This adventure begins as many in Alaska do: Aboard a floatplane taking off from the busy Lake Hood Seaplane Base. The flight path skirts the northwestern coastline of the Kenai Peninsula before crossing the Cook Inlet. Wetlands give way to braided rivers and eventually to the Big River Lake. After landing, guests are welcomed to the Redoubt Bay Lodge, a rustic hunting cabin turned cozy guest retreat in the heart of bear country.
Remote wilderness home to a dense population of bears.
Like the lake, the lodge itself is ringed by lush foliage and bordered to the west by the jagged Chigmit Mountains. The finest views come from a seat on the lodge's comfortable covered pontoon boat. An onboard naturalist with a keen knowledge of the area guides the boat to the day's best places to see bears feasting on spawning salmon.
The boat trip may just slip by in a blink, an easy thing to happen while watching in hushed awe as nearby black and brown bears swim, splash, or simply search with keen eyes for the flicker of silvery skin underwater. After three hours of bear viewing, guests return to the dock where a floatplane waits to take guests out of the wilds on the 50-minute return flight to Anchorage.
More Details
Chances of seeing bears on the Redoubt Bay Bear Viewing excursion are excellent but not guaranteed. July typically offers the best opportunities, although bears can be spotted from the middle of June through early August. Remember that the bears are drawn to the area by the salmon, so it is common to see sport fisherman in the area as well.
What To Bring
As with most of Alaska, the weather at Redoubt Bay can be unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and take rain gear. Bring a camera, binoculars, and bug spray. Because Redoubt Bay is an isolated location only accessible by floatplane, bring essential medications as well.
Special Instructions
Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Accurate passenger weight is required for aircraft weight and balance. Children 7 years and older are welcome on this trip.
Transfers & Meeting Points
The tour departs from the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. The tour operator provides complimentary transportation to and from most major Anchorage hotels. Limited parking is available at the operator office. Passengers who park there are asked to leave their keys with the front desk. Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure.
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 13, but this tour is not recommended for children under the age of 6.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
6/24/25 (Tu) to 7/31/25 (Th)6/24/25 (Tu) to 7/31/25 (Th)
Adult: $1,045.00
Child: $995.00
The rates above do not include taxes/fees of 3% and are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"This was the single best experience of our trip! The flight to Redoubt Bay was breathtakingly beautiful and the pilot was fantastic. We saw plenty of bears in the distance, and one bear walked past us about 30 feet away. Truly a lifetime memory!"
