Katmai Bear Tour: Spectacular Wildlife Viewing in Alaska
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the activity involves limited walking and primarily aerial observation.
Overview
Take to the skies over Alaska’s Katmai National Park and witness up to fifty brown bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. Enjoy expert guidance and breathtaking views on this private bear viewing flight.
Katmai National Park Bear Tour
Starting at $1295 pp • Ages 8+ • 10-12 Hours • Call to book!
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About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking wilderness of Katmai National Park on a thrilling bear viewing adventure. Fly over stunning landscapes to Brooks Falls, where you can witness up to fifty brown bears catching salmon. Enjoy an intimate flight, expert guidance, and the chance to see diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
Observe Alaska wilderness in its rawest form!
Duration
10-12 Hours
Rates
$1345.00 per person + $30 Katmai National Park Fee per person + 3% fuel surcharge per booking.
About
The federally-protected Katmai National Park and Preserve is world famous for Alaska brown bear viewing. Accessible only by air, this is Alaska wilderness in its rawest form.
Our fly out Katmai bear viewing adventure takes you to Brooks Falls, where three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed and extraordinary bear viewing in Katmai National Park. In July, lured by spawning salmon, as many as fifty bears can be seen at once along the 1.5-mile Brooks River.
While the Katmai bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, Katmai National Park Rangers provide an initial briefing upon arrival and are available throughout the park for questions. An on-site wait list for the Lower River bear viewing platform may be implemented when visitation reaches capacity to ensure quality bear viewing. What this means is that sometimes the bear viewing is crowded and the ranger may ask you to move to another platform. The is plenty of room in Katmai overall to see bears.
What's Included
- Intimate two to three hour scenic flightseeing tour from Anchorage; flight times vary depending on weather and plane type.
- A window seat and 2-way headset
- Detailed knowledge (and personality) of an Alaska bush pilot
- Box lunch upon arrival at Katmai National Park
- Katmai bear viewing at Brooks Falls – watch them catch jumping salmon!
- Wildlife watching on return flight for beluga whales, moose and Dall sheep
What to Bring
- Sunglasses, bug spray, camera and binoculars.
- Dress comfortably and in layers; Alaska weather can change dramatically. A sunny and warm day in Anchorage can turn windy, rainy, and cool in the National Park.
- Please bring prescription medications.
Additional Information
Katmai National Park is in a remote area accessible only by plane so many of the common expectations of “civilization” are not available. You should bring essential medications with you and not plan plane connections on the same day of this trip. Additionally, if visiting Katmai is extremely important to you, please allow time in your schedule for possible rescheduling of this trip. Rust’s flies through two mountain passes to reach Katmai and this trip does sometimes cancel due to weather.
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars
Binoculars enhance your ability to see bears and other wildlife clearly from the aircraft.
Dress in layers
Weather can be unpredictable; layering keeps you comfortable during the flight and on the ground.
Charge your camera batteries
You’ll want to capture stunning wildlife moments, so ensure your gear is fully charged.
Listen to your guide
Experts provide crucial safety instructions and wildlife insights—pay close attention throughout the trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown bears
- Bald eagles
History
Katmai National Park was established in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic ash flow area created by the 1912 Novarupta eruption.
Conservation
Strict regulations limit human interaction with wildlife in Katmai to preserve the natural habitat and ensure sustainable tourism practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Keeps you warm during chilly spring flights and while observing wildlife.
spring specific
Camera with telephoto lens
Captures detailed photos of bears and other wildlife from a distance.
summer specific
Insect repellent
Helps prevent mosquito bites during summer tours.
summer specific
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides good footing if exploring around landing spots or the park.
fall specific