Fortress of the Bears Kayak

Admiralty Island Fortress of the Bears Kayaking Cruise Tour in Juneau
Price: $865.00
Summary
Tour Details

Kayak into the Fortress of the Bears on this Juneau day trip

Grab a paddle for an unforgettable wildlife kayaking experience into the "Fortress of the Bears" on Admiralty Island in groups of no more than 10 guests!

After being transferred from the pier to the float plane dock, approximately 30 minutes away, you will check in for your flight. This is followed by a 25-minute scenic float-plane flight to Windfall Island. Following a safety briefing and kayaking orientation, paddle in two-person sea kayaks about a mile to the edge of the Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary located on Admiralty Island, home to the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. This world-class wildlife sanctuary provides protected habitat for brown bears, while affording visitors an opportunity to view and photograph wildlife close up.

You will spend approximately three hours looking for bears on this Juneau shore excursion. A short beach walk brings you to the mouth of Pack Creek, where you can hope to see Alaskan brown bear fishing for salmon or feeding in the beach meadows. On this Juneau tour, you may also be taken for a short hike through the old growth coastal rain forest to an observation tower on upper Pack Creek.

You will then kayak for approximately 1 hour back to Windfall Island, where the float plane will pick you up and transport you back to Juneau. This is truly one of the gemstones of Southeast Alaska!

The best chance to view brown bears is July and August during salmon spawning season. May and June are also good months, as it is brown bear mating season. The number of bears a group sees varies greatly through the summer, but most visitors see at least one bear if not more. However, bear sightings are not guaranteed. This is wild Alaska!

Please Note: Permits to enter Pack Creek are very limited. The tour operates in rain or shine. Once this tour is confirmed, there is no refund for the permit fee, currently $50 US per person. We suggest booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment. This tour sells out!

The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is within a wilderness area with no facilities on site. There is no dock, bathrooms, shelter from the elements (except an observation tower at Pack Creek), or cell phone service. All food is required to be stored in bear-proof lockers at the entrance site. Guests must stay together and within designated travel routes as a group with their guide at all times, and must never leave gear or personal belongings unattended. Every participant on the trip must sign a waiver form at the start of the trip.

Shore Excursion Size
Small
Shore Excursion Type
Scenic, Water/Beach
Shore Excursion Duration
8 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From
Adjacent to the Mount Roberts Tram Station. It can be up to a 20 minute walk from the cruise pier. (Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.)
Food/Beverage Provided
A hearty snack and water are included.
Recommended Dress
For all tours in Alaska, we recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof. Sensible walking shoes that may get wet are also suggested. A rain jacket, pants, and rubber boots will be provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.
Restrictions
Participants should be capable of working the upper body, free of back or shoulder problems, and able to paddle the 2-person kayak up to a total of 5 miles. All guests must be able to walk over gravel, paved, and pack dirt surfaces, many of which are uneven. The approximate distance walked during the tour is 2.5 miles. The minimum age to participate is 10 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to safety concerns and flight restrictions, guests weighing over 250 pounds will be charged an additional fee. This tour uses double kayaks with a maximum weight of 600 pounds, or 272 kilograms. The kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist to chest) diameter of 55 inches, or 140 centimeters. All participants must sign a waiver form at the start of the trip.