Expedition Black Bear – 6 Passenger Boat

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and looking for a unique way to see Alaska’s wildlife, the Expedition Black Bear Tour offered by Alaska Hummer Adventures might catch your eye. This small-group boat trip promises a good chance to spot black bears in their natural habitat, especially during the salmon spawning season at Margaret Creek. While I haven’t done this trip myself, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers and reviews that can help you decide if it’s right for you.

One thing we love about this tour is how focused it is on wildlife viewing, with knowledgeable guides who genuinely know their stuff. Plus, the scenery along the way—highlighted by visits to scenic bays, inlets, and marine wildlife hotspots—is pretty stunning and adds to the overall experience. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that bears are wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed every time. That said, it seems like a well-organized, intimate experience that would suit nature lovers or anyone eager to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife up close.

If you’re someone who appreciates small-group tours with personalized attention and is comfortable with a boat ride, this will likely appeal. Travelers who want a mix of wildlife and scenery, without the large crowds sometimes found on bigger excursions, should find this tour a good fit. It’s also ideal if you’re comfortable with the price point around $426 and understanding that the main draw—seeing bears—depends on the timing and season.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: The tour centers on spotting black bears during spawning season, with naturalist guides sharing their knowledge.
• Small Group: Limited to 6 people, creating an intimate atmosphere and personalized attention.
• Seasonal Timing: Available in mid-summer and early fall, aligning with the bears’ salmon fishing season.
• Scenic Journey: The boat ride offers gorgeous views of bays, inlets, and local wildlife like whales and seals.
• Experience Variability: While sightings are common, they depend on animal behavior; no guarantees.
• Cost and Value: At $426 per person, it’s a premium experience but offers a personalized, focused wildlife encounter.

What to Expect From the Tour

Overview and Length

This 4.5-hour adventure starts at the Ketchikan cruise ship docks and includes a boat ride out to Margaret Creek, where the magic happens. A key feature is the small group setting—just 6 travelers max—which helps keep things comfortable and less crowded. The tour begins with a pickup and includes binoculars, so everyone gets a good chance to observe.

Itinerary Breakdown

The main stop is Traitors Cove, roughly 2.5 hours long. This is where you’ll likely see black bears fishing for salmon, a sight that many reviews describe as unforgettable. The area is accessible enough for older visitors, as one review highlights, making it a good choice for a range of travelers.

Along the way, you’ll cruise through stunning bays and inlets, with plenty of chances to see marine wildlife like whales and seals. The boat ride itself isn’t just transportation; it’s part of the experience, offering beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Wildlife Viewing

The highlight is definitely the black bears at Margaret Creek, where they gather during salmon spawning season. Our reviews indicate that many travelers were lucky enough to see bears catching salmon, with some describing it as an “incredible” experience. One reviewer even called it a “highlight of their trip,” emphasizing the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, which enhanced the experience.

Guides and Knowledge Sharing

Guides like Alex and Keith earn praise for their enthusiasm and expertise. They stop to explain interesting sights and help point out wildlife, making the trip both educational and engaging. As one reviewer noted, Alex was “so knowledgeable and truly loves his town,” which really added to the enjoyment.

Comfort and Accessibility

The boat ride is described as comfortable and scenic, with some reviewers mentioning rough waters on the return trip. Still, captains like Sheldon navigated carefully, prioritizing passenger safety and experience. The accessibility of the viewing areas was also noted as a plus, especially for older folks or those who prefer a less strenuous experience.

Cost and Value

At $426 per person, this isn’t your budget option, but it comes with a lot of personalized attention, a small group, and the chance to see iconic wildlife in action. Many reviewers felt it was a worthwhile expense for the chance to view bears in their natural habitat—something many travelers consider a bucket-list moment.

Weather and Cancellation

Since the tour is weather-dependent, the tour provider offers a full refund or alternative date if canceled due to poor weather. Keep in mind, cancellations if the minimum group size isn’t met are also handled professionally, and you’ll get a full refund if that occurs. It’s worth checking the weather forecast so you’re prepared for a potential change in plans.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, or anyone eager to see Alaska’s iconic black bears in action. The small-group setup and knowledgeable guides make for an enriching experience, especially during peak salmon spawning season. If you’re comfortable with boat rides and understand that bear sightings depend on animal behavior, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a guaranteed wildlife sighting or those unwilling to pay a premium price for a more intimate experience. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children who might find the boat ride or wildlife viewing challenging, consider your family’s comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is accessible for older folks. The main consideration is comfort with boat rides and wildlife viewing.

What wildlife will I see?
You’ll primarily be looking for black bears catching salmon, but the boat ride also offers opportunities to see whales, seals, and other marine life.

How long is the boat ride?
The trip lasts about 4.5 hours, with roughly 2.5 hours at Traitors Cove. The boat ride itself offers stunning views and lasts around an hour each way.

Are binoculars provided?
Yes, binoculars are included in the tour, helping you get a closer look at the bears and other wildlife.

What is the best time to go?
Mid-summer and early fall are ideal, as this is when black bears gather at Margaret Creek for salmon spawning.

What happens if we don’t see bears?
While sightings are common, they depend on animal behavior. Some reviews noted no bears appeared, but everyone still enjoyed the scenic boat ride and wildlife in the area.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 6 travelers keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

To sum it up, if you’re after a focused, intimate wildlife experience with a good chance to see black bears in action, the Expedition Black Bear Boat Tour offers a compelling option. It’s especially appealing if you value knowledgeable guides, scenic boat rides, and the thrill of observing animals in the wild. While it comes at a higher price, many travelers find it well worth the memories and photos they take home. Just remember—nature’s unpredictability means no guarantees, but the journey itself is often just as rewarding as the sights.