Venture into Alaska’s wilderness with Hoonah Travel Adventures for an unmatched chance to see brown bears and diverse wildlife on Chichagof Island. Join a small group for an authentic, intimate experience in the pristine Tongass National Forest—where every turn offers a new wildlife encounter.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods, with moderate physical fitness.
Wildlife
History
Chichagof Island has been inhabited by indigenous Tlingit people for centuries, with many historical sites still visitable today.
Conservation
Hoonah Travel Adventures emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing practices to protect the fragile ecosystems of Tongass National Forest.
Hoonah Travel Adventures
Venture into Alaska’s wilderness with Hoonah Travel Adventures for an unmatched chance to see brown bears and diverse wildlife on Chichagof Island. Join a small group for an authentic, intimate experience in the pristine Tongass National Forest—where every turn offers a new wildlife encounter.
Hoonah Travel Adventures is a locally based tour operator in Hoonah, Alaska, offering guided wildlife and wilderness experiences around Chichagof Island and the coastal waters near Hoonah. The company runs the Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search, taking guests into the Tongass National Forest to seek brown bears where the island supports one of the highest concentrations of bears in the world. That intimate wilderness tour is limited to 10 guests and includes wildlife viewing opportunities for deer, eagles, and other forest species under the direction of a knowledgeable guide.
Hoonah Travel Adventures also operates the Premier Whale Watch Tour aboard custom‑designed boats built for comfortable coastal cruising. The whale watch itinerary focuses on humpback whales and orcas and highlights behaviors like bubble‑net feeding when conditions permit, along with broader coastal scenery and marine wildlife viewing. Both trips emphasize experienced guiding, close local knowledge of Hoonah area habitats, and small-group formats for a more personal experience. Tour logistics, including vessel design for the whale watch and group limits for the wilderness tour, are set to enhance safety and viewing opportunities. Booking information, schedules, and seasonal availability are provided by Hoonah Travel Adventures through its listings and reservation channels. Visitors planning a trip from Hoonah or nearby ports can expect guided excursions centered on Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes led by guides familiar with Chichagof Island and surrounding coastal waters. Tours operate seasonally; check availability and timing before booking with Hoonah Travel Adventures for dates. Guides provide pre-trip information and safety briefings.
Location
Hoonah, Alaska
Tours depart from Hoonah
Small Groups
Max 10 guests
Wilderness tour capacity limit
Wildlife Focus
Bears & Whales
Chichagof bears and coastal whales
Custom Boats
Comfort cruise
Custom-designed whale watching vessels
Spaces are limited on the Chichagof brown bear search and the Premier Whale Watch — check availability and book now.
Dress in layers
Weather can change quickly—layered clothing keeps you comfortable during boat rides and hikes.
Bring binoculars
High-quality binoculars enhance wildlife viewing, especially for distant bears and birds.
Watch the tides
Timing your excursion around tide charts increases bear sightings along shorelines.
Stay quiet and patient
Wildlife is best observed when you move slowly and keep noise to a minimum.
Binoculars
Crucial for wildlife spotting at a distance.
Layered clothing
Suitable for the variable weather conditions of coastal Alaska.
Waterproof boots
Provides comfort and dryness during boat rides and muddy trails.
Hat and gloves
Keep warm during colder months while on the water or walking.
winter