Alaskan Floatplane Flightseeing & Bear Hike

Take a quick 20-minute floatplane ride to a secluded site in the Tongass National Forest to bear witness to some of Alaska's most breathtaking sights.

Take a brief 20-minute flight from Ketchikan to a secluded site in the heart of the Tongass National Forest where your knowledgable guide will take you on a very quick hike to a viewing platform — here you'll be able to watch black bears and bald eagles feast on the spawning salmon fresh from their journey from the ocean, black-tailed deer leaping through the trees and so much more. This immersive sightseeing experience is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Shore Thing Highlights

Experience a more personal adventure with fewer Sailors on this Small Group Shore Thing
Take in the surrounding wilderness from a viewing platform
See bears in their natural habitat at a Salmon spawning stream
Take a floatplane from Ketchikan to the Tongass National Forest

Need to know

Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Sailors are advised to wear warm layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy waterproof hiking shoes
Seasonal tour based on Salmon Run and Permits. Available from approximately mid-July - September. Subject to change
This Shore Thing is weather dependent and may be subject to last-minute cancellations due to changing conditions
Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed
Approximately 25 minute flight each way and 1 hour for bear viewing
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the floatplane. All other bags will be stored at the terminal during the flight
Maximum weight is 250 lbs
Ramp can be steep depending on tides
Sailors need to be able to climb small ladder in/out of plane

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
Safe and Insured
Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

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Browse All Shore Things

Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Alaskan Floatplane Flightseeing & Bear Hike

Take a quick 20-minute floatplane ride to a secluded site in the Tongass National Forest to bear witness to some of Alaska's most breathtaking sights.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know