9 Days • 8 Nights
Alaska Bears & Wildlife Safari
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Fly-in brown bear viewing at a salmon river
- Grizzlies, moose and caribou in Denali
- A Kenai Fjords whale and glacier cruise
- Humpback whales, orcas and sea otters
- Bald eagles, puffins and sea lions
- Expert naturalist guides throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at Anchorage airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner as your naturalist guide outlines the wildlife wonders ahead.
You take a scenic flight to a remote wilderness lodge in prime bear country, such as Katmai or Lake Clark. On arrival, your first guided viewing brings you close to brown bears in their natural habitat.
A full day of guided bear viewing, watching massive brown bears fish for salmon, forage and tend their cubs at close but safe quarters, one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on earth.
You fly back to Anchorage and continue to Denali National Park, settling into your lodge near the park entrance in the heart of the interior.
A full-day wilderness tour into Denali, searching for grizzlies, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves beneath North America's highest peak.
You travel south to Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, a scenic journey through mountains and along Turnagain Arm to this pretty fishing port.
A full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, watching tidewater glaciers calve and spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions and puffins.
You return to Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway, with a wildlife stop and a farewell dinner in the city.
After breakfast you transfer to Anchorage airport for your onward flight, your camera full of Alaska's wildlife.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, full board at the bear lodge and a Kenai cruise lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and wildlife activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park entry and cruise fees as per itinerary
- a fly-in bear-viewing experience, a Denali wilderness tour and a Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Alaska is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected as elsewhere in the USA, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Best time to visit: The main season runs May to September, with long daylight hours, open roads and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest and busiest, while late August and September add autumn colour and early Northern Lights
- Northern Lights: The aurora is best seen from late August to April on clear, dark nights, especially around Fairbanks; the peak summer months have too much daylight for aurora viewing
- Wildlife: Alaska is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, moose, whales, eagles and more; always keep a safe distance, carry bear awareness in the backcountry and follow your guide's advice
- Weather & layers: Alaskan weather is changeable even in summer, so pack warm and waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and a hat; conditions can shift quickly, especially on glaciers and at sea
- Getting around: Distances are vast and some areas are roadless; itineraries combine scenic rail, small-ship or day cruises, flights and self-drive, all arranged for you. Daylight is very long in summer, so plan for plenty of activity
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly; bring insect repellent for summer mosquitoes. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for bear viewing?
Brown bear viewing is best from roughly June to September, timed to the salmon runs when bears gather at rivers and coasts. July and August are peak; we plan your dates for the best sightings at the chosen sanctuary.
Is bear viewing safe?
Yes — you view bears with expert guides at established sanctuaries where the bears are habituated to respectful human presence, keeping safe distances and following strict protocols. It is a controlled, world-class wildlife experience.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or cruise meals. Alaskan seafood, from king crab to wild salmon, is a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
The main season is May to September, with long daylight and peak wildlife; June to August is warmest, and late August to September adds autumn colour and the first Northern Lights. Winter trips focus on the aurora and are timed separately.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Alaska is superb for wildlife, with excellent chances of seeing bears, moose, eagles, sea otters and, on the water, whales and sea lions. Our guides and cruises maximise sightings, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Can we see the Northern Lights?
In summer there is too much daylight for the aurora, but our autumn and winter itineraries (late August to April), especially around Fairbanks, offer excellent chances on clear, dark nights.
How do we travel around Alaska?
We combine the best options, the scenic Alaska Railroad, day or small-ship cruises among the glaciers and fjords, flights over roadless areas and comfortable self-drive or coach touring, all arranged and built into your itinerary.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of parks, cruises and wildlife, add a Denali stay, an Inside Passage voyage or an aurora extension, and tailor the pace and lodges to your interests.
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