Quick Links
The polar bear is one of the most famous bears and lives in the far north - largely within the Arctic Circle (not with penguins - they are only in the south). Polar bears have long fascinated people all over the world, but few people ever get to see them in the wild. It is possible to see them in America's Arctic region of Alaska with special guided tours.
These tours are typically for five or more days. They also often offer the chance to see the Northern Lights, the remote Arctic wilderness, and other Arctic wildlife. One of the best places to go on polar bear discovery expeditions is in Canada's Churchill in Manitoba. Canada's Hudson Bay offers a very attractive alternative to visiting the Arctic region of Alaska.
What To Know About Polar Bears - The World's Largest Bear
The polar bear is a hypercarnivorous bear that overwhelmingly eats meat. It is the largest and most dangerous bear species alive today. It is a sister species of the brown/grizzly bear that has specialized for living in the old and ice of the Arctic Ocean. The eight species of bears are the polar bear, Andean/spectacled bear, brown/grizzly bear, panda bear, sloth bear, American black bear, Asiatic black bear, and sun bear.
- Weight: Male 350–700 kg (770–1,540 lb) - Females About Half the Size
- Height: Up To 8 Feet Tall
- Wild Population: Approx. 20,000 to 25,000 Worldwide
- Status: Vulnerable
Seals make up most of the polar bear's diet. They spend most of their time on the sea ice. Unfortunately, climate change and the melting of the sea ice have led to habitat loss, and it is now classified as a vulnerable species. Still, with increased protections, their numbers have rebounded. But, sadly, there may come a day when the polar bears are gone.
Learn more about polar bears, their life, their habitat, and conservation efforts on Polar Bears International. Track polar bears in Canada's Hudson Bay with its polar bear tracker.
Polar bears range in five countries, Russia, the United States (Alaska), Canada, Norway (Svalbard), and Denmark (Greenland).
Go On A Polar Bear Tour To Alaska's Arctic Ocean
Polar Bears are one of the most dangerous animals in the world. Humans are seen as prey by polar bears (most animals, like lions, wolves, mountain lions, etc., generally see humans as another predator). It is important to stay safe in polar bear country. There are guided tours to see polar bears that offer professional and safe tours of the polar bears.
Polar bear tours in Alaska depart from the Interior city of Fairbanks. They fly over the Arctic Circle and explore the territory where visitors safely view polar bears from a small boat. They offer the chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat (as well as visit the Inupiat Eskimo village of Kaktovik).
The Inupiat Eskimo village of Kaktovik is situated on the coast of the Arctic Ocean on Alaska's Island. It is also the only village located within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and is the best place for seeing polar bears in Alaska.
Tours include all meals while in Kaktovik.
Example Kaktovik Polar Bear Tours
5-Day Kaktovik Polar Bear Tour Itinerary:
With the five-day tour to Kaktovik, the expedition starts out with a day and night exploring the city of Fairbanks (keep one's eyes open for the northern lights - Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world for seeing the Northern Lights).
On the second day, fly to Kaktovik over the vast Interior of Alaska and the mighty Yukon River. Stay at the Eskimo village of Kaktovik (an Inupiat village of around 200 residents). Stay at the Marsh Creek Inn Hotel and spend the days on open boat tours looking for and viewing the mighty polar bears.
See polar bears by day and the northern lights by night. The tour ends on the fifth day with a flight back to Fairbanks.
- 2023 Tour Dates: September 7 & 9
- Cost: $5,900 per Person
7-Day Kaktovik Polar Bear Tour Itinerary
This tour 7-day Kaktovik Polar Bear Tour is similar to the 5-day tour and travels to the same Arctic village and the same hotel at the village.
This tour includes more boat tours and more opportunities to see and observe the majestic polar bears in their natural habitat. Enjoy 3-hour morning and 3-hour afternoon polar bear boat rides.
- 2023 Tour Dates: September 29
- Cost: $7,450 per Person
Guests should call for availability and plan long in advance.