The six-hour trip to Chinitna Bay starts at Anchorage's busy Lake Hood Seaplane Base. During the flight south along the Cook Inlet, the pilot points out both manmade and natural landmarks. There are tiny coastal communities like Kustatan and Tyonek, abandoned canneries and old homesteads, the dramatic cliffs of Chisik Island and the volcanic cone of Mt. Redoubt. With a light headwind, the flight lasts 90 minutes, culminating with a thrilling beach landing at Bear Mountain Lodge.
Bears feed on protein-rich sedge grass and clams.
The lodge's bear guides take visitors out for the day in two green buses rebuilt into four-wheel-drive beach mobiles. It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the areas most densely populated by bears, although they frequent the entire length of Chinitna Bay.
Those bears move from high-country habitats down to the coast in early summer. Here they graze on sedge grass, dig for clams, and chase after fish in the shallow water at low tide. While they busily feed, visitors excitedly observe. Solo males stand out due to their sheer size and bulky shoulder humps. Sows with spring or yearling cubs carefully keep watch, shuffling their young to safer spots at the slightest sign of danger. After three hours spent among the bears, the tour concludes with a scenic return flight to Anchorage.
More Details
The chance of seeing bears in Chinitna Bay are excellent but not guaranteed. Mid to late July typically offers the best opportunities, although bears can be spotted from June through early August. Bears feed on sedge grass and clams earlier in the season, and then move farther west along the bay as the salmon run starts in August.
The trip requires walking short distances on sand and rocks to bear viewing areas. For the safety of guests and the bears, visitors must closely follow the direction of their guides while at Chinitna Bay.
What to Bring
Much of the excursion is spent outside, so dress in warm layers and take rain gear. Bring a camera, binoculars, and bug spray. Because Chinitna Bay is an isolated location only accessible by plane, bring essential medications as well.
Special Instructions
Accurate passenger weight is required for aircraft weight and balance.
Transfers & Meeting Points
The tour departs from the tour operator's office at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. Complimentary transportation to and from most major Anchorage hotels is provided. Limited parking is available. Passengers who drive in are asked to leave their keys with the tour operator front desk. Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure.
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 13, but this tour is not recommended for children under the age of 6.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
5/21/25 (W) to 8/31/25 (Su)5/21/25 (W) to 8/31/25 (Su)
Adult: $1,095.00
Child: $1,045.00
The rates above do not include taxes/fees of 3% and are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"Everything was fantastic about this booking. The pilot was great, and the staff at the location were wonderful. The bear viewing was fantastic. This excursion was the highlight of the trip! Even the snack was good!"
