Peak Season Bear Viewing By Seaplane

Setting out on a Peak Season Bear Viewing adventure by seaplane near Juneau, USA, is an exhilarating opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This exclusive tour, acclaimed by Viator and Tripadvisor, promises a personalized experience for small groups. Travelers can anticipate a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight, a brief beach walk, and two hours of bear observation while enjoying a complimentary lunch. With the provided rain gear, guests can enjoy the captivating world of these powerful predators. What lies in store for those who embark on this thrilling adventure?

Key Points

• Unique bear viewing opportunity near Juneau, USA, offering a 5-star rated seaplane experience with a maximum of 9 travelers per group.
• The tour includes complimentary lunch, rain gear, and rubber boots, as well as all landing and facility fees, with gratuities for guides and staff.
• Guests can self-drive and meet at the Ward Air Inc. lobby or opt for pickup from the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza for cruise terminal or downtown hotel guests.
• The activity requires physical ability, as it involves a 30-minute seaplane flight and a 0.5-mile beach walk over slippery rocks to the viewing area.
• Weather conditions may include rain, so proper preparation is essential for the approximately 2-hour bear viewing experience.

Overview and Experience

The Peak Season Bear Viewing by Seaplane offers a unique opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat near Juneau, USA.

This 5-star tour, rated by Viator and Tripadvisor, accommodates a maximum of 9 travelers per group. The price starts from $1,299 per person, varying by group size.

Travelers will be provided with lunch, rain gear, and rubber boots. The tour includes landing and facility fees, as well as gratuities.

Guests will meet at Ward Air Inc or be picked up from the cruise terminal or downtown hotel.

However, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has physical requirements, so it’s important to check one’s ability before booking.

Inclusions

As part of the Peak Season Bear Viewing by Seaplane experience, travelers will receive a complimentary lunch during the tour.

Plus, rain gear and rubber boots are included, ensuring guests are prepared for the weather and terrain.

The tour also covers all landing and facility fees, so there are no hidden costs.

Gratuities for the guides and staff are included in the price, making it a hassle-free experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting and pickup for the Peak Season Bear Viewing by Seaplane experience is conveniently arranged.

Self-driving guests meet at the Ward Air Inc. lobby, with free parking available.

Pickup is provided at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza for cruise terminal disembarking guests or downtown hotel guests.

Guests should contact the provider for any special circumstances, such as late ship arrivals.

The key pickup details include:

1. Self-driving guests meet at Ward Air Inc, 8991 Yandukin Dr #100, Juneau, AK 99801.
2. Pickup available at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza for cruise terminal or downtown hotel guests.
3. Contact required for special circumstances (e.g., late ship arrivals).

Activity Details

Guests receive confirmation of their booking upon reservation, unless their travel is within 9 days, in which case confirmation is provided within 48 hours. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. The tour requires guests to disembark the seaplane into the water and walk over 1/2 mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area. The remaining time is spent driving to/from the airport and flying to/from the bear viewing location.

Physical Requirements	Details
Disembarking	Guests must disembark seaplane into water
Walking Distance	Over 1/2 mile of slippery beach rocks
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Medical Conditions	Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions

Additional Information

The tour is non-refundable, with no refunds offered for cancellations.

It’s critical to carefully consider one’s physical ability before booking this excursion. The activity includes:

1. Disembarking the seaplane into water and traversing over half a mile of slippery beach rocks to reach the bear viewing area.
2. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
3. Near public transportation, but not wheelchair accessible.

Given the unique nature of this tour, it’s essential for guests to fully understand and prepare for the physical demands to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What to Expect

Arriving at the Ward Air meeting point, guests can expect to be transported via seaplane to the bear viewing location. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the coastal wilderness. Once at the remote site, guests must disembark the seaplane and walk over slippery beach rocks for about half a mile to reach the bear viewing area.

What to Expect
Seaplane flight	30 minutes
Beach walk	0.5 miles
Terrain	Slippery rocks
Viewing time	Approx. 2 hours
Weather	Prepare for rain

Remaining time is spent driving to/from the airport and flying to/from the bear viewing location.

Getting There

To get to the tour’s meeting point, self-driving guests can find free parking at the Ward Air Inc. facility located at 8991 Yandukin Dr #100 in Juneau, Alaska.

Cruise terminal disembarking guests or those staying at downtown hotels can be picked up at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza.

For special circumstances, such as late ship arrivals, guests should contact the tour operator.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from designated locations
2. Transportation to the seaplane departure point
3. Flying to the bear viewing site

Guests must be prepared to disembark the seaplane into the water and walk over slippery beach rocks to reach the viewing area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s recommended that guests be physically able to meet the tour’s demands, which include walking over slippery beach rocks. Parents should consider their child’s capabilities before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Seaplane?

Guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the seaplane. The tour includes a provided lunch, and bringing outside items is not allowed. Travelers should plan to consume only the provided refreshments during the excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Camera or Photography Allowed?

Guests are free to bring cameras, but the tour operator advises against using large, professional-grade equipment. Flash photography is prohibited to avoid disturbing the bears. Tripods may be restricted due to the rugged terrain at the viewing site.

How Experienced Are the Seaplane Pilots and Bear Viewing Guides?

The seaplane pilots are highly experienced, holding commercial licenses and having extensive flying experience in Alaska. The bear viewing guides are local experts knowledgeable about wildlife behavior and safety protocols to ensure guests have a safe and rewarding experience.

What Should I Pack to Ensure I’m Prepared for the Weather Conditions?

To prepare for the weather, guests should pack warm, waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, and rain gear. The tour provider includes rain jackets and rubber boots, but additional insulation may be needed for the outdoor viewing experience.

The Sum Up

Experience the majesty of Alaska’s bears up close during the peak season. This exclusive tour offers a scenic seaplane flight, a short beach walk, and over two hours of bear viewing in their natural habitat. With small groups, a complimentary lunch, and provided rain gear, it’s a personalized and immersive adventure you won’t soon forget.