Helicopter VIP Bear Viewing at Tuxedni Bay Lodge
Departs from Homer, Alaska
Soar Across Cook Inlet. Land Where the Bears Roam.
Embark on the ultimate Alaskan adventure with our exclusive helicopter bear viewing tour to Tuxedni Bay Lodge, nestled along the wild and rugged shores of majestic Tuxedni Bay. This is where raw wilderness, remote beauty, and legendary brown bear encounters come together for an experience you’ll never forget.
✈️ Scenic Flight from Homer
Your journey begins in Homer as you board a modern helicopter for a jaw-dropping flight across Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Along the way, marvel at panoramic views of massive glaciers, deep-cut fjords, cascading waterfalls, and towering volcanoes like Mt. Augustine and Mt. Iliamna—with Mt. Redoubt often visible in the distance. This is an aerial photography dream.
🐾 Remote Bear Viewing at Its Best
Touch down on a secluded beach near Tuxedni Bay Lodge—accessible only by air—and meet your expert Bear Guide. From there, you’ll set off by rugged 4WD vehicle to remote bear-viewing sites where you’ll step out with your guide to observe brown bears up close in their natural habitat.
Watch as these incredible animals forage for clams along the shoreline, graze in lush sedge meadows, or swipe massive salmon from nearby streams. The area surrounding Tuxedni Bay hosts some of the highest concentrations of brown bears in Alaska—and your guide will get you safely to the heart of it.
🌿 Wild, Remote, and Unforgettable
This tour offers more than wildlife encounters. You’ll take in dramatic coastal scenery, explore the tranquil surroundings of the lodge, and feel completely immersed in the untouched wilderness. Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour delivers.
🔒 Limited Availability
This is a small-group experience with limited seasonal availability—May 15 to August 15. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your seat on this unforgettable journey.
THE SCENE
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
🌋 Fly Over Volcanoes & Glaciers
Soar across Cook Inlet with epic aerial views of glaciers, waterfalls, and towering volcanoes like Mt. Augustine and Mt. Iliamna.
🐻 Up-Close Bear Viewing in the Wild
Experience unforgettable encounters with coastal brown bears in their natural habitat—no crowds, no platforms, just raw Alaska.
🚁 Private Helicopter Access
Depart from Homer and land at a remote wilderness lodge accessible only by helicopter for a truly exclusive adventure.
📸 Scenic Landscapes & Wildlife
Capture stunning photos of dramatic coastlines, marine life, and pristine backcountry few ever get to see.
🌿 Wilderness Lodge Escape
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tuxedni Bay, explore the lodge’s surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful connection with nature.
TOUR DETAILS
DURATION
4-6 HOURS
Morning & Afternoon Tours
$799 Adult (12+)
$749 Child (2-11)
PER PERSON
AGES
ALL
GROUP SIZE
6 PARTICIPANTS
DIFFICULTY
EASY to MODERATE
CANCELLATION
7 DAYS
TOUR LOCATION
Tuxedni Bay Lodge at Tuxedni Bay
MEETING / END LOCATION
1184 Lake Shore Drive, Homer, AK 99603
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Scenic Helicopter Flight – Fly over glaciers, mountain peaks, Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet with stunning aerial views.
- Land at Tuxedni Bay Lodge – Remote rustic lodge nestled on the shores of Tuxedni Bay.
- Guided Bear Viewing – Led by an expert guide who ensures your safety and shares fascinating insights into bear behavior and their environment.
- Small-Group Adventure – Personalized experience with limited group size for a more intimate connection with the landscape and wildlife.
- Deli-Style Lunch – Refuel with a turkey wrap, granola bar, and a piece of fresh fruit. Dietary options are available upon request to suit your needs.
- Rubber Boots or Hip Boots – Provided when needed for certain areas to keep you comfortable and prepared for all terrains.
WHAT TO BRING
- A Spirit for Adventure – Bring your sense of wonder—you’re about to experience something unforgettable.
- Weather-Ready Clothing – Waterproof outer layers and warm layers like fleece or wool. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Accessories for Comfort – Hat, sunglasses, and warm gloves.
- Water Bottle – Stay hydrated during your backcountry adventure.
- Essentials: Don’t forget a camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal items you may need.
- Gratuities: Cash or Venmo for guide & pilot tips is appreciated (recommended).
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Arrival Time – Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure for check-in and gear setup. Late arrivals may result in a shortened or forfeited experience.
- Weight & Balance Requirements – All guests will be weighed at check-in to ensure safe helicopter loading. A $150 comfort surcharge applies to any guest over 250 lbs.
- Group Size & Aircraft – Up to 3 guests per helicopter. Larger groups will fly in separate helicopters but land and be together.
- Bathroom Facilities: There are no restrooms on the plane or in the backcountry. Facilities are available before and after your tour. Bathroom breaks are done nature-style, using Leave No Trace practices.
- Physical Fitness & Terrain:
- A reasonable level of fitness is required as we regularly walk distances of up to 1-2+ miles during tours.
- The terrain can be challenging, including soft sandy beaches, muddy and slippery estuaries, and stepping up, down, and over muddy, slippery sloughs with possible small creek crossings.
- The further you are able to hike, the more opportunities we’ll have to explore different parts of the area.
- Children and Youth:
- All participants must be able to hike the listed distances.
- Children and youth must be well-behaved and follow guide, parent, or guardian instructions.
- Families with young children are encouraged to book a private trip (call for details).
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Group Minimums:
- A 3-person minimum is required per tour for all departures from Homer.
- Prohibited Items – Bear spray, lighters, battery packs, firearms, and loose-hanging straps are not allowed onboard the helicopter.
- Operating Partnership – This tour is operated in partnership with a trusted Alaskan helicopter service. While Kenai Backcountry Adventures provides the guiding, the flight portion of the tour is conducted by our FAA-certified air service partner. Bookings for this tour are made through our partner company. We take care of all the details, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure!
BOOKING RECOMMENDATION
Our tours fill up quickly, especially in peak winter months. Book now to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on this thrilling Alaskan experience!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please Note: This tour is booked through our trusted helicopter partner, and their cancellation policy applies. Kenai Backcountry Adventures does not control or manage cancellations or refunds for this tour.
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Full refund for cancellations made 7 days before your scheduled departure.
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No refunds for cancellations made within 6 days, though rescheduling may be available (a fee may apply).
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No-shows or late arrivals are non-refundable.
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If the tour is canceled due to weather or safety concerns, you will receive a full refund.
All cancellation requests must be made directly with the booking provider. Details will be provided in your confirmation upon booking.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your adventure.