Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! worth booking?
Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! is a 4-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $376 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (21)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $376 per person
When porting at Icy Strait near Hoonah this is a shore tour ashore you will not forget. Lets go on a bear hunt, this four hour tour offers you the chance to see brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural picturesque beauty of the last frontier.
What you get
About this experience
When porting at Icy Strait near Hoonah this is a shore tour ashore you will not forget. Lets go on a bear hunt, this four hour tour offers you the chance to see brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural picturesque beauty of the last frontier.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Small Group size of max 12 people
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Hoonah
National Geographic have named the area as the "Bear Island", this tour offers you the highest concentration of bears in the world at 1-2 brown bears per square mile. To get the most from your tour ashore this is offered as a small group tour making it more enjoyable.
240 minutes here
The Island offers ten different kinds of edible berries along with a stunning view of a muskeg, viewing an old growth forest, and possible chances of viewing the king of the island: brown bears. Using information on current bear movements, their feeding habits, and the temperature throughout the day, there are short stops at key points to scope out an amazing view of these captivating creatures. Our well renowned guides will share information about the area and the Tlingit Native population. During the tour you are pretty much guaranteed to see a host of other wildlife that are quite often spotted during our tours, including mink, marten, bald eagles, sea birds, red squirrels, otter, beaver, ducks, and Sitka black-tail deer. So be sure to bring your camera. Please note: Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, this tour can re-position quickly, and there is a much higher chance of sightings with our small group tour than any other slow moving large tour groups.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- My Holidays Online
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- We can also accept hotel guests on this tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Authentic Look at Real Alaska, But Completely Dependent on Wildlife
Things I Liked: • Incredible, Indigenous-Led Guiding: The tour is operated by local Wilderness Island Tours (through Alaska Shore Excursions). The lifelong local Tlingit guides provide a deeply personal, authentic look into rural Alaskan life, native culture, and generational history. • Escape the Cruise Crowds: Unlike the chaotic, massive tour buses organized directly by the cruise lines, this small-group van excursion takes you down quiet, gravel logging roads deep into the heart of Chichagof Island. • Immersive Nature and Foraging: The journey into the "Bay of Bears" offers stunning coastal views, lush old-growth forests, and salmon-spawning streams. Guests love the interactive element of stopping to pick and taste wild berries and local herbs when they are in season. • Clean and Comfortable Transport: The transit vans are clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and perfectly sized for navigating the rugged backcountry roads safely. Things to be aware of: • Unpredictable Wildlife Sightings: Because this is a true wilderness experience and not a controlled park, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If the salmon aren't actively running or the weather is off, you may spend the entire drive seeing nothing but trees. • Bumpy Backcountry Roads: The excursion travels primarily down old dirt and gravel logging roads. It can get incredibly bumpy, dusty, and jarring, which might be uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness or back pain. • No Built-in Scenic Viewpoints: The focus of the drive is strictly tracking animals along the rivers and valleys. If the wildlife doesn't show up, there aren't many dedicated panoramic photo stops or scenic lookouts to make up for it.
via Tripadvisor
My primary feedback is...
My primary feedback is for Viator (not Luke - our guide). Two days out from the trip Viator had sent me a voucher but all the information it contained was what was in the confirmation booking. No specifics about timing or where to meet. For that I had to What's App the local guide and fortunately he responded with the correct voucher which had much more detailed information needed. So, I rate the tour a 3 only because the logistics leading up to the experience were poorly handled by Viator. I would actually recommend to others that they book directly with the local guide Wild Bear Safari. Luke our guide was great. Told us stories, and extended our tour time taking us to further out places where we did finally see two mother bears each with dubs along the beach. Because of the draught and less water and consequently salmon in the streams where bears fish we had to travel further. We were successful at the end. My only wish would have been to get a bit closer to the bears - we were roughly 200 yards away and without binoculars it was difficult to make them out. So, yes, bring your binoculars!
via Viator
Bear Watch
This outing was really neat. They take you to where they know the bears are. We saw two that day. Guide was great too.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
Was amazing. Would definitely recommend. Guide was very helpful, we saw 2 bears, even if we didn’t see any we got to go out and get to see beautiful scenery.
via Viator
Overcrowded, disappointing
Small group tour - yes - but it was 14 crammed into a transit van with every seat taken - 4 adults squashed in a back seat did not make it pleasant for 5 hours driving. At over $500 each not enjoyable. No bottle of water or snack just driving around aimlessly. Thought it may have been drive to a spot and watch for bears - no literally drive around and hope they pop out on the road.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by My Holidays Online, who run 19 experiences we rank across 16 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.6.
See everything My Holidays Online runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoonah.
How much does Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! cost?
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Prices start at $376 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hoonah usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hoonah is not rushed.
Is Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hoonah can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hoonah and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hoonah within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hoonah?
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Hoonah, AK packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Hoonah by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Hoonah experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Tours, Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point, "Catch of the day" Whale-watching, Icy strait point, Hoonah. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hoonah?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Hoonah, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hoonah?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!?
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Included: Local guide; Driver/guide; Port pickup and drop-off; and Small Group size of max 12 people. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Hoonah. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hoonah. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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