Bears make Alaska special, and these are also one of the major attractions in Alaska; bear watching is a popular activity in Alaska. The Alaska bear viewing trips are something that makes bear watching in Alaska exciting and rejuvenating. They show strength, adaptability, and a wild spirit that's tied to this vast, untamed place. It's no surprise that many visitors list seeing bears as one of the top things they want to experience, right up there with the Northern Lights and Mount Denali.

Best Alaska Bear Viewing Tours: Fly-In & Boat Adventures

A real experience in the Alaskan wilderness usually starts with an Alaska bear viewing trip on a plane. This journey begins with a private flight over Cook Inlet, flying past active volcanoes and glaciers, and then landing on a clean, untouched beach. We often see brown bears walking along the shoreline even before we arrive. Our eco-friendly bush camp serves as the starting point for exploring the area where bears live, with new cabins built right by the bay in a place that's mostly left undisturbed.

Nat Hab Bear Camp: Private Wilderness Bear Watching in Alaska

This is a special spot: Nat Hab's Bear Camp is on private land—once a pioneer home—surrounded by Lake Clark National Park, a top place for seeing bears. You might even spot bears on the beach from your bed! With the icy Aleutian Range behind you, enjoy comfortable, simple luxury right in the center of a great brown bear habitat—there's plenty of bear action for a lifetime and more.

Is seeing a bear in Alaska guaranteed?

Seeing a bear on an Alaska bear viewing trip isn't about luck; it's about choosing the right tour. You can see a bear while hiking or driving. If you want to see a bear during your trip, the best way is to join a guided bear watching tour. These tours take you to places where bears are often found in large numbers.

Here are Your Options

1. Fly-in/Boat-in Bear Survey Tours

You can watch bears in Alaska by boat or with a helicopter tour. Pilots and guides know where bears are likely to be during the late spring and will take you there. You will receive gear such as waterproof boots or hip waders and follow your guide to observe the bears. Depending on the season, you might see bears fishing, resting, raising cubs, or looking for shellfish from a safe distance. These are typically full-day tours in areas such as Katmai and Denali National Park.

2. Bear Watching Cabins

Lodges focus on the bear-seeing experience from morning until night, making them great for photographers who want to capture different angles. These are perfect for people who love bears and want to see how they behave and interact. It's easy to see local bears from your lodge or room, but you'll also go on guided excursions into the wild.

3. Boat Bear Tours

Like lodges, boat tours allow you to spend several days watching bears. A typical day starts with breakfast on the boat, followed by a rowboat ride to the shore to see the bears. These boats travel along the Katmai and Lake Clark rivers and carry only 6–8 visitors for a period of 4–7 nights. Some boats also offer other activities like kayaking or fishing. For a 4–8 day trip, expect to spend around $5,800 per person.