildlife encounter.
This small group size ensures personalized attention from the guides and ample opportunities to observe the bears in their natural habitat without overwhelming the wildlife.
The intimate setting allows for optimal photography conditions and an immersive connection with the Alaskan wilderness.
By limiting the group, the tour maintains a peaceful and respectful atmosphere, providing a unique and memorable adventure for every participant.
This exclusivity is a hallmark of the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps during the floatplane flights. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. The tour is suitable for most travelers.
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own camera equipment on the tour. The tour allows for ideal wildlife photography opportunities, and guests are encouraged to bring their personal cameras to capture the bears in their natural habitat.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?
The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers, but there is no minimum number of participants required. The tour will run as long as at least one person books the excursion.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?
The provided information does not mention any additional fees or taxes beyond the listed $525 per person price. The tour package seems to include all necessary services and permits for the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing experience.
Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Experience?
Guests are generally not able to leave the tour group at any point during the experience. The activity is designed as a guided small-group excursion, and departing from the group could compromise the safety and logistics of the tour.
The Sum Up
Traitors Cove Bear Viewing offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Alaskan bears in their natural habitat. With small group sizes, personalized attention, and seamless transportation, this immersive excursion delivers an unforgettable experience. Travelers can capture stunning wildlife photography while adhering to strict guidelines, ensuring a safe and respectful encounter within the breathtaking Tongass National Forest.
More Helicopter Tours in Ketchikan
More Tours in Ketchikan
More Tour Reviews in Ketchikan
Still browsing? Here are more Ketchikan experiences we've covered recently
- Ketchikan: Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise
- Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
- OVER THE TOP TOURS city highlights, wildlife and more!
- Wilderness Zodiac Quest
- Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter
- Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
- Private Custom Excursion with a Local for up to 14 people
- Orca Cove Sea Kayaking
- Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour
- Misty Fjords Flight Tour
- Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour
- Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion