Alaska Air Taxi - Bear Viewing from Anchorage Alaska | ALASKA.ORG Recommends Alaska Air Taxi

Watch the giant grizzlies of Brooks catch salmon in mid-air as they fly up the rocky falls. Getting there is half the fun: soar past mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife on your way to this famous area. Family-owned-and-operated Alaska Air Taxi guarantees that you'll see bears or get half your money back.

This family flightseeing business has been around for 16 years. Owners Jack and Brenda Barber are pilots as well, and they try to greet each customer personally. Their bear-viewing excursions combine breathtaking scenic flights with the opportunity to see bears up close in the wild—guaranteed.

As you depart for the famous Brooks Falls , keep your eyes open for beluga whales as you fly across Cook Inlet . Continuing toward the mountains, watch for moose, eagles and a view of the tallest mountain in North America . You'll cross the Alaska Range through gorgeous Lake Clark Pass , with its abundant waterfalls and glaciers. Your scenic floatplane tour continues into Katmai National Park , which encompasses 4 million acres and includes 15 active volcanoes. After you land on Naknek Lake , the Park Service will give you a short briefing on bear etiquette and safety rules.

Now you are ready to discover why Brooks Falls and these mighty bears are world-renowned! You'll view these extraordinary giants as they grab, chase, and scurry for the feisty salmon shooting up the rocky falls. Grizzlies here at Brooks can literally catch the "flying" fish in mid-air. These will be the pictures of a lifetime. During your walk back to the floatplane, keep your eyes open and cameras ready, as the sightings never seem to end in this bear-abundant land. Peak viewing time: June 25 - Sept 10.

Nestled along the Alaska Range, Big River Lakes offers a great spot to view bears in their natural habitat. Fly with across Cook Inlet to majestic Redoubt Bay. Sights along the way could include grazing moose, beluga whales, bald eagles and even McKinley. After touching down, your guide will take you by boat a popular fishing spot for bears. You'll have the rare opportunity of watching both brown and black bears as they swim and fish around you. Peak viewing time: June 10-August 31.

Take a scenic flight along Cook Inlet into Lake Clark National Park (6 hrs, $639). Known as the "Alaskan Alps", this is where the Alaska and Aleutian Ranges meet. This 4-million-acre park is home to the Illiamna and Redoubt Volcanoes, which are visible on a clear day. Upon landing, your experienced guide will greet you and take you to view these magnificent bears in their natural habitat.

You may witness these huge grizzlies fishing for salmon, swimming playfully with each other, or just plan frolicking with their young. On your return flight back to Anchorage, look for wildlife such as beluga whales, moose, and trumpeter swans, just to name a few. Peak viewing time: June 1 - Sept 20.

Rollup

Details: No experience necessary. No minimum age.

Photo Album for Alaska Air Taxi Bear Viewing

More Alaska Air Taxi Bear Viewing Photos»

Tour Highlights

Fleet of 7 planes with both floats and wheels. Can accommodate between 3 - 10 passengers.
Pilot narration, two-way headsets, and window seats (some exceptions may apply)
Minimum of 3 passengers to fly; will gladly match up smaller parties when possible
Family-owned and -operated for 16 years by pilots Jack and Brenda Barber
Complimentary van service from major hotels in downtown and midtown

What To Bring

Camera and extra film.
Dress in layers, with a rain jacket.
Wear good shoes for the Lake Clark and Brooks Falls bear-viewing trips, which involve some walking.

Directions

From downtown, head south on L St., which turns into Minnesota Drive. Go right on International, toward the airport, then right on Postmark, right on Heliport, and right on Aircraft Drive. Alaska Air Taxi is on the southwest shore of Lake Hood at 4501 Aircraft Drive.

Get Directions To Alaska Air Taxi»

Payment Policy

Alaska Air Taxi requires a 50% deposit to confirm a reservation. The balance is due 30 days prior to your departure date. Alaska Air Taxi confirms your reservations in writing upon receipt of deposit. Prices are subject to change without notice, but will not change once a reservation has been confirmed. Alaska Air Taxi accepts cash, personal checks, and AE, DISC, MC, V
	Cancellation Policy
	Cancellations received 31 days or more prior to your departure date will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. If you elect to cancel your trip less than 31 days prior to your departure for any reason (including inclement weather or a delay caused by weather), 50% of full air fare is nonrefundable. Alternatively, the nonrefundable amount may be applied as a credit to a future reservation for up to one year from the date of the cancelled trip. In the event that Alaska Air Taxi chooses to cancel your trip due to safety/weather conditions, and if rescheduling is not possible, 100% of the trip is refundable. All "no shows" are 100% non-refundable. All cancellations must be in writing. *Any reservation that includes accommodations/other air travel/road/rail or sea transportation is considered a package trip. Package trip cancellations received more than 60 days prior to the departure date will be charged a $50 per person cancellation fee. Package cancellations received 60-31 days prior to trip date will be charged 50% of total trip cost. Package cancellations received less than 31 days prior to trip date will be charged 100% of trip cost.

	Note: Alaska Air Taxi, LLC. will not be responsible or liable for any loss, damage or injury to participants or personal property or for expenses or delays incurred as a result of weather, routing delays, or other conditions. Alaska Air Taxi, LLC. reserves the right to make changes and alterations in the itinerary as may be necessary for safety and proper handling of all trips. Daily fly-outs are subject to weather and other safety considerations.

top

Alaska Bear Viewing

Fly-In Bear Viewing from Anchorage (Alaska Air Taxi)