Polar Bear Boat Tours
Polar bear boat tours along the Alaskan Arctic coast with expert guides. An intimate approach to viewing and photographing polar bears in the wild.
As of July 27th, 2023, we checked in with ANWR staff and they were able to let us know that “…the Refuge would not issue permits authorizing boat-based viewing in 2023.” We will post here if/when things do change for the 2024 season.
Update as of January 7, 2022 - We received the linked letter from the ANWR stating that “circumstances have not changed” and that they are still under orders from Fish and Wildlife Service not to issue permits; the community of Kaktovik remains closed to all non-essential travelers; and they remain committed to maintaining health and safety as the highest priorities. We are NOT booking tours at this time. If anything changes, we will post an update here.
Due to COVID-19, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge suspended issuance of all permits for commercial polar bear viewing on Refuge waters. We hope to resume our boat tours in 2022 but it will depend on the status of COVID, ANWR permitting, and travel along the North Slope. For more information, please visit the ANWR website.
OPERATING SEASON: To Be Determined
DATES & Rates
We offer two 4-hour trips daily from August 20th - October 15th --
Rates through September ($120 per hour):
Half day trips (4 hours): $480 per person
Full day trips (8 hours): $960 per person (lunch in-between)
Rates in October ($150 per hour):
Half day trips (4 hours): $600 per person
Full day trips (8 hours): $1,200 per person (lunch in-between)
Many people fly up in the morning and do an afternoon 4-hour boat tour, spend the night at one of the two local hotels, then do a 4-hour morning boat tour before flying out. Depending upon how much time you would like to spend with the polar bears, you can add days and tours in between.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS - Includes two 4-hour boat tours and one night lodging with all meals. On these tours you’ll catch a flight to Barter Island and once you arrive, check into your hotel and have lunch, then go out for a 4-hour afternoon boat tour. On the second day, you could do a morning tour before flying out in the early afternoon.
TWO NIGHT TRIPS - Includes four 4-hour boat tours and two nights lodging with all meals. On these tours you’ll catch a flight to Barter Island and once you arrive, check into the hotel and have lunch, then go out for a 4-hour afternoon boat tour. On the second day, you’ll do a morning tour followed by lunch then an afternoon tour. You can do a 4-hour tour on the final morning or spend your time packing up and relaxing before flying out.
Contact us for limited October dates available.
We offer flexibility on tour departure and return times, for example, if there are clear skies forecasted for the morning, we can go out a little earlier and catch a great sunrise. We have protection from the wind and elements and provide warm arctic gear to keep you comfortable. Our boat offers a true Arctic experience!
Steven Kazlowski is the only boat captain who is also a professional wildlife photographer. Together with Jack, they try to maximize the best photographic opportunities for all participants.
Additional Boating Hours: Beyond a half day or full day, additional boating hours are possible and are charged at the above hourly rate per hour per person. If you need to do fewer hours than our trips are scheduled for, please contact us.
Private Groups: Our Kaktovik polar bear boat tour is available for private groups. We charge a full boat rate based on 6 people. You can have up to 6 people in your group. Please contact us for more information.
Jack Kayotuk, who grew up traveling and living on and along the arctic land and sea.
What people are saying about Akook Arctic Adventures:
“Truly the best Polar Bear Tour company in Kaktovik. Our boat left on time, warm gear was offered. The crew, Jack & Steve, had an abundance of Polar Bear information and were eager to answer our questions. We were taken to several different areas to ensure the best possible Polar Bear viewing. Thank you for the memories.”
– Cheryl, Fairbanks, Alaska
These guys were professional. They treated me right and showed best practices with the bears to prevent them from altering their behavior. Great job guys!
– Bill, Soldotna, Alaska
Our boat will keep you fully sheltered, warm and out of the elements
Our 21’ Weldcraft with a new Yamaha 4-Stroke 150 hp engine that is a very sturdy and steady platform for viewing and photographing the bears at eye-level.
RESERVATIONS
Please contact us with any questions, to check availability, and to make your reservations for our unforgettable Barter Island polar bear viewing and photo boat tours.