Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we go with Alaska Bear Adventures?

Bears Are Our Passion! At Alaska Bear Adventures with K Bay Air we focus all our considerable knowledge and experience EXCLUSIVELY on Your Alaska Bear Adventure. Others offer Bear Viewing as a sideline.... As an Alaskan family operated business, we "live" Bear Viewing 24 hours a day from May 15 to September 15. We fly bush planes to the best places in the world for Guided Wilderness Bear Viewing, the wild coastal beaches of Katmai and Lake Clark Parks. We are on these beaches every day and will get you to the BEST location for viewing and photography. Safety - Our safety record for flying and guiding is flawless, we take care with you an your loved ones (and the bears of course). Experience -We have been flying safely in Alaska for over 20 years, and guiding Bear Viewing for over 6 years with an extensive (300 hours) training and mentoring program for new guides. Focus - We Specialize in Bear Viewing, there are no distractions from providing you with the best Bear Viewing and Photography trip available from Homer, Alaska.

When is the best time to view bears in Alaska?

The bear viewing is great from June through early September.  This unusual reliability for bear viewing is due to the amazing abundance of food sources available along the Katmai/Lake Clark coast.  The bears have no reason to go elsewhere for food.  To observe grizzly bear mating behavior, June and early July are best.  To watch grizzly bears fishing for salmon, mid-July to the end of the season are best.  You will most likely see coastal grizzly bears digging for clams and mating during May.  Alaska Bear Adventures operates bear viewing tours in May for those visitors who desire the "We are the only ones here with the bears " experience.

Is grizzly bear viewing safe?

The short answer is YES grizzly bear viewing is safe.  Confrontations between bears and humans can be avoided when people have a clear understanding of bear behavior and show the bears respect.  We are very predictable in our bear viewing behavior and this allows the bears to be comfortable with our presence.  There has never been a documented case of a bear attack on a group of three or more humans.  Guides on the Katmai coast carry marine flares to scare off bears should the need arise.

What should I bring with me while bear viewing?

Dress for cool & wet weather, remove layers for warm weather. Wear Layered clothing (windproof fleece), Rain gear, jacket & pants (Lightweight coated nylon). Bring a Day pack and water bottle (you will carry all you bring). Be sure to bring your camera & memory cards & batteries. Binoculars, Bug dope(DEET), Sunscreen, Sunglasses and Hat are all recommended. A bag lunch is included in your trip. MEDICATION: if you use it, bring enough for 2 days just in case the weather delays us. DO NOT bring any fish!

Are there any physical requirements for the bear viewing tours?

Yes, we will walk from the beach through grassy meadow or tundra to a vantage point to observe the bears. The ground surface is very irregular in some places. You must be able to walk up to 3 miles without limitation or difficulty. If you are not able to walk this distance, we offer bear viewing trips for those less able. Please call us to inquire about our trips that accomodate people who experience special needs.

What is a typical day trip itinerary?

The day begins in the morning at the Homer airport, where you are fit for hip waders, receive your Boardwalk Bakery bag lunch, sign an acknowledgment of risk form and hear a simple safety briefing.  Next a fantastic 1.5 hour flight seeing trip over mountains, glaciers and volcanoes. We land on the beach on the Katmai/Lake Clark coast usually right near the bears, then walk .5 to 1.5 mile from the beach through grassy meadow or tundra to a vantage point to observe the bears. After more than three hours of time with the bears we return to Homer, again enjoying 1.5 hours of some of the best flight seeing Alaska has to offer.  The trip is complete about 7-8 hours after departure.

What is the maximum party size?

Five clients with one bear viewing guide is typically the maximum.  On occasion, to accommodate your group's needs we may adjust this ratio up or down.

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