Traitors Cove Bear Viewing

Exploring the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Tour: A Genuine Look

If you’re thinking about adding a bear sighting to your Alaska itinerary, the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour is worth considering. It’s a well-reviewed experience that promises an up-close look at Alaska’s iconic wildlife, all wrapped in a small-group setting. The fact that it’s booked an average of 226 days in advance speaks to its popularity—and for good reason.

We really like the personalized attention you get on this tour, thanks to the small group size. Plus, the opportunity to fly in a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane over Ketchikan and the Tongass National Forest adds a layer of adventure that’s hard to match. But, as with anything, there are a few things to keep in mind, from weather dependence to the price point.

This experience is perfect for nature lovers who want to see Alaska’s bears in action, especially if photography is a hobby or goal. If you’re after a more intimate wildlife encounter and don’t mind the cost, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly or longer outdoor adventure, there might be other options worth exploring.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 12 travelers, you get more personalized attention and a less crowded wildlife viewing environment.
• Expert Guidance: The pilot also acts as your narrator, providing interesting insights during the flight and at the viewing site.
• Weather Flexibility: If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which is reassuring.
• Ideal for Photography: The tour offers excellent chances to capture bears, eagles, and salmon in their natural habitats.
• Inclusive and Well-Organized: All necessary permits are included, and the tour provides guaranteed window seats and noise-canceling headsets.
• Price and Duration: At $525 per person for roughly four hours, it’s a premium experience, but one that many seem to find worth it.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

The day begins with the convenience of hotel pickup in Ketchikan, which simplifies logistics. The small group is then whisked away in a well-maintained six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplane—a classic, reliable aircraft that adds a touch of adventure from the start. The flight itself is a highlight, offering spectacular views of the waterways and lush forests of Tongass National Forest.

As you fly over the Revillagegedo Island, you’ll appreciate how much space and pristine wilderness Alaska has to offer. The pilot doubles as a guide, giving you insightful commentary along the way. This is a chance to learn about the landscape, the salmon runs, and what makes this area a prime habitat for bears.

Landing at the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory, you’ll step onto a US Forest Service-maintained trail leading to a viewing platform. The main event is right here: bears plunging into rushing streams to catch salmon. We loved the authentic feel of watching these animals in their natural environment, a rare glimpse into their daily lives. The tour typically spends about two hours here, and as one reviewer notes, “we stayed in the heat viewing area for close to two hours,” emphasizing how engaging this experience can be.

Alongside bears, expect to see bald eagles scavenging leftover fish and, of course, the salmon themselves staging their upstream journey. It’s a scene packed with action, perfect for wildlife photography. The guides are attentive, and the provided voice-activated headsets ensure you don’t miss any commentary, keeping everyone engaged.

What We Loved About the Experience

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides and pilots. The reviewer JuandeDios_C called it “Superb” and highlighted the pilot Michelle’s inspirational approach, noting how she made the whole family feel special. That personal touch really elevates the trip beyond just a wildlife viewing.

The views are stunning—flying over the forests and waterways gives a sense of the vast, untouched wilderness that makes Alaska so unique. The chance to see bears feeding on salmon so close is a rare privilege, and many reviews mention how impressive it is to see them plunge into the water for fish.

It’s also noticeable how well-organized and inclusive the tour is. From guaranteed window seats to noise-canceling headsets, everything is designed to maximize your comfort and engagement. The US Forest Service permit ensures you’re viewing in a protected, respectful manner—something wildlife advocates will appreciate.

Things to Consider

While this tour offers an incredible experience, it’s not without considerations. First, weather plays a big role. If poor weather cancels your trip, you’re either rescheduled or refunded—so it’s wise to book with some flexibility, especially in shoulder seasons.

The price point of $525 per person is on the higher side for a four-hour tour, but many travelers find it justified due to the exclusivity, quality of the experience, and the included transportation and permits. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, this might be something to weigh carefully.

Another point is timing. The tour runs from July 20th to September 30th, aligning with the peak bear activity season, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is mostly suited for wildlife enthusiasts and photography buffs who want to see Alaska’s bears in their natural habitat. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with small-group tours and flying in floatplanes. If you’re traveling with kids, you should consider their comfort with flights and being in nature, but the tour doesn’t specify restrictions—just ensure they can handle the outdoor environment.

This trip might not be perfect for travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a longer or more relaxed outdoor adventure, but for those wanting a focused, high-quality wildlife experience, it’s a winner.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour offers a well-rounded, memorable encounter with Alaska’s wildlife. The combination of flying in a classic floatplane, witnessing bears in action, and exploring the wilderness in a small group makes for a premium experience. The guides’ knowledge, the stunning scenery, and the opportunity for photography are big draws.

While it’s priced higher than some other tours, many find the value in the intimacy and authenticity of the experience. It’s particularly suited for wildlife lovers, avid photographers, or those wanting a special highlight in their Alaskan adventure.

If you’re prepared for the weather, okay with the cost, and eager to see bears in the wild, this tour could very well turn into a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main activity of this tour?
You’ll fly in a floatplane from Ketchikan to Traitors Cove, then hike to a viewing platform to see bears feeding on salmon in their natural habitat.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation, flight, and wildlife viewing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your Ketchikan hotel to the tour’s starting point are provided.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Most travelers book around 226 days in advance on average, so last-minute bookings might be limited.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to handle variable weather and outdoor conditions.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—so it’s a relatively flexible booking.

Is food or drinks included?
No, only bottled water is allowed on the flight, and no other food or beverages are provided.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically designed for families, the experience is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with outdoor activities.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is operated by Island Wings Air Service, a reputable provider known for well-maintained aircraft and professional guides.

If you’re craving that true Alaskan wilderness moment—bears in action, soaring over forests, and capturing incredible wildlife photos—this tour delivers. Just remember to weigh the weather dependency and price in your decision, and you might find it becomes a true highlight of your trip.