Description
If you’re hoping to see brown bears while you’re in Hoonah, this is one of the more relaxed and reliable ways to do it. You’ll spend about 4 hours out on Chichagof Island, which has one of the highest brown bear populations anywhere.
The tour starts right at the cruise terminal, so there’s no confusion about where to go. From there, you’ll head into the island’s interior in a small group, just six people total. That smaller size really helps. It keeps things quiet and gives everyone a better chance to watch wildlife without feeling rushed or crowded.
As you drive and stop along the way, your guide will take you to spots where bears are commonly seen, places like streams, forest openings, and coastal areas. The goal isn’t to rush through as many stops as possible, but to spend time in the right places. Sometimes that means waiting a bit, listening, and watching carefully. When a bear does show up, it’s usually worth it.
Even when bears aren’t in view, there’s still a lot to take in. You’ll likely see bald eagles overhead and maybe deer moving through the trees. The setting itself is quiet and wild, and it feels a long way from the cruise port.
It’s a simple, straightforward experience, no big crowds, no pressure, just time in nature with a good chance of seeing wildlife.