Description
With exclusive access to one of Alaska’s prime black bear habitats, the Neets Bay Bear Watch Adventure is among the absolute best tours in Ketchikan Alaska (or the state at large!) for experiencing the Last Frontier’s iconic wildlife. One of our newest Ketchikan cruise excursions, this limited-space adventure starts with a scenic boat ride through the multitude of islands surrounding Ketchikan. Then it’s off through lush old-growth rainforest toward a favorite hangout among the true locals, namely the pack of black bears that makes a home of Neets Bay Creek. For the adventurer and the lover of wildlife, this gem among Ketchikan cruise excursions provides an unparalleled opportunity for encountering Alaska’s wildlife up close and personal!
As with our other Ketchikan cruise excursions, the Neets Bay Bear Watch Adventure begins with pick-up at the cruise docks. At Clover Pass on the North end of the island, you’ll board a thirty-six-passenger vessel (equipped with wide windows perfect for sightseeing!) for a beautiful & fully narrated cruise North of Revillagigedo through lush Tongass Rainforest. Keep your cameras on hand for towering granite domes and wildlife opportunities! Upon arriving at your destination, your expert naturalist guide will lead the way on a quarter-mile hike through the ancient Alaskan woods. You’ll pass by the Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery, where each year many thousands of fry begin their journey toward the ocean, before arriving at last at the famous Neets Bay Creek. Here, you’ll see firsthand what makes this one of the best tours in Ketchikan Alaska, as you’ll likely have the chance to watch hulking black bears fish for salmon from the crystal-clear waters! Make sure you have plenty of film! Then, once you’ve had your fill of wilderness immersion, you’ll enjoy a quiet cruise back to Ketchikan. With incredible views and a high probability of seeing Alaskan wildlife up close in its natural habitat, it’s safe to say the Neets Bay Bear Watch is one of the best tours in Ketchikan Alaska!
Looking for a bear viewing experience closer to Ketchikan? Check out the Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
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Quick Facts
Itinerary • 4h 30min • 7 activities
Begin your tour with pick-up at the cruise docks & a scenic drive up to Clover Pass. Once there, take time to use the restrooms before loading up for the boat ride to Neets Bay.
Aboard your 36-passenger vessel, enjoy a one-hour, fully narrated cruise north to Neets Bay, keeping an eye out for wildlife & taking in the stunning surroundings as you go. A light snack will be provided.
Upon arriving at Neets Bay, you will have a short walk from the dock to the viewing platform, following your guide & learning more about the local flora & fauna as you go.
At the viewing platform you will have 45 minutes to take in the area and, hopefully, watch as bears enjoy a feast from the annual salmon run. Remember, we cannot guarantee bears on this tour as they are wild animals.
At the conclusion of your bear watching, you will return on the same path to your boat for the cruise back to Revillagigedo.
Hop back on your boat for a one-hour return trip to Clover Pass, enjoying the scenery & having plenty of time to ask your guide any remaining questions. A light snack will be provided.
Upon arriving back at Clover Pass take a minute to use the facilities before hopping back in your shuttle for return transportation to your cruise docks.