Tour duration: 3 hours
Total flight time: 50 minutes
Dates of operation: July 20 through September 28
Restrictions: No wheelchair accessibility
This once-in-a-lifetime expedition with wild black bears of Southeast Alaska is certain to charm everyone from nature lovers to photo enthusiasts. Climb aboard a floatplane for a bird’s eye view of Ketchikan and its surrounding wilderness, and fly to Neets Bay – one of the finest bear viewing locations in Southeast Alaska. A naturalist guide will lead your group on a short hike down a ¼-mile wilderness road. Along the way, your guide will describe the habits of the bear and the lifecycle of their favorite meal, the salmon. The secure, covered viewing area allows for up-close observation of the bears in their natural habitat among the wilderness beauty of the Tongass National Forest. Other wildlife you might see include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, marten, and seals.
The floatplane’s amenities will help to make your trip a memorable experience, including digital CD audio systems, individual passenger headsets, and extra-large windows for sightseeing. A souvenir route guidebook will help you identify landmarks and scenic highlights, and will serve as a memento of your trip.
NOTE: Wear comfortable hiking footwear and dress warmly. Rain gear is recommended. This is a ¼ mile walk over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain with a few steps and narrow passageways. Because of the uneven terrain and narrow passageways during the ¼-mile walk to the bear viewing area, this tour is not recommended for guests with physical limitations.
The Neets Bay Bear Tour is operated through an arrangement with the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc., (www.ssraa.org) whose charter is to enhance and rehabilitate salmon production in Southeast Alaska. |
