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Peak Season Bear Viewing By Seaplane

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Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience the bears of Chichagof Island with Juneau's premier wilderness tour operator! This is our peak season bear viewing trip to watch the bears in their natural habitat while they fish below a large waterfall.

We depart the Juneau airport and fly over Admiralty Island on our way to our bear viewing area on Chichagof Island. Here we will watch the bears for 2.5hrs+ before returning to Juneau on another beautiful flight over the Tongass National Forest. This trip is led by an expert local guide who has spent their life exploring this area!

All of our trips are carbon-negative, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible! Private trips with extra flightseeing are available by advanced request, contact us directly for more information.

Come and experience the famous Alaskan Brown Bear in our beautiful wilderness!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The remaining time is spent driving to/from the airport, and flying to/from the bear viewing location.

Guests must be able to disembark a seaplane into water, and walk over 1/2 mile of slippery beach rocks to reach bear viewing area

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Lunch

Landing and facility fees

Rain gear and rubber boots

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Juneau Intl Airport
Juneau United States
If you are disembarking a ship at one of Juneau's Cruise Terminals, or staying at a downtown hotel, we ask that you make the short walk to the "Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza". This is the official loading zone for our size of vehicle and is on the waterfront in the middle of the port area. The multi-story parking garage on the waterfront with the Juneau Library on top is on one end of the Plaza and it and the mural of Elizabeth Peratrovich can be seen from around the port. If you are on a ship arriving at the AJ Dock less than 30 minutes prior to the depart time, or you are staying in a hotel outside of downtown, please contact us directly.

What To Expect

1

Tongass National Forest

We will take a 30 minute flight over Admiralty Island to Chichagof Island. We disembark at the beach and spend 2.5-4 hours watching the bears fish out of the small river at the base of a large waterfall. When the salmon are spawning this is some of the most active bear viewing in Alaska! We can frequently see glaciers from the plane as we depart and return to the Juneau Airport.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Peak Season Bear Viewing By Seaplane

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

11
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  • Spectacular Day with the Bears

    Departure16692918239,

    Sep 10, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We weren’t sure what to expect exactly, as this was our first trip to Alaska. But I am a huge animal lover and knew this was a must see and so I booked the trip to see the bears well ahead of time. We only had a few days in Juneau so we were thankful the weather was great…not too sunny though, so the bears were out fishing for salmon and it was stunning to be amongst them. Our guide was very professional, explained everything in detail as to how to approach the area and how to stay safe, and she was very knowledgeable about the bear behavior. The area was beautiful and easily accessible from the float plane. Everything was very professional and we felt safe, even though we were very close to the bears. We sat quietly amongst them and took all the photos and videos we’d ever want. It was a stellar day that I will never forget and will always cherish. Wild coast was very professional and we would most certainly use them again if we were ever back in Alaska.

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  • Unforgettable and responsible bear viewing

    Flyer40321207162,

    Aug 30, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Unforgettable and Responsible Bear Viewing Experience, the Best in Juneau and Southeast Alaska What an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience! As a solo traveler visiting Juneau, I was thrilled when Wild Coast Excursions found a bear viewing tour for me to join. That’s not always easy as a single traveler, but they made it happen. From the start, communication with Peter was clear, timely, and professional. I met the group at Ward Air the morning of the tour, where Peter greeted us warmly, handed out their high-quality gear, and provided a thoughtful and calming safety and expectations briefing. This perfectly set the tone for the day. After a stunning and smooth flight, we landed at Waterfall Creek, a remote and wild part of Chichagof Island. While a few other guests from another Juneau company, and a yacht were at the area, it felt exclusive, and intimate. I’ve visited Juneau before and explored other parts of Chichagof Island, but this un-roaded wilderness was on another level. And the bears! We saw at least eight individual coastal brown bears, including mothers with spring cubs, all fishing just yards away from us. Watching their social dynamics and natural behavior was mesmerizing. At several points, they came to fish right next to our group—but never seemed stressed or alarmed. Peter knew exactly how to position us for the best viewing without disrupting the bears, always reading their body language and ensuring we gave them the space they needed. It was clear that other guides in the area were watching and taking cues from him. Of all my travels, this was the most respectful, responsible, and well-led wildlife viewing experience I’ve ever had. Wild Coast Excursions sets the gold standard for bear viewing in Juneau, Alaska, and I would go as far as saying it’s the best bear viewing opportunity in Southeast Alaska and Alaska’s Inside Passage. I can’t wait to return and explore Pack Creek with them next time. Five stars, without hesitation.

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  • Rediscovering Awe with Wild Coast Excursions

    907ExecAsst,

    Aug 8, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    As a Juneau local, I thought I’d become a little too used to the incredible wildlife here—bears included. Wild Coast Excursions completely changed that. From the float plane ride to the mossy shoreline of Chichagof Island to our guide Matt’s deep knowledge and respect for the animals, everything was handled with care and expertise. We learned how to read the forest, spot signs of wildlife, and approach with respect. The highlight was watching a female brown bear, just yards away, fishing for salmon with complete focus and grace. She didn’t seem bothered by us at all—it felt like we’d been quietly invited into her world. This wasn’t a quick photo stop or a crowded viewing platform. It was a safe, intimate, and completely authentic wildlife encounter. I left feeling humbled, grateful, and in awe of the place I call home. If you want to experience Alaska’s wild beauty in a thoughtful, respectful, and unforgettable way, I can’t recommend Wild Coast enough.

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  • Great experience

    jpkeel,

    Aug 8, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Our family did a bear tour with the group. We were flown to a short hike to a waterfall. One bear showed up and spent an hour fishing, giving me ample opportunity to take photos. Our leader Cam was very friendly and knowledgeable, and really made our experience more enjoyable. If you get the chance, do a tour with them - you will love it!

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  • Incredible bear viewing experience

    Matt P,

    Aug 7, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Absolutely incredible experience! From answering all my questions to the actual trip itself this was a best in class adventure for my family. Peter was super responsive during the entire planning process and our guide Matt was knowledgeable and made sure we were taken care of the during the trip. Not sure there is enough room on the review to express how amazing Matt was as a guide…thank you Matt. Our group had the afternoon slot at Waterfall Creek on Chicagof Island. The float plane trip was super cool but the bear viewing was of course the highlight of the trip. The weather was perfect and the only complaint is we couldn’t stay longer.

  • Make this your must do in Juneau!

    Alaskaicequeen,

    Jul 28, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I had such an amazing time with Wild Coast Excursions at Waterfall Creek. As soon as we got off the floatplane and walked around the corner — there was a bear right at the waterfall! It was truly one of the coolest and most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had with brown bears. I felt completely safe the entire time, and it was absolutely incredible to watch these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Watching them fish was surprisingly fast, sometimes even hilarious! Wild Coast made the whole experience feel both thrilling and respectful to the wildlife. Wild Coast Excursions is the best opportunity to see bears in Juneau and probably Alaska! I cannot wait to go again and check out Pack Creek next time — already dreaming of it! Don’t miss this if you’re in Juneau — it’s pure magic.

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  • Most epic trip ever

    andycL815NS,

    Sep 22, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Our Alaskan friend told us: If you’re going to spend money on one thing in Alaska, spend it on seeing bears. I’m SO happy we chose Peter at Wild Coast Excursions to take us bear watching. Peter outfitted us with excellent gear and took us on a float plane to an incredible location on Chichagof Island. We were able to get very close to several bear families and watch for hours as the tide rolled in. Peter knew all about bear behavior and was always sure not to make the bears nervous about our presence. He was easy to spend time with, and I deeply appreciated his whispered explanations about the bears’ behavior. When it was time to leave, fog had rolled in and our float plane could not pick us up. Peter had multiple contingency plans ready to go and used satellite and radio to stay in touch with his contacts on fishing boats, a Kiwi mega yacht, and the airfield to figure out the best options. We ended up with a real Alaskan adventure, and Peter told us all about the history, plants, and animals of the islands where he grew up. After a fast speed boat ride and an epic hike, a float plane was finally able to break through the fog and pick us up at a different location. Peter made us feel like family. I treasure our trip with Peter. It was definitely the highlight of our 1.5 weeks in Juneau.

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  • Once in a lifetime experience!!!

    Rafael O,

    Sep 11, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This is a must try experience if you are coming to Juneau. This is the best place in the world to see brown bears in their true habitat. Our guide Peter was knowledgeable, super friendly and amazing with our group of 6. The plane was on time, we had amazing rain gear and boots so we felt much comfortable. We sent to see the bears in a beautiful protected place, away from the crowds. We were taught about their behavior, environment and what to do in case one of the bears gets curious with us. We had two bears fishing salmons 100 yards from us for 2 whole ours. We would definitely repeat it and recommend to everyone that loves this kind of private excursions. Cheers to Peterfor our amazing day!!!

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  • Bears and Mountains - what a weekend!

    rachelbF7007LQ,

    Aug 25, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    A weekend spent bear viewing and hiking with Peter Nave at Wild Coast Excursions was one to remember! We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed both Peter’s company and his extensive knowledge. Spending time with brown bears in their home on beautiful Chichagof Island with just one other couple was a privilege. None of the usual trappings of tourism such as restrooms - you sit on a rock or grass tussock and enjoy the bears at close quarters. Paradise at Waterfall Creek. It was a thrill to be taken to the top of Mount Juneau in a small helicopter. The walk along the ridge was exhilarating and comfortable, and the good weather allowed for great views. Again, Peter’s knowledge added much to the excursion. We opted to walk down rather than call for the helicopter. Not for the faint hearted! We have walked a lot in the European Alps, including recently in Austria, but we found this descent challenging on a warm day. We’re reasonably fit for our age (72 & 70) but the route down is perhaps better suited to people a few years younger! We savoured a sense of achievement though as we gulped a welcome can of cold coke at the end, pulled from the boot of Peter’s car. Look no further than Wild Coast Excursions for bear viewing and hiking from Juneau! Thank you Peter.

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  • Amazing Experience!

    853amundr,

    Aug 7, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I had an amazing experience with Wild Coast Excursions and Peter as our guide. I was on a day excursion to view wild brown bears on Chichagof Island. Peter found the perfect balance of being knowledgeable and informative while still letting nature and our surroundings shine. His expertise and demeanor left me feeling comfortable and able to live in the moment while being literally surrounded by bears. Being able to access a shared folder of the professional quality pictures Peter took is a huge plus and has already let me relive this amazing experience from home. As a bonus, the provided lunch was delicious too! Would 100% book with Wild Coast and Peter again!

From $1,299.00

5.00
11 reviews
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