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Guided Passenger Van Wildlife and Bear Viewing Tour

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3.5-Hour Duration
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Extended time in wildlife areas
Brown Bear Focus
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Prime bear viewing on Chichagof Island
Small Group Van
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Maximum 11 guests per departure
Family Friendly
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All ages welcome aboard

Description

If you’re hoping to see brown bears while you’re in Icy Strait Point, this 3.5-hour tour is a solid, no-stress way to do it. You’ll stay on land the whole time, riding in a comfortable van while your guide takes you to the areas where bears have been most active recently.

Chichagof Island has a huge bear population, so there’s always a good chance of spotting one, but it still comes down to being in the right place at the right time. That’s where your guide comes in. They track sightings daily and adjust the route as needed, checking places like stream crossings, quiet forest roads, and open shoreline areas.

Most of the experience is pretty relaxed. You’ll drive, stop, look, and wait when it makes sense. Then, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a bear moving through the trees or feeding along the water. Those moments feel natural, not staged, which makes them more memorable.

You’ll likely see other wildlife too. Bald eagles are common, and it’s not unusual to spot deer along the roadside or birds near the coast.

The 3.5-hour length gives you time to settle into the rhythm. You’re not rushing from stop to stop, and that extra time often leads to better sightings.

There’s no hiking involved, and everything is done from the roadside at a safe distance. It’s a good option if you want a simple, comfortable way to experience Alaska’s wildlife without anything too physically demanding.


What's Included

Round-Trip Transportation
Expert Wildlife Guide
Passenger Van Tour
Bear Viewing Stops
Wildlife Narration
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Binoculars

Frequently Asked Questions

How likely am I to see bears?
Chichagof Island has one of the highest brown bear densities in the world. Your guide targets active bear areas daily, and sightings are very common, though not guaranteed.
Is this tour safe for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. The tour is conducted from a passenger van with stops for viewing, so children can participate comfortably.
How much walking is involved?
Minimal. Most wildlife viewing is from or near the van. Your guide may lead brief stops at scenic viewpoints on flat ground.
What other wildlife might I see?
In addition to brown bears, guests frequently spot bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and a variety of seabirds and shorebirds along the route.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from pickup to dropoff
Maximum 11 guests per van for a small group experience
Tour operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe
Bear sightings are very likely but cannot be guaranteed
Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Icy Strait Point

Duration
3h 30min

Adult Rate
$154

Child Rate
$128


Itinerary • 3h 30min • 4 activities

Check in with your guide at the Excursion Hub and board the Wild Bear Safari passenger van.

Duration
15 minutes

Travel through Hoonah and into the bear-rich areas of Chichagof Island, stopping at streams and clearings where bears forage.

Duration
1 hour

Spend time at active bear zones and scenic wildlife corridors, with your guide adjusting the route based on the day's sightings.

Duration
1 hour 40 minutes

Head back to the Excursion Hub with time to explore Hoonah or return to your cruise ship.

Duration
35 minutes