Neets Bay Bear Watch by Floatplane
$339 per person
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Flightseeing time to Neets Bay: 50 minutes total (25 minutes each way)
Bear Viewing Dates of operation: Mid July through September (dates flexible due to bear activity)
Restrictions: No wheelchair accessibility
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure to witness the wild black bears native to Southeast Alaska is certain to charm everyone from nature lovers to photo enthusiasts alike. Climb aboard a Promech Air floatplane for a bird’s-eye view of Ketchikan and its surrounding wilderness on your way to your destination—Neets Bay—one of the finest bear viewing areas in Southeast Alaska.
Once you disembark, one of our friendly and experienced naturalist guides will provide you with a complimentary bottle of water and then lead your group on a short hike along a quarter-of-a-mile wilderness trail through the old growth Tongass National Rainforest. Along the way your guide will describe details of seasonal behavior and the habitat of the black bear and the lifecycle of their favorite meal, the Alaska salmon. Your destination from the trail—Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery. This facility is owned and operated by SSRAA (Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association) SSRAA’s (pronounced ’Sarah’) mission is to enhance the number of salmon available to commercial and sport harvesters in the area and to ensure minimal impacts to naturally reproducing salmon stocks. SSRAA operates four hatcheries in the region and around mid-July every year, when the great salmon run is at its most spectacular, spawning salmon enter the bay, swim up the stream and start to jump up the cascading water and Hatchery fish ladders. This is big time feeding for black bears! The secure, covered bear viewing area allows for up-close observation of the bears feeding in their natural habitat. Be on the lookout for other wildlife—eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, marten, and seals all populate this area.
Our floatplanes will help to make your flight to and from Neets Bay a truly memorable experience. Digital CD audio systems, individual passenger headsets and extra-large windows for sightseeing all enhance the experience. A professionally designed and printed souvenir route guide booklet will also serve as a memento of your fascinating adventure.
NOTE: Wear comfortable hiking footwear and dress warmly. Rain gear is recommended. The rainforest walk is over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain with a few steps and narrow passageways. This tour is not recommended for guests with physical limitations.
An unforgettable experience. Wildlife. Live it!
Promech Air operates under a special use permit from Tongass National Forest. We are an equal opportunity provider.
