Ketchikan Black Bear Express
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ketchikan Black Bear Express worth booking?
Ketchikan Black Bear Express is a 2-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $200 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Your experience will start with a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The only drive to bear viewing areas in Southeast Alaska…. This experience is curated strictly for seeing black bears in their natural habitat. When you arrive at the sanctuary, naturalist guides will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, exclusively for bear tours only. Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll have the chance to observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby.
What you get
About this experience
Your experience will start with a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The only drive to bear viewing areas in Southeast Alaska…. This experience is curated strictly for seeing black bears in their natural habitat. When you arrive at the sanctuary, naturalist guides will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, exclusively for bear tours only. Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll have the chance to observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Your experience will start with a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. When you arrive at the sanctuary, naturalist guides will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, exclusively for bear tours only. You can expect to have an intimate viewing experience and to reduce environmental impacts, only a limited number of groups have access to this private bear viewing area. Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll have the chance to observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ketchikan
We will be by the large bronze statue and rain gauge next to the Visitor's Bureau on berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan. Meeting Instructions for Ward Cove Guests: Please take the complimentary shuttle into town. We recommend getting in line for the shuttle at least one hour prior to your tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will be by the large bronze statue and rain gauge next to the Visitor's Bureau on berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan. Meeting Instructions for Ward Cove Guests: Please take the complimentary shuttle into town. We recommend getting in line for the shuttle at least one hour prior to your tour.
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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kawanti Adventures
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Ketchikan Black Bear Express. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Bears for a bargain!
Booked this on my own while stopping in Ketchikan. Same excursion through Princess was $369 but I got it for $199 through Tip Advisor. Saw a bear immediately as we walked out on the boardwalk! It was an incredible experience and the naturalist guides were super knowledgeable. Easy pickup right at my ship and dropped back in town anywhere I wanted.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on the Ketchikan Black Bear Express! We’re glad you had such a great experience — and even happier you spotted a bear right as you stepped onto the boardwalk. Moments like that make the rainforest feel alive 🐻🌲 Our naturalist guides will appreciate your kind words; they work hard to share real insight into the wildlife and ecosystem while keeping the tour smooth and enjoyable. Easy pickup at the ship and flexible drop‑off in town are part of making the day stress‑free for travelers 💚⛰️ We’re grateful you chose to explore Ketchikan’s bears with us and hope you’ll visit again on your next trip north!
via Tripadvisor
Bear Experience was just ok
It was ok but not great. The van driver was very aggressive and almost crashed into a tractor trailer. Guides at the park were very nice but not informative at all. We went on another bear experience earlier in our trip and the guide was so informative. We did see 4 bears but overall the hour at the park was not worth the cost
via Viator
Great experience
We had an absolutely fantastic time on the Black Bear Express Tour in Ketchikan, Alaska! Our guides, Matt and Nick, were knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience so enjoyable. Our bus driver was great as well and did an excellent job getting us back to our shuttle bus in time. The highlight of the tour was getting to see four bears! It was an incredible experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Alaska. We highly recommend the Black Bear Express Tour to anyone visiting Ketchikan!
via Viator
Highly Recommend.
Amazing experience. There was an outside the area pod in the bay that provided us an amazing experience!
via Viator
I booked the black bear...
I booked the black bear express tour and it was great. We went in early August and saw many black bears, even a mama bear with her 2 cubs catching salmon. The tour is overpriced in my opinion at $200pp, but all the guides from the different groups work together in doing their absolute best so everyone can see a bear. Matt was wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to see these beautiful black bears in their natural habitat!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kawanti Adventures, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.2.
See everything Kawanti Adventures runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ketchikan Black Bear Express: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.
How much does Ketchikan Black Bear Express cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ketchikan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ketchikan Black Bear Express take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Ketchikan is not rushed.
Is Ketchikan Black Bear Express worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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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 Ketchikan Black Bear Express suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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Around 2 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ketchikan Black Bear Express 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
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Ketchikan runs short, cruise-timed excursions: Misty Fjords floatplane flights, Tongass rainforest zip lines, totem park tours, crab feasts and wildlife boats up the Behm Canal. On Outty we rank every Ketchikan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr., Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour, Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour. 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 Ketchikan?
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May to September, matching the Alaska cruise season. 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 Ketchikan?
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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 Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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We will be by the large bronze statue and rain gauge next to the Visitor's Bureau on berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan. Meeting Instructions for Ward Cove Guests: Please take the complimentary shuttle into town. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ketchikan Black Bear Express 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 Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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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.
What happens to Ketchikan Black Bear Express if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ketchikan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ketchikan Black Bear Express?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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