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Tourism Ketchikan

Tours & experiences

Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

About this experience

The Neets Bay Bear Observatory is closed to the general public and accessible only by permit. As the exclusive permit holder, our guests enjoy a rare opportunity to visit one of Southeast Alaska's premier bear viewing locations—an experience available to very few visitors each year.

Observe wild black bears in their natural habitat from a safe viewing platform as they forage along salmon streams and the shoreline. Located in the remote wilderness of Neets Bay, this unforgettable wildlife experience offers exceptional opportunities for bear viewing, photography, and witnessing Alaska's incredible natural beauty up close.

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr 45 min

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Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr 45 min

Set aside 4 hr 45 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • Snack

Itinerary and highlights

You will enjoy a fully narrated coach tour from downtown Ketchikan (or Ward Cove dependent upon your ship) to Clover Pass Lodge, the oldest operating fishing lodge in the state of Alaska.

Upon arrival you will board our comfortable boat, fully enclosed and meet your Captain and crew. You'll be whisked away into the wilderness for a one hour exploration of the wild and wonderful Tongass National Forest, all from the comfort of your boat.

Our destination is Neets Bay Bear Observatory. We will arrive at the mouth of a salmon spawning stream and then enjoy a walk through the incredible forest, fully guided.

You'll then arrive at the observatory where we will stay on the lookout for bears feeding in the stream. While we do see bears 99% of the time, WILDLIFE IS NEVER Guaranteed.

You'll spend 30 minutes quietly observing these magnificent creatures before we make our way back to the boat.

Fully narrated boat tour return to Clover Pass Lodge

Fully narrated coach return to downtown Ketchikan

Meeting and pickup information

  • Ward Cove ships: Meet your guide at the Ward Cove Welcome Center 15 minutes before departure. Tour departs from Ward Cove. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SHUTTLE DOWNTOWN YOU WILL MISS YOUR TOUR. All downtown ships meet at “The Rock” statue next to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, 15 minutes prior to departure.

Languages and tickets

  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Adventure Ketchikan Tours

Accessibility and practical details

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children under 5 are not recommended for this tour

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr 45 min.
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 1–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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