homer bear viewing tours reviews

Scenic Bear Viewing

Review Highlights

“   Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate that early morning and Martin apologized for the delay. ” in 14 reviews

“ Therefore, as soon as I started putting our Alaskan itinerary together, I added the Bear Viewing trip to our plans. ” in 3 reviews

“ They were super close, close enough that when the mom feeds the Cubs , we could see the strands of milk. ” in 4 reviews

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3636 Faa Rd

Homer, AK 99603

Serving Homer Area

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About the Business

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Business Owner

Scenic Bear Viewing is a unique travel activity based in Homer Alaska. Known for its top notch, personalized, Alaskan Brown Bear tours. You pilot/guide Martin or Bryan will keep you safe on your unforgettable dream safari. You are guaranteed to see Bears. Martin has been flying for 30 yrs, 12,500 hours, 16 yrs in Alaska all with a perfect safety record. At Scenic Bear Viewing, we take bear viewing seriously. Hop on and take a magnificent flight in a bush plane and we'll take you to the best locations in the world for Alaska Grizzly bear watching and amazing photography. Our grizzly bear tours cater to both wildlife photographers and wildlife viewers. We offer some of the most affordable bear watching tours in Alaska. Come enjoy the remote pristine wilderness of Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park and more …

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I had a wonderful day on a beautiful beach watching the bears! Our guide Martin was an informative down to earth guy and gave us a great experience.

Jul 20, 2023

Thank You Julie and thanks for booking with us. It sure was nice to see those spring cubs. Take care and be safe. It was nice to meet a fellow Airstream owner too.

What an experience! If you are looking to see bears up close, and to also see some amazing views, then this is where you want to go. Martin was such a great guide with all of his knowledge and experience. We were grouped with another three people, and it made it such a great day. He made us feel very safe while we were viewing bears. I never thought that we would have gotten to see three different bears, and be able to view them so closely. Definitely a trip of a lifetime! Would highly recommend Martin.

Jun 9, 2022

Thank You Michelle for the great review. We really appreciate you taking the time to write the review and it was my pleasure to show you the bears.

This was a once in a lifetime experience. I was so scared (we don't have bears in Hawaii!) but this was not scary. Martin is an experienced guide and pilot. From the gorgeous plane ride both directions to the up close viewing of the bears....simply WOW! Martin also takes amazing photos of the adventure which he shares. You cannot come to Alaska without doing this tour!

See all photos from Mia F. for Scenic Bear Viewing

OMG, book your trip today! We spent an amazing day within feet of bears the whole time. Martin is like the bear whisperer...had us walking up so close that you could hear them chewing. Freakin' amazing!!!

Omg! By far the BEST thing I have experienced while in Alaska and I have been fortunate to do a lot in the past 2 weeks. Money well spent, expensive but worth every penny! Martin was really terrific and went out of his way to make us welcome and give us the best and most up-close experience of bear watching that I could have expected. We were fortunate to spend quite a bit of time up close to a momma and her cub while momma clammed and baby rolled in the mud and scratched. We also saw a bear sleeping on a rock- she didn't seem to care one bit that we were right next to her. Off in the distance another bear was running and playing w/ the seagulls in the water. If you have the time and the money this is an experience that you should not pass up! If I could give 10 I would! Thanks, Martin!!!

Momma and baby taken from iPhone

Wendi and Mike Berger from Houston and Martin:)

Holy shit, if you want to see bears, this is the only way to go. 6 of us flew onto the peninsula beach and walked out to a large meadow with a bear every 100 yards. Martin walked us close to the bears, and we even had a cub come within 4 feet of us. We saw them eating, clamming and running..... THIS WAS A DREAM COME TRUE!!!!!!!

This trip far exceeded my expectations and I was blown away by how many bears we got to see on our tour. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience to be that close to the bears in Lake Clark National Park. You can tell that Martin loves his job and is great at it. We also felt extremely comfortable with him as our guide. He is very experienced and well trained. You can tell this because the bears look at him as a leader. Having someone well trained and experienced was really important to us, especially when viewing bears in their natural habitat. I'm so glad that we went with an experienced guide and this company! We got there earlier than any of the other planes and spent a lot of time watching the bears in the water, in the meadows, and from the viewing area. We got really lucky to see a mama bear and her cubs nursing really close up. The mama bear walked up nearby us and started nursing her cubs. It was both amazing and surreal to watch. I realize that this doesn't happen every tour, although just seeing the bears is a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the money. The memories I have from this tour are priceless and Martin really cares about the experience that those on the tour are having. We were lucky that we got to stay out there longer than other planes did to view the bears. There are cheaper tours, although it was worth paying a little more for a highly experienced guide that knew what he was doing and to spend more time with the bears. The views on the way to Lake Clark National Park are also amazing! Martin has been flying planes for a long time and I felt really comfortable with him being such an experienced pilot! Flying out of Homer is a lot shorter of a flight than some of the other tours that start in Anchorage, which is really nice. Martin was really knowledgeable and was able to tell us a lot about the bears and answer all of the questions that I had. I feel that I learned a lot about bears during this tour as well as had an incredible experience. I highly recommend going with this company and having Martin as your guide! Some tips: *Bring your camera! We had a camera that took better quality pictures and used another one for videos. *Consider wearing a bug or mosquito repellent long sleeve shirt. There were some what I believe to be horse flies that land on you at Lake Clark National Park. You can flick them off, although our guide wore a mosquito or bug repellent shirt and that seemed to detour them from him. *Bring your lunch with you and water! They say not to bring anything that creates crumbs or just have something to put under it to not leave any trace of food behind. You will get hungry and thristy while you are out there so come prepared.

What a truly amazing experience! Martin was wonderful, kind and super awesome with our kids. He was confident and knowledgeable and put us at ease with the bears and the flight over. This was a once in a lifetime adventure for us and we are so grateful we were there with Martin and chose Scenic Bear Viewing. Our family will be reveling in these memories for the rest of our lives. Magical!

Had a great trip. Martin was a full professional and made us feel comfortable and safe. We got to within 30 feet of 4 Bears. Martin took great pictures for us, and the plane ride was smooth.

We researched and read many reviews for the best bear viewing in Alaska and found "Scenic Bear Viewing".  Prior to scheduling a day, we had some questions and concerns.  Martin responded promptly, assuringly and thoroughly months ahead.  We scheduled our tour for Tuesday, July 6, 2021.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate that early morning and Martin apologized for the delay.  Since we had a flight out that night from Anchorage (5 hour drive), we had a decision to make about whether to stay.  Martin did not sway us, was patient and understanding.  We were most impressed with his emphasis on flight safety and the caution exercised.  Our story could have ended there had we driven off.  About one hour later, we were informed to head on over to the Homer airport.  The weather cleared and the trip was on!  We got outfitted with boots (waders) and climbed aboard with another very nice couple.  The takeoff was flawless as the skies cleared even more.  We flew across the inlet to a remote area where the brown bears hunt for clams.  Imagine landing on a beach in paradise.  The adventure began without delay.  We spotted several bears immediately.  I will leave what transpired to the imagination, only to say that the experience is the stuff off dreams and fantasies.  Martin was informative, interesting, and quite reassuring in the presence of wild beasts that could use you as a frisbee at free will.  His calm demeanor accompanied a profound enthusiasm for these amazing animals.  We had plenty of time for photography and videography for the duration and any questions we could divine.  It became obvious during our outing that Scenic Bear Viewing stood considerably above and beyond other tours.  We enjoyed a relaxing lunch while Martin shared more of his experiences.  As the tide rose and the wind picked up, our best bear friends bade us farewell for the day and we prepared for the return trip to Homer.  This ranked tops in my lifetime as the most spectacular, jaw-dropping, unbelievable, out-of-this-world flight.  You will see why when you fly it, weather permitting.  So this ranks as one of the most memorable days of my life.  Just pinch me.  It was exceptional, thrilling and elevating - no pun intended.  You'll experience a great round trip flight of a lifetime with unmatched views and an experience with these gentle giants that will stay with you forever.  "Scenic Bear Viewing" says it all.  But expect even more, and then celebrate.  This was the grand finale of our Alaskan trip.  Don't forget to bring an extra battery and keep your fingers on the camera shutter!

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Scenic Bear Viewing Tours from Homer, Alaska

Classic grizzly bear tour.

Embark on an exhilarating Alaskan adventure. Soar over majestic landscapes, and land on a remote beach to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat.

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 4.5 - 7 Hours

ABOUT SCENIC BEAR VIEWING

Experience a breathtaking scenic flight to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park in one of our 5-passenger seat bush planes. Then enjoy a professionally guided hike to see free roaming brown bears/Grizzlies in their natural habitat. Bear viewing is the #1 activity in Alaska.

WHY GO BEAR VIEWING WITH US?

This is our video that went viral and still is going viral.

Don’t worry we don’t get charged like this often. One time in 9 yrs.

When you visit the Alaskan wilderness and see bears in their domain, it can be a soul charging experience that will last a lifetime. People tell us it was highlight of their Alaskan vacation.

The Scenic Bear Viewing crew, Dylan, Sam and Martin. Between Martin and Dylan we have 17,000 hours of flight experience. Experience means safety in aviation.

We fly to wild remote beaches on the coast of Alaska. There are no large crowds of people where we go. We also practice leave no trace behind. Our fuel storage tank is even solar powered.

TOP RATED ALASKAN BROWN BEAR TOURS FROM HOMER ★★★★★

What a great day! Martin is an excellent guide and pilot. Beautiful flight over and back with a tour of the mountains on the return trip. Several hours on the ground, got up close (15 feet or so) to several brown bears that were digging for clams on the beach. We recommend Martin 100%!

What an amazing experience. First off, Martin is an exceptional pilot. Secondly, he definitely has some sort of connection with the bears. They are at ease around him which allows you to get closer then you'd expect. I cannot say enough good things about this trip and it was worth every penny. If you are looking to book a trip to see bears, look no further.

My husband and I recently went on the bear sighting tour. Within 5 minutes of landing we walked out to a mama and two cubs. The cub put on a great show for us and got within a couple feet of us. Martin is very knowledgeable about the bears and told is exactly what to do. I felt calm and comfortable with in his care. This is a one in a lifetime experience. The bear just ate clams while we watched. Martin took us out despite the not so great weather. Even in the rain we had a great time. We will do it again. Worth the money.

When we got to the hanger Martin gave us quite an extensive briefing about the plane we were going to fly in and the Bears we were going to see , he was extremely knowledgeable about the Bears that we saw on the mud flats today . one of the highlights was flying by a snow covered volcano and then landing on the beach . The mother bears and her cubs would walk right by us , it was an outstanding trip

Our family joined Martin on June 25th. Everything about it was awesome. He is passionate about the bears and very knowledge. The flight over is beautiful. I took more pictures on this tour that the rest of the time i was in Alaska combined. You can not go wrong with this experience.

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Bear Viewing Expedition from Homer

See bears in their natural habitat on katmai's coast or interior..

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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Homer » Bear Viewing Expedition from Homer

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Roundtrip scenic flights to/from Homer
• Guide services
• Hip wader boots
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Meals and transfers to and from your hotel.

Amazing Alaska! Seeing the aurora borealis was a bucket list item for me. I choose the tour with Alaska Tours for this reason. I could not have asked for better. The accommodations were very comfortable and the train ride from Denali to Anchorage was wonderful!

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Alaska Bear Adventures

Guided wilderness bear viewing, coastal trips, brooks falls, mcneil river.

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Valid for reservations completed by June 30, 2023 . To get your $100 off, enter code  EB2023  at time of booking.

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Prices will be going up on may 15, 2024. book now to lock in current rates., awesome alaska bear viewing tour options.

Once In A Lifetime Bear Viewing Opportunity

We fly by Cessna bush plane to the remote wilderness grizzly watching area of Katmai National Park, Alaska which has the highest concentration of protected brown bears in the world!

Our grizzly bear tours cater to both wildlife photographers and wildlife viewers. The flight from Homer, AK to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park to the bear watching area is an adventure by itself with magnificent flight-seeing including volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains all set against the backdrop of the azure ocean.

Alaska Bear Viewing Tours In Katmai & Lake Clark

One of our rigorously trained guides will take you on your Bear Adventure. We keep tabs on the bears for over 100 miles of Katmai and Lake Clark park coastline. We go to the best bear viewing location for the day of your trip.

Daily Alaska Bear Viewing Tours Alaska Bear Adventures in Homer Alaska

• Daily Alaska Bear Viewing Tours From Homer
• Bear Viewing is Our Main Event
• Family-Owned Company
• Operating from Homer Airport
• Trained Naturalist Guides
• Mind Blowing Photography Opportunities

• (907) 299-7498

Bear Viewing Alaska

Are you ready to experience the best brown bear viewing tour in the entire state? Bear Viewing Alaska will take you on the adventure of a lifetime as you get up close and personal with wild coastal brown bears weighing over half a ton.

Your Alaska bear viewing tour will begin in Homer where we take you by boat across Cook Inlet to Chinitna Bay, part of the beautiful Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Once there, you will safely watch Alaska brown bears from several viewing areas accompanied by one of our experienced guides.

Chinitna Bay is home to one of the densest populations of brown bears in the world and it’s not uncommon to see more than 20 bears while standing in one spot.

Because our tours are done by boat, you will get to see TONS of wildlife on our journey to Chinitna Bay. All while riding in comfort aboard our spacious and stable forty-foot class catamarans.

Your seven to eight hour excursion will immerse you in the Alaskan wilderness where you’ll be surrounded by glaciers, volcanoes, wildlife, and endless mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. There are few tours in Alaska where you can see humpback whales, orcas, and brown bears all in a single day, which is why our tours are truly unique.

If you’re visiting Alaska, what are you waiting for? We cater to travelers staying in Homer for the day, week, or the entire summer season. Bear viewing in Chinitna Bay is great throughout the entire season, so contact us today and book your tour!

Breaking down your tour from start to finish

You’re probably wondering what to expect when you embark on your bear viewing tour in Alaska. We entertain guests from all over the planet who are looking for an authentic Alaskan experience. When you see Alaska in advertisements, television shows, or travel brochures, a picture of a mighty brown bear is almost always included. This is the tour that will turn that picture into your reality.

We want our guests to have a good idea of what takes place on one of our tours and what to expect. What follows is a breakdown of our brown bear tour, as well as some important information.

Please remember that each of our tours are based around the high tide. Each tour will begin and end at a different time each day. When booking we will inform you of your departure time, but remember that this is subject to change. If there are any changes to your departure time, we will notify you in advance..

Arrive at the harbor - Bear Viewing Alaska is located on the famous Homer Spit in Homer Harbor. Upon booking your tour we will provide you with the slip number, name of the vessel and departure time so you can meet us at the boat ready for your day’s adventure. Safety briefing - ALL passengers are required to attend this safety briefing. We will outline boat safety and how to remain safe while in the park. It’s very likely you will be in close proximity to multiple bears weighing over 1,000 pounds, so safety is priority. We pride ourselves on offering a safe bear viewing experience, which is why we require all guests to attend this briefing.

Depart Homer Harbor - As we cruise out of the harbor into Kachemak Bay, you will marvel at the scenery that unfolds. You are entering pristine marine wilderness where surprises await. At this time you'll be able to get better acquainted with your crew while we depart from the harbor. We will also be outlining the tour for you as well as answering any questions you may have.

Travel through Kachemak Bay and across Cook Inlet - You will be traveling across waters abundant with wildlife. Many marine and land animals inhabit Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet because they are rich with nutrients and food. After departing the Homer Harbor you will take a 50 mile journey to Chinitna Bay, leaving Kachemak Bay and crossing the Cook Inlet. This takes about 2 hours (depending on weather) and gives us a great opportunity to spot whales, otters, and other marine wildlife. On every tour we will always stop the boat and let you get a close look at the wildlife we come across. When everyone is done watching and taking pictures, we’ll keep on heading to our destination.

History, geology, wildlife, geography - As we keep an eye out for wildlife and indulge in the scenery, your guides will provide you with information about the geography, geology and wildlife of the area as well as identify the wildlife you will be seeing. Every visitor is eager to see bears but it’s common during this part of the trip to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, eagles, and many varieties of seabirds. Other highlights include, St. Augustine, Mt. Redoubt, Mt.Iliamna and Mt. Douglas, all of which are active volcanoes. Your guides will make sure to point these out to you and will even slow down for pictures if requested. Meanwhile, your captain and crew will be on the lookout for wildlife and immediately inform you when sightings are made so keep your camera handy.

Arrive at Chinitina Bay - This is where your Alaska bear viewing adventure truly begins. You will be escorted by a knowledgeable guide to the viewing areas where the bears congregate. Photography is encouraged throughout your stay. Before walking onto the beach via our vessel's bow ramp, your guide will ask for your attention for a quick speech about the rules of the park, and what to do when the boat lands on the beach. Remember if you are hungry to eat any food or snacks you have before we arrive at the beach, as you are not allowed to bring food into the park.

Once everyone has departed the boat, your guide will begin the tour. They will start with giving you some interesting information and facts about the park and the bears you’ll be seeing there. You may be divided into groups at this point to prevent overcrowding, as we want your experience to be the best possible. Each viewing area will have benches to sit on and flat ground for a camera tripod. These areas overlook the salt marsh where the bears feed on sedge grass throughout the day. This grass is filled with nutrients and makes a perfect meal for these coastal brown bears, which is why we sometimes see twenty or more bears at a time in the marsh.

If bear activity slows down in one area, your guide might suggest moving onto the next. There will be a bit of walking involved, about 100 meters between viewing areas. This walking is done on the beach and in the open. Remember to keep your camera ready because this is when a majority of our closer encounters happen. Some people are faster walkers than others and being that we have multiple guides, you will always be accompanied by one and not be left behind.

The viewing areas also offer some of the best bird watching in the world. If you’re a bird enthusiast, this is a fantastic time to add some difficult-to-spot birds to your list. You have four hours to enjoy the viewing areas, so make the most of your adventure. You never know what you will see on your particular excursion but we guarantee it will be the highlight of your Alaska vacation.

Depart Chinitna Bay - You will be escorted back to the boat in time for our departure. Kick back and relax for the ride home or keep your eyes peeled for more wildlife sighting opportunities. Share your experiences with others on the boat. Eat a snack or even take a nap. It will be another 2 hour ride back to the Homer Harbor.

Arrive/return to Homer Harbor - That’s it. You’re one of the few adventurous souls to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat. After your Alaska bear viewing adventure, you will have memories to share for a lifetime.

• Restrooms are available on the boat and onshore at Chinitna Bay.
• Bring your own lunch and snacks. Please remember that any food or drinks (besides water) are not allowed to be brought into the park.
• Make sure to wear layers and be prepared for any weather conditions.
• Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.
• Bring along any medication you need.
• If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness medication. (Dramamine or Bonine)
• Follow all safety instructions while on the tour.
• Always do exactly what your guide says to do.
• Stay with the group! Make sure to not get too distracted and fall behind.

Alaska Bear Viewing

If you’re visiting Alaska, you probably want to know the best bear viewing Alaska locations. Chinitna Bay ranks at the top of the list because of its accessibility, remoteness, and the size and concentration of brown bears.

Some of the other top Alaska bear viewing locations include:

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park - This is one of the most well-known bear viewing locations in Alaska. Almost anyone who is interested in Alaska has seen an image or video of brown bears feeding on salmon in Brooks River, where a platform extends right above the location where bears feed in the rapids and falls. Bears also can be spotted in Hallo Bay, which is also in Katmai. Here, bears feed on clams and protein-rich sedge grasses just as they do in Chinitna Bay.

Anan Wildlife Observatory - This is the best bear viewing Alaska destination in Southeast Alaska. The observatory is located in the Tongass National Forest, which is the largest in the U.S. The bear viewing platforms are connected to the mouth of Anan Lagoon by a half-mile long boardwalk. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the observatory (unless you cross paths with a bear, which happens frequently). Anan boasts one of the largest pink salmon runs in Alaska and that’s what attracts all the bears. What makes Anan truly unique is that both black and brown bears feed side by side. Permits to explore Anan Creek are limited and it’s accessed from Wrangell or Ketchikan.

Admiralty Island - Located near Juneau, this Alaska bear viewing location is also called Fortress of the Bears. There are a lot of bears in this area but you are required to explore on your own. Salmon-filled Pack Creek is a popular spot for bear viewing when they feed on salmon but you have to keep a safe distance. Brown bears will also feed on clams at the mouth of the estuaries. It’s best to reach Admiralty Island by floatplane.

Sable Pass in Denali National Park - While every other bear viewing location on this list is located on or near the coast, Denali offers a good chance of seeing an inland grizzly bear. A grizzly is the same as a brown bear but its habits are very different because of its diet and lifestyle. Bears on Sable Pass live in the high alpine, so they feed on big game animals like mountain goats and caribou instead of clams and salmon. Seeing a bear in Denali is amazing but it’s far from a guarantee.

Seeing a bear is Number-One on most visitors' lists

Most visitors coming to Alaska list seeing a bear as the Number-One thing they want to experience. However, seeing a bear from a tour bus on the side of the road and seeing coastal brown bears feed in their natural habitat are two very different experiences.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is unspoiled, pristine wilderness. Bears in this region have little to no human interaction and because bear viewing is mostly done from platforms and designated viewing areas. The bears have little regard for humans as long as they stay safely on the viewing platforms.

You will not be viewing bears who are scared, timid or aggressive because of negative human interaction. You will watch bears lumbering, playing, eating and sleeping just as they do every day throughout the season. What you’re seeing is nature in action as it plays out in Chinitna Bay in real time.

This kind of experience is sublime yet thrilling. You may watch a mother brown bear sit patiently while her cubs play all around her. You may see a bear sleeping and snoring with its feet pointing straight up in the air. You may see two bears fight over a food source or dominance. You may see anything at any given moment and that’s what makes Alaska bear viewing truly special.

Being that we use 40 foot landing crafts for our tours, we are able to move around the bay quickly depending on the bear activity. Many times we will arrive at the beach with bears walking right on the tide-line! Because we are a landing craft, we are able to slowly creep up close to the shore in the shallow water and get some awesome photos/footage. This does not disturb the bears and makes for some very unique opportunities for photos and viewing.

Along the way, you may see whales breach, sea lions feeding on salmon, or majestic bald eagles patrolling the skies. Natural wonders like glaciers and active volcanoes provide a backdrop like something out of a storybook or movie. This is the real Alaska and it’s one you will never forget.

We love our Alaska home and we never get tired of seeing these amazing sights. We are eager for every guest to share in this experience as it was intended and we go out of our way to ensure you have a great time.

Book your tour today!

If you’re traveling to Alaska by boat, car, or airplane, you should be sure and reserve your spot on our bear viewing tour. If you have any special needs, please let us know so that we can address them. While you’re in Homer, be sure and take some time to check out some of the other sights and book a tour on one of our incredible halibut and salmon fishing charters.

Alaska is truly America’s last frontier and the mighty brown bear dominates the wilderness. This is your chance to experience that wilderness in a sustainable and responsible way. Contact us today to book your bear viewing tour and make your friends and family jealous when you show them your photos.

Scenic Bear Viewing

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BVHO02 Katmai Coast | Lake Clark - Bear Viewing Day Tour from Homer

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Alaska Bear Viewing at Lake Clark National Park is the ultimate bear viewing experience. Join this impressive day trip for bear watching during your stay in Homer. Take off by seaplane and fly over the glaciers and volcanoes to the "Land of Giants", the home of the bears, in the southwest of Alaska. Experience the unique landscape from a bird's eye view - unforgettable! Your pilot will fly you to Katmai Coast / Lake Clark National Park, where the grizzlies often stay. From the plane, the mighty animals can often be seen fishing for salmon in the middle of the rivers or walking along the coasts. Depending on where the bears are, you can also watch them from the ground. The tour offers a fascinating wildlife for photographers, naturalists, national park lovers and anyone who enjoys staying in a beautiful wild environment. In any case, spectacular moments await you with the bears!  Please Note:  This tour can only be booked in combination with our vacation packages. 

Booking Request Inquire A Trip

Description

Prices & dates, rates in us $ / per person, what’s included.

Round trip air transportation

Lake Clark National Park Fee

Tour Departures

Daily from May 15th  – September 21st

Michael, FL: This is my 2nd time bear viewing at Lake Clark. It was spectacular just like first one a few years ago ! Literally I feel like can touch brown bears and real close-up of how they interact with other bears and watched lot of bears capturing salmons. Guides know their stuff and the location we watched was just perfect! I recommend if you think about going for Brown bear viewing at Lake Clark.

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Bear Viewing

Is bear viewing on your bucket list? You've come to the right place! Homer is the gateway to the best bear viewing in the State of Alaska.

Homer's location is the closest to Katmai National Park & Preserve and Lake Clark National Preserve and our bear viewing operators are ready to take you to see the bears in their natural habitat.

From June through September, brown bears congregate on coastal sedge flats and streams in the vast wilderness of the parks. The bears feast on abundant grasses and clams in the Spring, then on salmon swimming home to spawn, and finally on berries and seeds as they prepare for Winter.

More than 98% of this country's brown bear population lives in Alaska with many of them in the wilds on the West side of Cook Inlet. 

The growing popularity of bear viewing can be attributed to the fact that people can see these wild animals up close in relative safety and comfort. Well-equipped lodges and guides are the norm. From the time bears leave their dens in late May, until they go back into hibernation in late fall, visitors can see them in their natural surroundings. They are omnivores, and range over hundreds of square miles looking for food sources as they fatten up for winter.

Different kinds of bear viewing experiences are available from our local air tour companies depending on your comfort level and how much time you want to spend on this activity. You can fly for a day, stay in a lodge or remote camp for a longer period, or stay on board a boat and go ashore during the day. Access is by boat, float plane, or wheel plane, which may determine where you view the bears. Bear viewing can be done from elevated platforms near their feeding grounds. Other tours feature a more intimate experience with bears and humans in close proximity showing respect for one another.

When you check bear viewing off your bucket list, the experience will be one of the best memories of your lifetime!

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Find the Best Bear Viewing Tours in Homer, Alaska

Vacations are a common time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something completely new! What unique experience will you have during your next trip to Alaska? Our state’s flora and fauna lend itself to incredible wildlife viewing opportunities that you simply can’t find anywhere else. One of the most exciting adventures you can have during your trip to The Last Frontier is  Homer, Alaska, bear tours . These experiences are the opportunity of a lifetime to watch bears in their natural habitat! 

Learn more about Driftwood Inn’s  Bear Viewing Tour  below. Our Alaska bear adventure is your key to an unforgettable getaway! 

Driftwood Inn Offers the Most Exciting Homer, Alaska, Bear Tours

Driftwood inn’s bear viewing tour.

Driftwood Inn’s  bear viewing tour  is available from mid-May to late September. This guided five-hour-long adventure begins with a one-hour flight over the Kachemak Bay from Homer to either  Katmai National Park  or  Lake Clark National Park . We use commercial-rated aircraft and pilots for your maximum safety and comfort. Enjoy views of the pristine blue water over the bay and lush greenery en-route to your final destination. 

When you arrive at the viewing location, either Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, your Alaskan Naturalist Guide will take you around the national park’s brown bear viewing hot spots. Follow your guide as he or she alerts you to nearby bears in their natural habitat. Your guide is experienced in respecting the bears and will brief you on all safety precautions before and during your trip. Out of respect for our valued wildlife, the state of Alaska has sensible  guidelines  regarding bear viewing tours. Your naturalist guide will always act per these restrictions. Aside from awe-inspiring views, your guide will also cue you in on the history and behaviors of Alaska’s bears. You may also catch a glimpse of volcanos and glaciers during your expedition as the route goes right past and over them! 

After spending three to four hours on the ground, you will head back to the aircraft for another scenic flight back to Homer, Alaska. These tours typically include about one to one-and-a-half miles of walking. Driftwood Inn’s bear viewing rates start as low as $690 up to $1995 depending on the excursion you choose. 

Bear Viewing Dos & Don’ts 

Across the board, the No. 1 rule about bear viewing is to do so  safely . Bears are awe-inspiring creatures to observe, but it’s important to follow bear viewing safety guidelines. Adhering to these practices ensure you and the bear’s safety. The National Park Service has a comprehensive list  bear viewing etiquette  that includes, but is not limited to, the following practices: maintain a safe distance from the bear, don’t provoke bears, minimal noise and movement is recommended. 

Please remember that our guides are trained in bear behavior and know what best practices will keep your group safe!

About Alaska’s Bears 

Alaska has the most bears than any other state in the country. The Last Frontier is home to four types of bears including brown bears (also known as grizzly bears),  black bears, polar bears, and glacier bears. For reference, we’re the only state with polar bears and there are around 32,000 brown bears alone across the state of Alaska! That’s about 70 percent on the continent’s grizzly bears. Glacier bears are exclusively found in Alaska. This species is a descendant of the black bear, although it’s silver in color. 

Due to the abundance of bears in Alaska, you’re nearly guaranteed to see a few during your Homer, Alaska, bear viewing tour! Be sure to consult with your tour guide about bringing a camera to take photos. Your guide may recommend you turn off the flash or turn off your camera’s shutter sound. 

More One-Of-A-Kind Experiences in Homer 

Can’t catch one of our Homer, Alaska, bear viewing tours? Don’t worry! If you’re looking for more adventure in Alaska, we have options for you. The Driftwood Inn proudly offers world-class fishing charters, oceanic wildlife viewing, and eco-tours. 

Did you know that Homer is the halibut fishing capital of the world? Our  Homer, Alaska, fishing charters  are comprised of half-day and full-day salmon, halibut, and combination charters. These tours are available year-round are are led by expert captains who help you navigate our waters. No trip to our area would be complete without a  Homer, Alaska, fishing adventure !

Can’t get enough of Homer’s wildlife? Our  Seldovia Wildlife Tour  is another way to experience our area’s captivating wildlife! This boat tour departs from Homer, Alaska, and ventures to Seldovia. Along the way, guests have the opportunity to see seabird species closer than ever. It’s common to see Bald eagles, otters, and more on this adventure!

Our customizable eco-tours are another great opportunity for  sightseeing in Homer, Alaska ! Join us for a seven-hour eco-tour with either a hike to Glacier Lake or lunch in a scenic cove. These tours give guests a chance to learn more about wildlife biology, topography, and history of Homer. 

Stay at The Driftwood Inn 

The Driftwood Inn has everything you need for an authentic Alaskan experience. We offer a variety of adventure packages, which include Homer, Alaska, bear tours. 

The Driftwood Inn also offers diverse lodging options. Choose from  modern lodges ,  Old Town cottages ,  Woodside Lodge suites ,  historic inn rooms ,  tiny houses , and even an  RV park ! Solo travelers and groups alike are sure to find an accommodation type with our Inn that suits their needs.

Our Homer, Alaska, accommodations are also located between  Bishop’s Beach  and fantastic  things to do in Old Town Homer , for an experience that makes guests leave feeling like locals!

Book your  bear viewing tour  to start planning your Alaska adventure!

Private Apartment on the Beach - Check out our Yukon Island View Room.

Bear Viewing Adventure from Homer, Alaska

Quick Details

• Checkmark What to bring: Bring warm clothes, layers of clothes, everything in your daypack, your lunch and favorite beverage
• Clock Departure time: varies with trips
• Info Trips include: all equipment, guide and Flight from Homer, pilot/guide, rubber boots, time on the ground with the bears
• Checkmark Check in point: Inlet Charters for map to departure spot

Choose A Bear Viewing Tour

Watch coastal brown bears in their natural environment. Your pilot is your guide and will fly you to the prime viewing spot in your time frame. Bear behavior varies – as does the distance from which we view bears. Each trip is unique to the day. Along with these magnificent bears you will have an opportunity to view other wildlife, neighbors of the bears that share the same remote habitat. Wolves, fox, bald eagles, occasionally moose, a wide variety of birdlife, and sea life are all species that make a home in the area.

See our tour options below: 

Bear Viewing along the Alaska coast, Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park!

The unforgettable scenic flight ranges from one to 1.5 hours of tach time each way. After landing, it will be you, the pilot and the bears with your feet on the ground. These bears have never been hunted or tainted by humans with fear or food or hunting thus allowing exceptional opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close. They do not see us as predators. We are just another species to them – it is all about respect. An estimated 4,000+ Alaskan brown bear inhabits these immense national parks and are home to the largest undisturbed population of bears in the world.

On the flight, you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. You will fly west from Homer, across Cook Inlet, past active volcanoes in the Alaska Range and the Aleautian Range, glaciers and snowcapped mountains leading you to the world’s largest concentrations of brown bears.

With a guide at your side you will walk along the beaches and meadows where brown bear are frequently observed living naturally in their secluded, wilderness habitat. Witness bear fishing, digging for clams, grubbing for roots and grasses, socializing and raising their young.

Selected not only for flying expertise, but also through understanding bear behavior, your pilot will also be your naturalist-guide. Early morning departures are scheduled according to the tide. Normally you will depart at around 8:30 AM and return at 5:00 PM. The all day safari is kept to a small group, usually four to ten people. Prime bear viewing begins in May and runs through September. Your photo safari could include a trip to Brooks river or the coast of Shelikof Strait depending on where the bears are feeding.

What you’ll find in Katmai National Park and the Alaska coast!

May 15 to July 1: In the spring our trips find us on the coast of Katmai National Park and Shelikof Strait. This is the breeding season and large concentrations of bears can be found digging clams and feeding on the sedges and sea grasses. The breeding activity sometimes becomes intense and is truly a world class experience to see.

July: Farther inland, the salmon start their migration from Bristol Bay. Within a couple of weeks every river and stream will be choked with millions of red salmon. At this time we can take you to Brooks River in Katmai Park, one of the world’s most famous places to observe bears. The Brooks River Falls acts as an impediment to the migration of red salmon and the bears have come to this feast for thousands of years. The Park Service maintains a visitor center, viewing platforms, well-groomed trails and a concession, where lunches are sold.

August: With summer well underway, we return to the coast of Katmai and Shelikof Strait. The bears, by now, have grown accustomed to feeding together and often a large gathering of bears can be found shoulder-to-shoulder in the many salmon rich streams that braid the coast of Alaska.

September: The colors are changing and the fragrance of fall is in the air. September is Coho salmon time – the floatplanes, like the silvers, are returning to Brooks Falls. The bears are “power feeding” in the urgency of this being the last run of the season. Moose may be spotted as they are gathering their harems and the caribou are starting their migration. We think this is the best time to see coastal Alaska in all its splendor.

Weight Limitation: We reserve the right to limit the amount of carry-on baggage per person. Ten to 12 pounds (a small backpack and camera equipment) is acceptable. We will also need each passenger’s weight before departure. To ensure passenger safety and comfort, passengers weighing over 300 pounds can not be accommodated on our Katmai trips. *Scales are available at the office and loading dock. *Maximum passenger weight on the helicopter is 275 pounds.

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Classic Bear Viewing Tour

• National Park fees
• Professional guide
• Local taxes
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• 3636 Faa St, Homer, AK 99603, USA
• We can pick you up anywhere in Homer, Alaska.
• Homer Airport, 2336 Kachemak Dr, Homer, AK 99603
• Homer, Alaska Ports
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complications or other serious medical conditions
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll start at 3636 Faa St Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Katmai National Park and Preserve Stop: 3 hours See details
• 2 Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Stop: 3 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Z5511HVsuzannew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience of a Lifetime! Sept 15, 2023, a day to remember! What an amazing experience we had at Katmai NP with Martin of Scenic Bear Viewing. Unfortunately, we experienced a true Alaskan day of rain. We could not see a thing from the plane but we trusted our experienced pilot and he landed us safely on the beach for a spectacular viewing of 17 bears. That's right, 17, some of them up close and personal! As soon as we stepped out of the plane a mother with 2 cubs appeared from over the dunes. With Martin's vast knowledge and experience with the bears, we felt completely at ease to enjoy three hours with the bears. We highly recommend Martin of Scenic Bear Viewing for an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Martin and Sam! Read more Written September 29, 2023
• KCsEndlessAdventures 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Experience of a Lifetime with the Bears + Stunning Alaskan Scenery This was truly an experience of a lifetime, a day I will never forget, thanks to Martin/Scenic Bear Viewing, and, of course, the bears. There were nearly a dozen grizzlies all around us and Martin knew how to get us up close, but safely. I was able to capture many incredible photos and the scenery was out of this world too. Read more Written June 24, 2023
• lhF4627QL 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Scenic Flight and Bear encounter Absolutely wonderful experience! First time to Alaska for our family with teenagers. Martin gave us a scenic flight tour of the mountains, landed on a beach, and we spent hours up close and personal with 3 young bears romping and playing in the meadow and digging clams at low tide. Then a mother and her cub came down the beach to go clamming, and another single female bear as well. Martin was an excellent pilot and was very experienced interacting with the bears. He supplied hip wading boots to keep dry. He also took exceptional photos of the bears and our family with the bears. Highly recommend our tour guide - he's exceptional. Read more Written December 13, 2022
• 211alvinm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome bear viewing Flew with Martin to Katmai for an incredible bear viewing experience. It was just like the pictures that have been previously posted on Tripadvisor with the bears being so close. We got to see multiple bears, including mothers and cubs, fishing in the river and walking on the beach. We felt very safe since the bears were so focused on fishing. Highly recommend Martin as he is very knowledgeable about and familiar with the bears. Also enjoyed the views of the glaciers, volcanic mountains, and a caldera lake on the return flight. This trip was the highlight of our Alaska vacation. Would highly recommend Martin. Read more Written September 30, 2022
• N9614FKemilym 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Bear Viewing Ever!! Martin is really the best. He has been doing this for some time now, and he has the skills and experience to give you a safe bear tour while also educating you on the wildlife and most likely making you laugh. On my recent tour with Martin, the vibes were amazing from start to finish, and I was able to get lots of wonderful photos for my photography. I would recommend Scenic Bear Viewing to anyone, and I’ll definitely be back for more in the future! Read more Written September 15, 2022
• sunomenr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience of a lifetime What an incredible bear viewing adventure with Martin and Samantha! Martin was very in tune with the bears and knew just where to go to have the most incredible up close experiences with them! Sam was knowledgeable and helpful. We got to watch a mama bear nurse her babies, watch them fish and play, and so much more! What a great day with amazing guides! Couldn't have asked for a better time.. the experience of a lifetime we could not recommend enough. Thanks again! Read more Written September 14, 2022
• DerekRomanovsky 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible Experience! Despite being an Alaskan resident all my life and having seen my fair share of bears in the wild, this trip surpassed all my expectations! I had never seen bears so close in my life, and with Martin as a guide I felt incredibly safe the entire time even as a sow and her two cubs walked right by us. This is a fantastic way to see the beauty of Alaska while remaining respectful of the wildlife here. During our tour we landed in Clark Lake National Park and walked around the coastline for the majority and we were able to see the sow we saw earlier hunt for clams and teach her cubs how to open them. As well as being a fantastic tour guide, Martin was a great pilot and performed the smoothest landings I’ve ever experienced in a small aircraft. If you’re considering doing a bear tour out of Homer I would highly recommend booking through Scenic Bear Tours as their communication and knowledgeability of the area is second to none! Read more Written September 13, 2022
• vacaction 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beyond my expectations! Martin knows where the Bears are and knows their personalities. We saw more bears than we could have hoped for. Seeing them in their natural habitat doing what bears do. Watched them lounge, catch fish, forage in the rocks and tend to their young. Beautiful creatures! Thank you Martin for a memorable trip and educating us on these beautiful animals and their home. Read more Written August 28, 2022
• withoutamap1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Life changing! This is absolutely worth doing. Martin is an incredible guide and pilot - he made sure we had the opportunity to see several bears and was clear with directions etc. we spent over 3 hours on the beach watching the bears fish for salmon, and then had a lovely flight back from Katmai. This is the best company to book with in Homer! Read more Written August 12, 2022
• Jac385 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing day We enjoyed the smooth flight and landings. Unfortunately it was pretty cloudy on the flight to Katmai but we flew back over beautiful scenery on the 1st half of the return journey. We stopped at a lovely inlet and creek spot but only saw one large male bear so we were lucky enough to move to another bay area. Here three younger male bears were fishing, eating and chilling. They just continued as if we weren't there- so coo! Thank you. Read more Written August 11, 2022
• nina r 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Wonderful bucket list trip This will be one of the most memorable experience I have had. To be so close to the bears that you can hear them breathing and digging for clams. We will always remember this experience truly incredible. Martin is an excellent pilot and guide. The pictures he took are great the plane ride and the landing on point. Would highly recommend this to anyone just a great time. Absolutely wonderful! Read more Written August 4, 2022
• miaxo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime experience Martin and Scenic Bear Viewing was the highlight of our Alaskan trip. It was an amazing few hrs, from the flight and scenery to being on land with the bears. We were so surprised to be able to get so close to these beautiful bears. It was a once in a lifetime, and so worth the money. Martin is so knowledgable and a great guide, and my friends and family still think our photos and videos are fake, because we were able to get so close up! Read more Written August 2, 2022
• Leah W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great guide and once in a lifetime experience Amazing experience from start to finish! Easy to book online, followed with very specific and clear information on what to bring, what to expect, location, etc. For the actual bear viewing Martin was an excellent guide and pilot. We had a very smooth 30 min flight over cool scenery and a gentle landing on the beach. Pretty much immediately we saw a bear then multiple others including a mom and her cub! All total about 6 bears and we were out there for about 3 hours. We lucked out with the weather, and even some brief foggy weather just made for cool, dramatic photos! Oh and Martin also takes great photos you can get after so you can relax too without always feeling like you have to be behind your camera. Definitely worth it! Read more Written August 2, 2022
• rosemaryjose 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exhilarating This will be one of the most memorable experience I have had. To have come so close to the Alaskan brown bears is incredible. Martin is an excellent pilot and guide. The camera used is excellent and gives you top quality photos for your memories. Once again, absolutely wonderful Read more Written July 14, 2022
• K2006SPmarkb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Truly Outstanding Experience Ours was an outstanding experience! The bear viewings were excellent and the flights to and from their location were smooth and enjoyable. Martin and Samantha were everything one would hope for as hosts. As a pilot and naturalist, Martin excelled; as an arranger and equipper, Samantha was superb. I highly recommend this to anyone determined to viewing brown bears near Homer. Read more Written July 9, 2022

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Classic Bear Viewing Tour provided by Scenic Bear Viewing

SASQUATCH ALASKA ADVENTURE CO

2024 News Sasquatch recently decided to take a long needed year off. We apologize for the inconvenience and understand it is a disappointment. We love sharing our adventures with our guests.

We have issued a full refund to all of you who had already planned their exploration.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations for local operators.

Thank you for understanding

Take care - the Sasquatch Team

DISCOVER WITH US

Flying throughout the state of Alaska and mostly along the Katmai coast and Lake Clark National parks has been our passion for years.  We use all of that experience to offer the very best quality adventures and flight tours. We love Alaska and the amazing wilderness it opens to us. Our mission is to share it with you and preserve it with minimum impact to the environment. Hence our name, Sasquatch: 

Live your dreams, leave only tracks....

CREATING MEMORIES since 2012

We are a family owned and operated business in beautiful Homer, Alaska. All of our tours depart from the Homer Airport, perfectly located to access  some of the very best that Alaska has to offer! We fly to Katmai National Park to the Southwest, Lake Clark National Park to the West and Kenai Fjords National Park to the south of us. From the Homer Airport you are only minutes away from flying above the blue glaciers and dramatic mountain peaks of the Harding and Grewink-Yalik Ice fields.