Pack Creek, Alaska, United States

5Family H 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2020

Hint: forget the tour package-charter a plane!
First and most important, you DO NOT NEED A GUIDE. We took WARD AIR-they did a good job. Just call Ward Air and book a flight after you secure online permits. Lots of reviews tell you about seeing the bear...so I included some things I wish I knew before I went. Here's how it works: you land on a beach-head where you get your orientation from the state or federal ranger, eat and perhaps hang out to bear watch. To the right is a short flat walk to the "viewing area" and to the left, up hill one mile, is the raised viewing platform. The plane lands very close to the beach...absolutely no reason the plane shouldn't get you close to the shore. Roll your pants up and use water shoes or even flip flops to get to shore because you will walk through the water. That day, there was room in the bear box for our food and water shoes, but bring a plastic bag and be prepared to carry your water shoes with you for the day. All your food will go in the bear box. A ranger is always on the beach and is pleased to answer all your questions (hence no reason for a guide). When you're ready, the ranger gives you the go-ahead to walk either to the viewing area or the platform. Another ranger is stationed at the viewing area-again, she is happy to answer all your questions. The viewing area is simply a little area with logs to sit on. You sit there and wait to see bear. The ranger has to give you the "all-clear" to move back to the beach or to the platform. That's it...those three areas and lots of bear. We came when the salmon were just coming so we didn't get that spectacular show with bear fishing for their lunch. The 7 bears we saw were clamming at low tide and just walking around. Yes, it was absolutely wonderful and I'm soooo glad I didn't pay $825 a person to do this trip that cost the 4 of us $225 each.

5Bubviv 5:00 PM Jun 2, 2018

FANTASTIC!
Worth every penny even tho the initial price tag can be a bit jolting. Flew by seaplane to Admiralty Island - perfect weather conditions. Landed on the beach and 2 bears were already there clamming along the shore. In total we saw 5 bears and one whale swimming out in the distance. In total we were out for 6 hrs. Food was provided and our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The flight over was very enjoyable too with views unparalleled in beauty and splendour. We were very well looked after by the tour operators.