Discover the wild beauty of Chichagof Island, often called "Bear Island" by National Geographic for having one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. This small-group wildlife adventure offers a more personal, flexible, and comfortable way to experience Alaska's wilderness.
Your journey begins in Hoonah, where you'll meet your local guide, someone who knows the land, wildlife patterns, and hidden corners of the island firsthand. Traveling in a comfortable van with a small group, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace, better visibility, and access to quieter areas that larger vehicles cannot reach. Unlike fixed-itinerary tours, your guide will adjust the route throughout the experience based on real-time bear activity, feeding patterns, and conditions, giving you the best possible opportunity to encounter brown bears in their natural habitat.
What truly sets this experience apart is your guide's local knowledge and storytelling. Along the way, you'll hear insights about the island's wildlife, the surrounding landscape, and the traditions of the Tlingit people, adding depth and meaning to each stop while keeping the experience engaging and easy to follow.
As you explore, you'll travel through old-growth forests, open muskegs, and scenic coastal areas, with opportunities to step out, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. In addition to brown bears, keep an eye out for bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, otters, mink, marten, beavers, and seabirds.
This experience is perfect for those looking for a well-paced, guided introduction to Alaska's wildlife, offering a balance of comfort, exploration, and meaningful local insight in a smaller group setting.
Please note: Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, this tour can re-position quickly, and there is a much higher chance of sightings than with the slow-moving, large tour groups. Due to the remote environment, the bathroom facilities are limited, and there is one restroom break provided in the middle of the tour for guests. Please consider this when booking this tour.
$259 per person
You can book these tours Online or Call. To buy online, visit our iCruise Shore Excursions website.
or Call 1-800-545-4988
Speak to a Shore Excursions expert for more information about this tour and other tours.
Reference: MSC Cruises, MSC Poesia, Departing Fri, Jul 31, 2026
Buy OnlineShore Excursion Size: Small
Shore Excursion Type: Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration: 4
Shore Excursion Departs From: An approximate 15 to 40-minute walk, or an approximate 3-minute gondola ride is required to reach your departure location depending on where your ship is docked. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.
Activity Level: Easy
Food/Beverage Provided: Not Included
Recommended Dress: For all tours in Alaska, we recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof. Sensible waterproof walking or hiking shoes are suggested.
Restrictions: Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, some of which are at an incline. A collapsible wheelchair can be accommodated with advanced notice at the time of booking. Due to the remote environment, the bathroom facilities are
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Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents.
All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip.