
River Fishing and Bear Watching
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 116 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is River Fishing and Bear Watching worth booking?
River Fishing and Bear Watching is a 4-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $500 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 116 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (116)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $500 per person
This tour is designed for active and adventurous cruise passengers who are looking for an Alaskan excursion that is off the beaten path and away from the crowds. We’ll depart Icy Strait Point and drive through the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Hoonah before merging onto old logging roads that will take us to a remote river for fishing (spin or fly fishing available). During the car ride and along the river it is common to spot wildlife- the island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet! *Groups of more than 6 can be accommodated, please contact us to inquire about booking.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is designed for active and adventurous cruise passengers who are looking for an Alaskan excursion that is off the beaten path and away from the crowds. We’ll depart Icy Strait Point and drive through the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Hoonah before merging onto old logging roads that will take us to a remote river for fishing (spin or fly fishing available). During the car ride and along the river it is common to spot wildlife- the island has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet! *Groups of more than 6 can be accommodated, please contact us to inquire about booking.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Fishing gear and waders.
Not included
- Fishing license
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NatVenture Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Maximum weight: 230lbs
- If you have a BMI of 40 or higher, do not consider yourself physically fit, or if you have limited mobility, do not sign up for this trip.
- Start/end times coordinated based on your ship's port schedule.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 115 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
115 verified traveler reviews for River Fishing and Bear Watching. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best excursion ever.
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Natventure Tours! Natalie was fantastic from start to finish — friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. The fishing was incredible. We caught salmon and Dolly Varden, but one of the absolute highlights was seeing a big brown bear fairly close to us, catching and eating salmon right along the river. It was an unforgettable experience. Even being that close to a bear, we never once felt scared or unsafe. Natalie knew exactly what she was doing and made us feel completely comfortable the entire time. Between the fishing, the beautiful scenery, the wildlife, and Natalie herself, this was easily one of the highlights of our entire Alaska trip. If you’re visiting the Icy Strait/Hoonah area, I highly recommend Natventure Tours. This was an experience that no cruise ship excursions could possibly offer. We could not have been more remote! We would absolutely book with Natalie again!
via Tripadvisor
Private fishing tour
Amazing experience! Our guide Mike was phenomenal! Worth every penny!
via Tripadvisor
Bears and Salmon fishing in Alaska
Chris was a fantastic guide. All my wife and I wanted to do was find a secluded spot to fly fish for salmon and hope to see bears in nature. It could not have played out more perfectly. Salmon and bears galore. Exceeded all expectations!!
via Tripadvisor
Hands‑Down the Best Thing We Did in Alaska (Must‑Do!)
Our family of four, including two teenagers, had an absolutely incredible and truly authentic Alaskan salmon fishing experience — the kind you immediately start raving about to coworkers the moment you get home. Fishing was super easy, and within the first five minutes we already had our first catch. Everyone caught fish, and a few of us even landed multiples. My son tried fly fishing but preferred a standard reel, and Gavin made the switch effortless. The logistics were a breeze. It was only about a seven‑minute walk from the ship to the pickup point, and then a short, easy walk through the woods on a well‑traveled path to the water. All the gear was provided, clean, and ready to go, and Gavin sent a helpful list ahead of time so we knew exactly what to bring. We had plenty of time to fish, try different spots, and still explore the town afterward. The scenery was stunning, the weather was perfect, and we even saw a few bears — but Gavin kept us feeling completely safe the entire time. His mix of deep knowledge and chill personality matched our vibe perfectly. Plus, he gave us salmon dip for the ride back, and it absolutely hit the spot. Out of everything we did on our Alaskan cruise, our family agreed — without hesitation — that this was the best experience of the entire trip. I’ve already told all my coworkers this is a must‑do. We highly recommend this excursion to anyone wanting a true, unforgettable Alaska adventure.
via Viator
Once in a lifetime
This past August my family of four took a Natventure by boat trip. From start to finish the trip was flawless. Natalie had excellent communication and we were able to follow her instructions on where to meet with no problems. Natalie took us on a short boat ride to an incredibly private location. We took a hike to a stream and practiced our casting techniques. Natalie was so helpful and patient with us as it had been a long time since we had been fishing. Everyone in our family was able to catch fish and we even got to see a mother bear and her cubs fishing a little downstream from us. At the end of the excursion, Natalie made sure to get us back to port on time for us to get back on the cruise ship. My teens both said that the fishing trip was their favorite part of our time in Alaska.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $500 to $575
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 41
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
River Fishing and Bear Watching: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoonah.
How much does River Fishing and Bear Watching cost?
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Prices start at $500 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 116 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule River Fishing and Bear Watching?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is River Fishing and Bear Watching 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching?
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Around 41 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching?
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Included: Private transportation; and Fishing gear and waders. Not included: Fishing license. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does River Fishing and Bear Watching include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Hoonah.
What languages is River Fishing and Bear Watching offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 River Fishing and Bear Watching?
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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 River Fishing and Bear Watching wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: If you have a BMI of 40 or higher, do not consider yourself physically fit, or if you have. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to River Fishing and Bear Watching if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about River Fishing and Bear Watching?
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Across 116 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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