Bald Mountain Air Service
Bald Mountain Air Service
4.8
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Your Alaskan brown bear adventure begins with Bald Mountain Air. Bald Mountain has been taking folks from all over the world to see the Bears since 1993. We are the Oldest Bear Viewing Company in Homer Alaska and operate Turbine Powered Floatplanes with the latest in navigational equipment for our client's safety. Our unique state of the art Aircraft are all Weather compliant and can access areas seldom visited by others. And, we're still owned by the same Family! Your floatplane trip is over some of the most scenic country Alaska has to offer. Prepare for the awe-inspiring beauty awaiting you on this amazing adventure. And, if it's bears you want to see ... we guarantee it! It doesn't get better than this: a fabulous floatplane ride with eye-popping views; landing in pristine Alaskan wilderness on a floatplane led by an honest-to-goodness lifelong Alaskan Guide/Pilot. This could be the best day of your life watching nature's most magnificent creatures, the Alaskan brown bear.
Homer, United States
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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
4.8
388 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
19
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Nancy H
43 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Great trip. Felt safe. Wonderful memories. July is high season for Brooks Falls so expect a wait. Rangers only allow you 30 minutes on the closest platform because there are so many people. We waited two hours. Be prepared to walk over 3 miles RT. Pay close attention to the bear video and ranger talk, you will see bears. We had two coming our way on the trail as we walked towards Brooks Falls. We followed the training and stayed safe. On the way back a humongous bear in the grass right by the trail. There was a “bear jamb” of about 20-25 people waiting patiently for the bear to pass. A ranger was nearby.
If you can afford it, this trip is truly memorable. The folks at Bald Mountain air Services were easy to work with, pleasant, cared about our safety and the flight was incredibly smooth. I liked that they are native to Alaska.
Later up clothes and pack a good lunch to eat before you hit the trail because no food allowed anywhere on the trail.
We had two ladies in our 70’s, an adult male in his 40’s and a 12 year old child. Great experience for all.
If you can afford it, this trip is truly memorable. The folks at Bald Mountain air Services were easy to work with, pleasant, cared about our safety and the flight was incredibly smooth. I liked that they are native to Alaska.
Later up clothes and pack a good lunch to eat before you hit the trail because no food allowed anywhere on the trail.
We had two ladies in our 70’s, an adult male in his 40’s and a 12 year old child. Great experience for all.
Written July 16, 2024
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.
James W
17 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This was a fantastic trip. Our pilot was Gary, he was a lot of fun and very knowledgeable and a great pilot. He got us to Brook Falls safely and we all learned a lot from him as he flew there. Brook Falls was amazing. It was everything I expected more. We must’ve seen 20 or 30 different Bear there. The river was packed with salmon and it was exciting to see the Bears catching them. We also saw two fly fisherman almost get eaten by a bear! Silly guys! This was definitely a bucket list trip and one I would recommend to anyone visiting Homer Alaska
Written August 4, 2024
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.
Theresa N
15 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We had an amazing Katmai bear safari trip! We were so glad we opted for this instead of going to brooks falls on the viewing platform. We got up close to the bears and our pilots/guides did a great job keeping everyone safe while getting as close as possible. Would highly recommend!
Written August 23, 2024
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.
Brian B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
The experience far exceeded our expectations. An almost magical experience for us being with the bears on the river. Gary seems to fly effortlessly as he takes you over caribou, bears, and a volcano! Gary's love of Alaska comes through as he guides you to see "bears everywhere ".
Written August 14, 2024
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.
JulesHump9
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Bald Mountain Air is the only outfit to use to view bears at Brooks Falls. From incredibly friendly Mary Jo booking your reservation to the best pilot Gary Porter, our trip with friends was incredible. We viewed more than 30 bears on a beautiful sunny day in July. The fish were running, and the Bears were catching them right and left. We never felt unsafe while walking the trails by ourselves. There were Rangers on the trails and on the bridges with us. Don’t hesitate to book this trip Of a lifetime! We give it a 10 out of 10!!!
Written July 29, 2024
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.
TraceyDewey
Bend, OR4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
We traveled with Bald Mountain to the Katmai Peninsula on June 20. The flight over was interesting despite overcast skies. My wife was somewhat apprehensive about being in a small plane but got comfortable very quickly. On landing we immediately were seeing bears, initially from a distance. We started by spending some time watching a mother and cubs alternate between resting and watching us. They clearly got comfortable with our presence very quickly. Gary (pilot and guide) was excellent both at making us comfortable and keeping the bears comfortable. After a while we moved toward two bears who were initially separated by 500+ yards, but then moved together. We spent quite a while watching them interact with each other - play? - courtship? Then they moved towards us and one ended up no more than 20 yards away. Again, both we and the bear were quite calm - thanks to Gary. It was quite an experience. We recommend Bald Mountain Air!
Written June 22, 2024
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.
Denny
8 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Great experience with Bald Mountain Air! Veteran Alaska pilots who understand the weather, the local area and the changing daily situation on the route - and base the decision to proceed on that knowledge and experience. They provide a terrific day of bear viewing and there was never a moment that we felt unsafe - in the air or on the ground at Brooks Falls. We previously flew this trip with them more than 15 years ago and had the same great day with them back then.
They are a long-standing terrific company providing a first rate service from start to finish. When deciding to come back to Alaska, our first call went to Bald Mountain to have them fly us to see bears. Thank you so much (again)!
They are a long-standing terrific company providing a first rate service from start to finish. When deciding to come back to Alaska, our first call went to Bald Mountain to have them fly us to see bears. Thank you so much (again)!
Written July 14, 2024
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.
Storyteller145905
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
Trip was flawless, from the AM meetup at the plane launch site through the late-afternoon return. The Bald Mountain crew were attentive, personable and clearly loved their jobs. Katmai National Park was a gem, and the multitide of bears spotted did not disappoint. A fantastic life-memory all around!
Written August 17, 2024
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.
elizabeth b
Excelsior, MN4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
One of my top 7 experiences of my life. I reflect on this adventure often. Fell in love with the beauty of the nature. I hope it remains untouched as possible. Gained an amazing respect for the brown bears, and have been reading more about them. Great people that run Bald Eagle Air. Gary was a solid, competent guide, skilled pilot and had an extensive knowledge about brown bears, and incredibly humorous to boot. Saving up to go again. My kids talk about this experience often. Unforgettable.
Written January 10, 2025
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.
Scenic01615454336
Bountiful, UT2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
From Mary Jo at the office to Gary and Ricky in the plane, this trip is amazing. If you want a great experience and up close views of brown bears I highly recommend this tour. Absolutely amazing.
Written June 23, 2024
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 are going to Alaska in June and will be have one day in Anchorage at the end of Cruise and Land package on 26 June. It looks like will be low seasons at Brooks Falls for bear viewing. Hallo Bay and Swikshak Lagoon have better chance to see bears in June. However, i am having difficulties to find a day tour going to Hallo Bay and Swikshak Lagoon.
Can anyone provide some information?
Thank you
Written May 19, 2019
Bald Mountain Air Service
Homer, Alaska
Hello, thank you for your interest in our Bear viewing trips. Our trips leave and return from Homer, Alaska. We would love to have you join us in Homer for our day trip out to see the Bears. Then end of June is a transition period for the Bears between locations. Either to the Katmai Coast or to Brooks Falls. It is all dependent on the Bears and Salmon. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Written May 28, 2019
If taking the flights to see the bears, you'll have to get a taxi to pick you up. If you don't have a car, we didn't, we used the same taxi service as picked us up at the airport. Best place to stay is on the Spit, if you're going to Homer. Lands End is probably your best option for a family of 7. If flying to see the bears, you'll need to be in two planes. This is very expensive and are restrictions on the age of the children. However, this is one of the most amazing trips I've done. And I travel all over the world taking wildlife photography. Good luck.
Written November 23, 2017
What time would be better for bear viewing with you, this input will help us finalise our itinerary;
1. Last week of August ?
or
2. Early 2nd week of Sept ?
Thank you,
Regards
Sudhir
Written November 23, 2017
Probably the 2nd week in September. When the silver salmon are running.
Best,
Roberta
Written December 12, 2017
pchelsea
New York City, New York
Can we visit Homer to see other sites when we take your trip.
We will not have a car. Is there any way to get aroound?
Written March 26, 2016
Get a taxi from the Homer airport to where ever you are staying. I've stay twice at North Country Charters. They have an efficiency apartment above the office, right on the spit. Not fancy but comfortable, good wifi and very reasonable. We took the trolley into "town" and had lunch at wonderful place. Not much to do in town. Stay on the Spit!!! You can also do a water taxi to a couple different places. I did two flights, K Bay Air, to Katmai park to do bear photography. It's expensive but absolutely amazing. You will get very close to the bears yet very safe. I've done this 5 times. Been to Homer 3 summers in a row. July of 2018 am going to Kodiak, just for a change. I'm not a professional photography, just love taking pictures of wildlife. You can also take Bald Mountain Air to Brookes Falls to see the bears. Again spendy but amazing. Hope this is helpful.
Written November 23, 2017
How long in advance do you have to book?
Anything else we should know about payment?
We will be in Homer beginning of August.
Thanks!
Written April 13, 2015
I've been to Homer the past three years. I booked my room, North Country Charters, several months in advance. This place is above an office on the Spit. It's hard to get three nights in a row. For booking flights with K Bay Air to see the bears, just contact Dee. You should be able to google the airline and get a phone number. She, or her daughter, are very helpful. I reserved a few months in advance and paid half down as did with the efficiency apartments.
Written November 23, 2017
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