Planning a trip to Alaska and dreaming of spotting a brown bear in its natural environment? If so, the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search could pique your interest. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gone through the reviews, itinerary, and details to give you a clear picture of what you might experience. It’s a trip designed for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of remote landscapes, offering a chance to see some of the biggest bears on earth in the wild.
What’s great about this tour? First, it’s run by knowledgeable local guides who truly know the area and its wildlife. Second, you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska’s less-traveled spots, away from the busy cruise ports. That said, bear sightings aren’t guaranteed — nature is unpredictable, and sometimes the animals keep to themselves. If you’re okay with that uncertainty but eager to learn about Alaska’s wilderness, this tour could be a good fit.
A key consideration? The price is fairly high for what’s essentially a three-hour vehicle excursion. It’s not a guaranteed wildlife safari, but rather a dedicated attempt to spot bears and enjoy the scenery, with the chance to see other native wildlife. If you’re prepared for a wild-goose chase and appreciate guides who are passionate about their home, this could still be a memorable outing. It’s best suited for those who value experience and learning over guaranteed sightings.
Key Points
- Small group size (max of 10) allows for personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience with storytelling and native insights.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so patience and a bit of luck are needed.
- The scenic backdrop of Alaska’s rugged landscape is a highlight regardless of animal encounters.
- Cost of roughly $164 per person reflects the personalized nature and remote location of the tour.
- The tour is ideal for nature lovers and those wanting an authentic wilderness experience, though not specifically designed for children under 8.
What to Expect from the Tour
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Meeting Point and Logistics
The adventure begins at the Icy Strait Excursions Hub in Hoonah, easily accessible and with a central location for cruise travelers. The pickup and drop-off are included, which saves you the hassle of arranging transport — a nice perk when you’re eager to hit the road.
Once you’re on board, you’ll notice that the small group size (up to 10 people) means everyone gets a seat and the chance to ask questions or chat comfortably with the guide. The van offers individual seats rather than bench seating, making for a more comfortable ride, especially during longer stretches of travel.
The Route and Stops
The core of the tour is a three-hour drive through Chichagof Island’s wilderness, which is as much about the scenery as the wildlife. Guides often scan for signs of bears, like tracks or scat, and try to find spots where bears are known to frequent — near creeks, rivers, or beaches.
Some reviews mention that the guides are very attentive — they notice bear tracks quickly and are quick to set up spotting scopes. For example, one guide was praised for spotting two bears at the end of the trip and for their ability to share insights about the bears’ habits, native culture, and the landscape.
Wildlife Encounters and Expectations
While many reviews speak highly of the guides’ expertise and the chance to see deer, eagles, otters, and bears, some trips don’t see much wildlife at all. Several folks noted their disappointment when no bears appeared during their outing, which is common with wildlife tours relying on nature’s unpredictable slip of luck.
One reviewer shared, “While our native guide (Cora) did her very best to find some bears for us she was unable to do so. We still had an enjoyable trip and learned lots about bears, deer, and the surrounding area.” That’s a good reminder that seeing bears is not guaranteed, but the trip remains interesting and educational even without specific sightings.
The Guide’s Role
The reviews consistently praise guides like Cora, Greg, and Gary for their passion, local knowledge, and storytelling ability. Some guides are native residents, bringing authentic insight into local culture and natural history, which adds a layer of depth to the experience. One reviewer called Cora “AMAZING,” highlighting her efforts in finding bears and sharing her knowledge, which made the whole trip memorable.
The Price and Value
At approximately $164 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but it includes round-trip transportation, a native guide, and the park entrance fee ($7). The small group size and personalized attention are part of what you’re paying for, and many reviewers felt it was worth the cost given the experience and scenery.
However, some pointed out that, because wildlife sightings can be sparse, the value depends heavily on your expectations. If you’re looking for a guaranteed bear encounter, this isn’t it. But if you’re excited to explore Alaska’s wilderness with experts, the trip offers plenty of educational and scenic highlights.
Accessibility for Families and Children
Children under 8 are not permitted, so this isn’t ideal for families with young kids. The tour is more suited to adults or older children who are comfortable with vehicle rides and wilderness excursions.
Cancellation and Practical Details
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance — useful if your plans change. The departure time is the same as the tour time, so plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Remember that most travelers find this tour suitable, but it’s best to set realistic expectations about wildlife sightings and be prepared for a nature-focused drive.
Authentic Reviews from Travelers
Many travelers share mixed experiences, emphasizing guides’ professionalism and the beauty of the surroundings. One said, “Gary was a great guide. We saw bears at the first stop,” while another noted, “No bears, just a long drive,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife tours.
Others praised guides like Cora for showing abundant eagles, deer, and even a family of bears, making the trip memorable. Conversely, some felt the trip was just a “drive,” with little wildlife to see, which underscores the importance of managing expectations.
The Sum Up
This Chichagof Island Brown Bear Search is best suited for travelers who value expert local guides, scenic drives, and wildlife education over guaranteed animal sightings. It’s an excellent choice if you’re eager to learn about Alaska’s native culture and natural environment while enjoying a smaller, more personal tour experience.
The tour’s primary draw is the chance to see bears in the wild, but it’s clear that sightings aren’t guaranteed. Still, the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make the journey worthwhile, and many travelers leave with a deeper appreciation for the local landscape and wildlife.
If your main goal is bears, you might consider timing your trip during peak seasons (like spring or early summer) when sightings are more common. But if you’re flexible and interested in the broader wilderness experience, this tour offers a rewarding, intimate look at Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search
“Great local guide. She was knowledgeable at each stop. I would highly recommend her tours. Expert driver willing to give you a overview of the Cit…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 are not permitted, so it’s geared towards older kids and adults. The focus is on wildlife and scenic drives, so it suits those with an interest in nature.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers round-trip transport from the Icy Strait Excursions Hub, a native guide, and park entrance fees ($7). It’s a small-group tour, max 10 travelers, for a more personalized experience.
Can I expect to see bears?
Sightings are not guaranteed. Many travelers see bears, but some don’t. The guides do their best to find signs of bears or spot them, but wildlife is unpredictable.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about three hours, including travel time and stops. You’ll spend most of the time in the van exploring different parts of the island.
What if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations aren’t refundable.
What are the main highlights?
Besides searching for bears, you can expect scenic views, wildlife like eagles and deer, and insights into native culture from passionate local guides.
If you’re eager to explore Alaska’s wild side and are okay with some unpredictability, the Chichagof Island Tour offers a genuine taste of the wilderness with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. Just keep your expectations realistic and enjoy the journey — whether or not you spot a bear!