Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search

In the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, there exists a hidden gem awaiting those who seek a truly immersive wildlife experience. Known as the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search, this captivating journey takes participants on a quest to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of nature’s most majestic creatures.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with brown bears in their natural habitat. But what lies beyond the surface of this thrilling adventure? What secrets does Chichagof Island hold, waiting to be discovered?

Good To Know

• Chichagof Island is a scenic and remote destination that is perfect for nature lovers.
• The island is home to the largest concentration of bears on earth, making it a great place for wildlife enthusiasts.
• The tour is a small group experience with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
• The local Native guide is knowledgeable about the area and passionate about sharing information about their home.

Overview of Chichagof Island Tour

The Chichagof Island Tour offers nature lovers the opportunity to explore the scenic and remote Chichagof Island while learning about the Alaskan wilderness and its abundant wildlife from a local guide.

The tour itinerary includes a three-hour off the beaten path experience, allowing participants to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to witness wildlife sightings, particularly the brown bears that inhabit Chichagof Island. With the largest concentration of bears on earth, Chichagof Island is a prime location for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The local guide provides valuable insights and information about the wildlife, enhancing the overall experience for participants.

This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the Alaskan wilderness and get an up-close look at the incredible wildlife that calls Chichagof Island home.

Highlights of the Brown Bear Search

During the Brown Bear Search on the Chichagof Island Tour, participants have the unique opportunity to witness the majestic brown bears in their natural habitat. Brown bears, also known as grizzly bears, are known for their impressive size and strength. They can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and stand over 9 feet tall on their hind legs. These magnificent creatures exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors, including fishing for salmon in the rivers and streams, foraging for berries and plants, and caring for their cubs. The best time to spot brown bears is during the summer months when they are most active and visible. The tour provides an ideal chance to observe these incredible animals up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat.

Brown Bear Behavior	Best Time to Spot Brown Bears
Fishing for salmon	Summer months
Foraging for food
Caring for cubs

Inclusions and Logistics for the Tour

Participants of the Chichagof Island Tour will find that the tour includes various inclusions and logistics to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off at Icy Strait Point, with individual seating in the van for maximum comfort.

It’s a small group tour, limited to 10 participants, and led by a local Native guide who’s knowledgeable about the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.

National park fees, amounting to $5.40, are included in the tour package, as well as gratuities.

The meeting point is the Excursions Hub at 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK, and participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

For those arriving via AK Seaplanes or AK Marine Hwy, pickup arrangements can be made by contacting the tour company.

Pickup Details for the Tour

Upon arrival at Icy Strait Point, participants of the Chichagof Island Tour can proceed to the Adventure Center if their ship is docked at the Adventure Dock, or walk up the ramp and to the right if their ship is docked at the Wilderness Dock. Once at the Adventure Center, they have several pickup arrangements and transportation options available to them:

• Ride the FREE Green Transporter Gondola to the Adventure Landing.
• Check-in with the representative in the Blue Shirt/Jacket at the Excursion Hub.
• Contact the tour company for pickup arrangements if arriving via AK Seaplanes or AK Marine Hwy.

These options ensure that participants can easily and conveniently make their way to the designated meeting point and join the tour without any hassle.

Whether they choose the gondola ride or direct contact with the tour company, pickup arrangements and transportation options are readily available for a seamless experience.

Traveler Photos and Reviews of the Tour

Travelers who’ve experienced the Chichagof Island Tour have shared their photos and reviews, providing valuable insights into the tour’s highlights and their overall experience.

One featured review from Jonathan_M describes the local guide as ‘fantastic,’ highlighting their extensive knowledge of the area and passion for their home.

With a total review count of 117, the tour has received an overall rating of 4.0 based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor. The breakdown of reviews includes 5 stars, 4 stars, 3 stars, 2 stars, and 1 star ratings.

These reviews serve as a helpful resource for potential travelers, allowing them to gauge the tour experience and appreciate the local guide’s expertise.

Additional Information for the Tour

For additional information about the Chichagof Island Tour, please contact the tour company for pickup arrangements if arriving via AK Seaplanes or AK Marine Hwy.

The best time to visit Chichagof Island for a brown bear search is during the summer months when the bears are most active.

It’s recommended to bring appropriate gear for the tour, including binoculars to get a closer look at the bears in their natural habitat. Plus, wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions is advised. The tour company can provide further details on what gear would be most suitable for the excursion.

Enjoy a memorable experience exploring the scenic and remote Chichagof Island while searching for brown bears.

Directions for the Chichagof Island Tour

To begin your Chichagof Island Tour, head to the Excursions Hub located at 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA. From there, transportation will be provided to take you to Icy Strait Point, where the tour will officially start.

If your ship is docked at the Adventure Dock, simply proceed ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. For those docked at the Wilderness Dock, walk up the ramp and to the right.

Once at Icy Strait Point, you can ride the FREE Green Transporter Gondola to the Adventure Landing.

Make sure to arrive at the Excursions Hub 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

If you’re arriving via AK Seaplanes or AK Marine Hwy, please contact the tour company for pickup arrangements.

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search?

The best time to go on the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search is during the summer months when the bears are more active. Visitors have the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants on the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for participants on the tour. The tour is suitable for nature lovers of all ages who want to explore Chichagof Island and search for brown bears in the Alaskan wilderness.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. It is recommended to bring food and beverages that are easy to carry and consume during the three-hour off the beaten path experience.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Tour?

For the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Essential items to bring include a camera, binoculars, and a jacket for changing weather conditions.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Restroom facilities are available during the tour. Participants can expect amenities such as clean and well-maintained restrooms to ensure their comfort throughout the experience on Chichagof Island.

The Sum Up

To sum it up, the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search offers nature lovers a thrilling and immersive experience on the scenic and remote Chichagof Island.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, participants can explore the Alaskan wilderness, learn about wildlife, and enjoy stunning landscapes.

With personalized and intimate small group tours, convenient pick-up and drop-off, and positive reviews from previous travelers, this tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a close encounter with brown bears in their natural habitat.