Board a small-group wildlife vessel and scan the shores of Yakutat Bay for brown bears foraging on glacial outwash plains, harbor seals hauled on ice, and sea otters rafting in the kelp. Alaska's wilderness, utterly undisturbed.
What to expect
Departing from the tender landing, your naturalist-led vessel cruises the bay's quieter shorelines and glacial runoff areas, prime habitat for Yakutat's famously dense brown bear population. Bald eagles are nearly guaranteed overhead, while Steller sea lions and harbour seals dot the icebergs. The guide provides binoculars and a species checklist, narrating each encounter with ecological insight. The 3-hour cruise covers a loop designed to maximise sightings across multiple habitat types.
Good to know
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed but Yakutat Bay has one of the highest brown bear densities in Alaska. Bring a telephoto lens if you have one. Layers are essential — bay winds make it feel 10°C colder than on the ship. Confirm tender schedule with your ship as this excursion requires independent tendering ashore.