Hoonah: Chichagof Island Brown Bear Search

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of a brown bear in its natural habitat, then the Chichagof Island tour from Hoonah might be just the thing. This guided bus trip, run by Hoonah Travel Adventures LLC, promises an up-close look at Alaska’s iconic wildlife within the rugged landscape of Chichagof Island. While the tour has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 45 reviews, it offers a unique mix of opportunity and unpredictability that’s worth understanding before booking.

What we love about this experience? First, the small-group setting (max of 10 people) greatly enhances your chances of spotting bears and allows for more personalized attention from your guide. Second, the educational aspect—the guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the local wildlife and landscape. That said, it’s important to recognize that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed—some reviews note long waits or even empty vistas, which is just part of the adventure. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate the thrill of wildlife observation and are comfortable with the inherent unpredictability of nature excursions.

Key Points:

• Limited Group Size: Max of 10 participants improves the chance of bear sightings.
• Expert Native Guides: Guides provide education and local insights.
• Wildlife Unpredictability: Sightings depend on animal activity and luck.
• Duration: 3-hour tour typically in the morning, providing a manageable outing.
• Price Point: At $181 per person, the tour offers a reasonable chance to see bears in the wild, especially given the expert guidance.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 8, or those with certain mobility or health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Consider the Hoonah Brown Bear Search?

This tour is a rare chance to see Alaska’s iconic brown bears in a natural, undisturbed setting. The fact that the tour takes place on Chichagof Island, known for its dense bear population, makes it an appealing option for wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll be riding in a van with individual seats—no bench seating—and traveling through a landscape that’s as wild as it is beautiful. The experience combines the thrill of the hunt with education, making it both fun and informative.

However, bear sightings aren’t guaranteed—some reviews highlight the challenge of spotting bears, especially if they’re not actively foraging or are hidden from view. One traveler noted, “We were there for 3 hours and 10 minutes, but didn’t see anything,” which is a reminder that wildlife encounters depend heavily on timing and luck.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins with a convenient pickup at the Port of Icy Strait. You’ll meet at the Icy Strait Exclusive Excursions Hub, taking just 6-8 minutes to walk from the cruise dock if you’re on the Adventure Dock or a scenic 3-minute walk from Wilderness Dock via the free gondola shuttle. This ease of access is a plus for travelers, especially those on cruise ships, who want a hassle-free start.

Once onboard the van, you’ll be comfortably seated in individual chairs, which is a thoughtful touch, especially for longer drives or those prone to motion sickness. The guides are local Native experts, bringing not just knowledge but also cultural insights into the region. The tour lasts about three hours, usually scheduled in the morning, when wildlife activity is often at its peak.

Throughout the journey, your guide will share stories, facts about local life, the landscape, and bear behavior. Expect to travel through lush forests, rugged coastlines, and open clearings—each spot holding the potential for a bear sighting. The guide’s familiarity with bear patterns and the terrain increases your odds but doesn’t guarantee it.

The Challenge and the Charm of Wildlife Tours

One of the biggest considerations is that wildlife tours are inherently unpredictable. As one traveler lamented, “This tour was a waste of cruise time to see one bear walking away from afar with binoculars.” While that’s an extreme case, it highlights how elusive these creatures can be. The tour’s value lies not only in spotting bears but also in the educational experience and the natural scenery.

For those who are serious about seeing bears, it’s worth entering with realistic expectations. The guides will do their best, but the animals decide their schedule. That said, the chance to observe bears in their habitat—even if only fleetingly—is an experience many cherish.

The Cost and Its Value

At $181 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest wildlife outing, but it includes all park fees ($7), transportation, and a knowledgeable guide. You won’t have to worry about extra costs during the trip, and the small-group setting enhances the overall experience by making it more intimate and less rushed. If your main goal is to see bears in the wild with expert guidance, many will find this fee reasonable, especially given the limited nature of the tour.

However, some reviews suggest that the experience’s success depends on luck. If bear sighting is your primary goal, be prepared for the possibility that you might spend hours without a sighting—or see only distant movements. But even if animals are elusive, you’ll appreciate the beautiful landscapes and the insights shared by your guide.

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Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress weather-appropriately: Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so bring waterproof gear and layers.
• Be on time: Check-in begins 15 minutes early, and the tour departs promptly.
• Bring binoculars: While the guide might not provide them, binoculars greatly improve your chances of spotting distant bears.
• Manage expectations: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed—view this as part of the wilderness adventure.
• Children and mobility: Not suitable for children under 8 or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Some travelers found the guide’s effort admirable, with one noting, “The guide was super nice, trying until the last minute,” but others expressed disappointment over the sightings. One reviewer said, “Enjoyed the day but thought the guide could have provided a little more info about the area,” highlighting that the experience can vary depending on expectations and luck.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This outing is best suited for wildlife lovers who’re comfortable with a degree of unpredictability. If your main goal is to see a bear or two in the wild, this tour offers a genuine chance, especially with the guidance of local experts who know the area well. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate a small-group experience and want to learn more about Alaska’s environment.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed sightings or traveling with young children, you might want to consider other options or prepare yourself for a potentially quiet viewing.

The Hoonah Chichagof Island Brown Bear Search offers a genuine, if sometimes unpredictable, wildlife experience. For a modest investment, you gain access to the stunning landscape of Chichagof Island and the expertise of local guides who are eager to share their knowledge. While bear sightings can’t be promised, the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, combined with the scenic beauty and cultural insights, makes this tour a worthwhile addition to an Alaskan itinerary.

This trip is particularly well-suited for those who value authentic encounters over guaranteed sightings, and who don’t mind the possibility of waiting patiently or simply enjoying the landscape. It’s an adventure that captures the spirit of Alaska—wild, beautiful, and a bit unpredictable.

What is included in the tour price?
The $181 per person fee includes pickup and drop-off at the Port of Icy Strait, all park fees ($7), a small-group experience with individual seating, and guidance from a local Native guide.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts 3 hours, generally scheduled in the morning, providing a manageable time frame for travelers.

Where do I meet for the tour?
If your ship is docked at the Adventure Dock, walk to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center and follow signs to the Excursion Hub. If docked at Wilderness Dock, ride the free gondola and follow signs on the gravel path. Look for the guide dressed in blue or tan.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 8, or for travelers with mobility issues or claustrophobia. The terrain and nature of the trip require a certain level of mobility and patience.

Can I guarantee seeing bears?
No, wildlife sightings depend on animal activity and luck. Some travelers have seen bears, others see only distant movements or nothing at all.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing is essential. Bringing binoculars is recommended to enhance your viewing experience.

What if I don’t see any bears?
While disappointing, many travelers still enjoy the landscape and educational aspect of the tour. Some reviews note partial refunds or credit, but this isn’t guaranteed. The main value is the experience and the chance to be in the wilderness.

This small-group, guided tour offers a refreshingly honest approach to wildlife spotting—exciting, unpredictable, and authentically Alaskan. Ideal for those who treasure the adventure of nature and are prepared for surprises along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: