Alaska Waters
Alaska Waters
5
Boat ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursPhotography ToursBus Tours
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view

About
Alaska Native Owned and Operated Wilderness Adventure Company in Wrangell. Guided AnAn Creek bear viewing, Stikine River Wilderness Jet Boat tours, LeConte Glacier Tours, Alaska Native Cultural tours and Guided Botanical Forest Walks.
Wrangell, Alaska
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
190 reviews
Excellent
174
Very good
14
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Michael T
Santa Fe8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Went on a van tour with Brooke and Vadele (cousins). This excursion was booked through Oceania cruises while visiting Wrangell. They took us to Shake Chief lodge house. There we met an elder who told us of the history of the place and people. Then off to The Wrangell Museum (a must)! Both young women new their history and personal stories to round out the experience. Then off to Petroglyph Beach where we made rubbings and located petroglyphs from time immemorial. What a grand experience!!!
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary E
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
We went to the LeConte Glacier. It was amazing. There were 2 crew members on the boat, one who drove the boat and one who gave a talk about what we were seeing. The driver of the boat was able to thread his way through the icebergs and got us as close as was safe to the glacier. He was incredible. Along the way we saw a number of mother sea otters lying on the icebergs with their little babies. The other crew member explained that is was the season for having the babies and that the female sea otters came every year for the birthing. On the way back one of the crew members spotted his uncle's fishing boat. Our boat went right over along side the fishing boat. The fishing boat captain had his crew load up a big sack with freshly caught shrimp and gave it to us. We took it back to our small cruise ship and had the shrimp as appetizers with our cocktails before dinner. What an experience! It will always be one of our best memories of our trip to Alaska. Mary E.
Written June 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLP
18 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Jul. 2023 • Couples
We did two tours with Alaska Waters. Grace in the office was friendly and very helpful when we had to change our tours because of our traveling schedule.
Our first tour was to Le Conte Glacier. Glen was our captain and he did an awesome job of navigating the boat around the ice floes, to waterfalls and the glacier for great photo
shots.
Our second tour was to Anan to see the bears. Our captain was Daniel ( new dad) and our guide to the observation platform was Tom.
This time of year was the best to see the bears fishing for salmon, even in the pouring rain.
On both tours the staff answered all questions and shared information not only about the tours and what to see and expect , but also about working and living in Wrangell.
We highly recommend Alaska Waters.
We did two tours with Alaska Waters. Grace in the office was friendly and very helpful when we had to change our tours because of our traveling schedule.
Our first tour was to Le Conte Glacier. Glen was our captain and he did an awesome job of navigating the boat around the ice floes, to waterfalls and the glacier for great photo
shots.
Our second tour was to Anan to see the bears. Our captain was Daniel ( new dad) and our guide to the observation platform was Tom.
This time of year was the best to see the bears fishing for salmon, even in the pouring rain.
On both tours the staff answered all questions and shared information not only about the tours and what to see and expect , but also about working and living in Wrangell.
We highly recommend Alaska Waters.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
665marcc
Charleston, SC5 contributions
Jul 2023
The Alaska Water jet boat was in great shape, very comfortable for the trip to see bears at the Anan Conservancy. Captain Daniel gave us a smooth and rapid trip from Wrangell. Once we arrived at Anan, Tom and Corey briefed us on bear safety and some local history before our walk up to the viewing area. Despite it being early in the season, we were fortunate enough to see a young brown bear trying to learn to catch salmon to no avail. A couple of black bears were obviously far more savvy and skilled at fishing, catching several pinks as we watched. Daniel, Tom and Corey were all knowledgeable, interesting and fun. A special shout out to Corey who shared some Tlingit history and traditions with obvious love and pride. All-in all, a marvelous experience that we’d recommend.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy Q
Spring, United States6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was a wonderful experience. Corey was excellent. His stories and shared personal experience made the history of the Tlingit’s come to life. The tribal house was a beautiful structure and the stories around life in the tribe was so educational. Thank you for sharing your history with us!
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David-Mila
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were particularly impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of Alaska Waters’ staff. Both guides and drivers were genuinely pleased to show us around and introduce us to the Wrangell community and history of theTlingit people. Tour included visits to a tribal long house, the local museum and the nearby beach famous for the numerous petroglyphs to be found there.
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven S
Boca Raton, United States3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
My wife and two daughters (19, and 21) visited the Anan Bear Observatory in July, 2020. Although the weather was rainy, I highly recommend this trip for anyone within the recommended age limit. It was an amazing experience. We saw both black and brown bears fishing for salmon in the stream. Alaska Waters provided an safe and comfortable experience. We were provided with a knowledgeable guide and the observatory has two park rangers at all times.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad we had the opportunity to make your trip more enjoyable! Thank you for being patient and working with us through this pandemic.
Written November 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skydawn
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
The team at Alaska Waters is all local and extremely knowledgeable. You have the feel of a wilderness trek while riding in the comfort of a modern jet boat with all the required amenities to the government viewing site at Anan Creek. Then a short hike brings an unbelievably close safe encounter with many bears enjoying their salmon feast.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine W
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
The Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory tour was the highlight of our vacation in Alaska. The boat was very comfortable. I had been a little nervous about the walk to the observation area due to the warnings given for people who are afraid of heights or have balance issues, but we found the walk to be easy and pleasant. It was raining lightly during our walk and the forest smelled so fresh. At the observation area, we saw many black bears catching and eating salmon. Each bear had his own way of catching the fish and it was fascinating to watch. Some bears came quite close and we got great pictures. We also saw many eagles, both on the walk to the observation area and at the observation area. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. This was a once in a lifetime experience for us. I highly recommend it.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing Alaska Waters. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Our crew is grateful for your support!
Written November 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maddy Minter
New Orleans, LA79 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We were on an Alaska Dream Cruise and they organized a tour in Wrangell by Alaskan Waters. It was wonderful. The Aunt and Niece duo were so knowledgeable, fun and engaging. I loved hearing about their lives in Wrangell, the town’s history, visiting the petroglyphs and doing rubbings.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your review! Our crew will be happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. They try their best to make your stay as welcoming as possible.
Written November 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi. Are you supporting the Seabourn cruise on Aug 3, 2025? Their excursion is booked up and we’re on the wait list, but would be happy to book with you separately, if available.
Written January 26, 2025
Hi. Are you supporting the Seabourn cruise on Aug 3, 2025? Their excursion is booked up and we’re on the wait list, but would be happy to book with you separately, if available.
Written January 26, 2025
Hi - we will be traveling on the Regatta, arriving on 1 June 2016 8am to 5 pm
Pls advise availability for party of 2
Regatta shore excursions don't appear to offer this as an option
Thanx
Bev Chertkow
Written March 6, 2016
Hi Bev. Not sure which tour you're interested in. Our vessels are all contracted to the ship on the few dates that they visit Wrangell. Our Stikine River Wilderness jet boat tour should be available on the ship. Anan bears won't start until about the 1st of July (no bears until then). Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Written March 7, 2016
Depending upon which ship you are on, yes we load at the same dock that the ship ties up to. FYI .... If you are on an Oceania Cruise Lines ship, we are contracted with the ship when they are in Wrangell. All of our capacity is allocated to the ship on these dates. You can book our tours through the ship.
Written June 16, 2015
Do you have any availability for July 17th for the Anan Bears tour? We have a party of 8 people who would be interested.
Written April 8, 2015
Greetings Steven,
Thank you for contacting Alaska Waters and your interest in our tours! AnAn Bear & Wildlife Observatory offers a world-class opportunity to view and photograph bears at close proximity in the wild. Both brown & black bear fish at AnAn Creek July-August. Explore the forests of the Tongass National Rain Forest as you walk the ½ mile trail around AnAn Lagoon to the AnAn Observatory. Experience the circle of life first hand as brown & black bear, bald eagle and harbor seals come to prey on AnAn’s wild salmon run. Learn about flora, fauna and peoples indigenous to Southeast Alaska. All our guides are trained and well versed in bear behavior, which allows us to ensure your safety as you experience AnAn.
July 17th is a "Cruise Ship Day" here in Wrangell. If you are traveling to Wrangell on the Regatta, Silver Seas or Hanseatic cruise ships, you will need to book all tours directly through your ship.
Alaska Waters is a member of the Stikine River Jet Boat Association along with other member operators. The Stikine River Jet Boat Association tours are sold exclusively through the cruise ship on the days that these ships are in Wrangell. Wrangell is a small port and “off the beaten path” in terms of cruise ship traffic. We only have the capacity to provide services exclusively to the ships when they are in port.
If the ship shows the tour you are interested in sold out, please do ask them to add your party to their wait-list as availability does change constantly.
If you are not traveling on the cruise ship, perhaps there is another date you may be in Wrangell and able to join the AnAn Bear and Wildlife Observatory Tour? If not, I'm sorry that I couldn't help you further. If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us.
Best Regards,
Britany Lindley
Reservation Specialist/Guide
Alaska Waters, Inc.
Phone: (800) 347-4462
Local: (907) 874-2378
Guiding You Through Our Ancestral Lands
Written April 8, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.