Tour 109

Bears are found in several different regions of Alaska and for many visitors it is convenient to view them while in the Glacier Bay / Juneau area. This fully guided nature excursion departs from Juneau and includes all the highlights of a classic Alaskan wildlife safari. You fly by seaplane from Juneau across the Inside Passage to the sheltered waters of Admiralty Island, landing in the midst of lush rain forest near Pack Creek and Windfall Harbor. Admiralty Island is known as the "Fortress of the Bears" by the local Tlingit natives.  The island is a paradise for the animals and home to over 1,600 bears - one of the highest concentrations of bears in the world. These majestic animals come to the creek in search of food and spend much of their summer catching salmon in numerous rivers. From good vantage points you can observe and photograph the bears in safety. In addition to bear watching, the tour provides nature lovers with an abundance of other wildlife sightings; bald eagles, black tail deer, seals and whales are all found in close proximity.

Three day/two-night tour

Day 1:  Begin the morning with an early morning orientation meeting in Juneau. Then head to the airport pond and board floatplanes for a scenic flight down the Inside Passage to Admiralty Island, landing on a secluded beach. Set up camp a few miles from the sanctuary. After lunch and a kayak lesson, begin exploring this fascinating wilderness. You may find time to walk the beach, view the diverse marine and bird life, or just gaze across the inlet to the stunning coastal mountains while your guides cook a fresh and delicious dinner.

Day 2:  Arise early and prepare for your visit to the Stan Price Brown Bear Sanctuary at Pack Creek. Paddling toward the world of the brown bear is a superb way to experience the entire ecosystem. Spend a full day watching for bears. We hope to see several bears, including family groups with playful cubs. Bears are best viewed at the mouth of Pack Creek, but you may also take the beautiful forest hike to the observation tower on the upper river where bears may be fishing right below us.  Overnight in tents.

Day 3 - After another night in the wilderness campsite, you will have a relaxing morning until the floatplane arrives.  Then take another beautiful flight over the northern end of Admiralty Island and back to Juneau. Arrive in Juneau by noon, and the trip ends with a transfer to your hotel or other destination.

2005 3-day tour dates:
July 12-14; 14-16; 26-28; & 28-30
August 9-11; 14-16; & 16-18

Local transfer in Juneau to seaplane dock location. Round trip flight from Juneau to Admiralty Island, guided hiking and bear viewing. Pack Creek Sanctuary permits as required (not needed for Windfall Harbor). Rain gear, rubber boots and life vests are provided. Overnight camping trips include guided sea kayaking, all meals, camping equipment (except sleeping bags).

Tours to Pack Creek have limited space due to permit restrictions. Early booking is recommended. Windfall Harbor does not require permits and may be used as an alternate bear viewing location. For overnight tours, personal toiletries not provided. Remember to bring towels, shampoo, soap, etc.

Peaks season for bear viewing in mid-July to early September when the bears are feeding on the salmon.  

2005 Rates	Adult/Child
Bear-country Tour	$375
Pack Creek Tour	$475
2 night Kayak/Camp Tour	$1050

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