Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk - an Animal Planet Exclusive

3.25 hours | Ketchikan | K T N - 8 8 5
Average Guest Rating
From
$ 259.95
Min. age: 12 years (See special notes)

Points of Interest

  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your small-group excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a short drive to a private reserve.

Upon arriving, your guide/naturalist leads you along a trail through the heart of the rainforest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaska cedar. This pristine environment is home to black bears, eagles, seals, a variety of birds, and many other species of wildlife attracted by the over 100,000 salmon that return each year to spawn.

Large concentrations of black bear gather to feed on the huge runs of spawning Pacific salmon in the stream running through the reserve. Bald eagles wait for scraps, mink and marten frequent the area, and seals can usually be seen feeding on the bountiful fish harvest.

Your search for wildlife takes over an elaborate elevated boardwalk system, viewing platforms overlooking the creek and off-the-beaten-track areas, promising an exclusive opportunity to view bears at close range in a safe environment. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, keep your camera ready for a myriad of photo opportunities.

At the trail's end, you'll see birds of prey close up, tour a historic sawmill and explore the on-site totem park before returning to the ship.

Special Notes:

Minimum age is 12. The Alaska Rain Forest Sanctuary is not exclusive to your tour -- it is a multi-use site, so you will encounter guests participating in other tour products and activities. To minimize resource impacts and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, this tour is available only to small groups and on a limited basis. The operators of this tour are confident that a bear will be sighted by your group on this excursion. If not, you will receive an $80 on-board credit from the tour operator. It is important to note that seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity and there are times when bears will not be seen. Operates rain or shine; rain ponchos are available for purchase. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. The elevated boardwalk can be as high as 15 feet off the ground. Tour operates July 26 - September 23.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Tour to Rainforest Sanctuary

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
53
Travel time:
00:20
Air conditioned:
No
Steps:
3
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Orientation & safety briefing

Time at site:
00:05
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
50
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Walk rainforest trail, elevated boardwalk and viewing platforms

Transport type:
Walking
Transport Capacity:
12
Time at site:
01:45
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
1200
Steps:
8
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Interact with Reindeer

Time at site:
00:10
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
50
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Visit historic sawmill, raptor center & totem park

Time at site:
00:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
100
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Visit General Store

Time at site:
00:15
Free time at site:
15
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
50
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Tour back to cruise ship pier

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
53
Travel time:
00:20
Air conditioned:
No
Steps:
3
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes