Alaska Ultimate Safaris
Alaska Ultimate Safaris
5
Helicopter ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursAir Tours
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Bears Tours and Alaska Adventures are our specialties.
Daily tours using float planes and a helicopter for transportation to remote, brown bear rich area's on the Alaska Peninsula. Departing Homer, Alaska. Our Ultimate Safari takes your dreams of seeing bears from ordinary to extraordinary!
Homer, United States
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Alaska Ultimate Safaris
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
352 reviews
Excellent
348
Very good
0
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Kristen H
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Even though our trip to Alaska was filled with rain Alaska Ultimate Safaris did everything they could to get us to see the bears.
The staff was very flexible and pilots were great!
The staff was very flexible and pilots were great!
Written 5 October 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.
PassportTherapy
Vail, CO504 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We booked our end of August trip to Katmai in January; spent all summer learning bears & preparing for Brooks Falls. The afternoon before our trip was to begin, we received a call and were pressured to accept an afternoon helicopter trip to Lake Clark instead of the all day trip in the Beaver to Katmai. We were told: the weather was going to be bad and we couldn’t get there; the bears had already left the Falls (not true because we could see them on the web cam); the helicopter trip was actually more expensive so we were getting a deal (not a deal if you aren’t interested in going there) and, that our oldest member wouldn’t have any place to rest at Katmai (not true, there’s a visitor center right where the float planes land, and there’s a lodge).
The next morning when we drove by, the Beaver was not at the dock, and it wasn’t there when we went for our afternoon helicopter flight that got cut short by weather. Our perception was that the three of us fit neatly into the helicopter and that freed up the Beaver for a larger group to go somewhere. We’re experienced travelers and I’m a pilot, we know weather can change things dramatically in Alaska. We still felt pressured/manipulated. If the Beaver had been sitting at the dock the next day, we wouldn’t have thought twice about this abrupt change in plans. But, because it was gone, we felt we’d been had. Because our helicopter trip was cut short, we were offered a Katmai trip the next day, but weather moved in and the Beaver was sitting at the dock as we decamped for Anchorage. The original hard sell for the helicopter trip was what lead us to our conclusions. Perhaps we are wrong, but when we come back to go to Katmai again, it will be with a different operator.
The next morning when we drove by, the Beaver was not at the dock, and it wasn’t there when we went for our afternoon helicopter flight that got cut short by weather. Our perception was that the three of us fit neatly into the helicopter and that freed up the Beaver for a larger group to go somewhere. We’re experienced travelers and I’m a pilot, we know weather can change things dramatically in Alaska. We still felt pressured/manipulated. If the Beaver had been sitting at the dock the next day, we wouldn’t have thought twice about this abrupt change in plans. But, because it was gone, we felt we’d been had. Because our helicopter trip was cut short, we were offered a Katmai trip the next day, but weather moved in and the Beaver was sitting at the dock as we decamped for Anchorage. The original hard sell for the helicopter trip was what lead us to our conclusions. Perhaps we are wrong, but when we come back to go to Katmai again, it will be with a different operator.
Written 4 October 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.
Jsmtnhm
Solon, IA7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The whole experience was amazing! We saw moose, and bald eagles, and lots of bears! So many pictures and memories. It’s an experience of a lifetime and my daughter and I will remember it forever! Eric is obviously a very skilled pilot and an even nicer person. What an adventure!
Written 14 September 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.
Kristin W
Soldotna, AK13 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I was able to get a spot as a solo traveler on a trip that still had a few seats open. I booked with Kirsten and she was absolutely amazing! Kirsten let me know that for my time period, the best spot for bear viewing would be Geographic Harbor. She said the salmon run was in full swing in that location and that it would have the best opportunity to see bears. We left Homer in a Beaver on floats and it took about 2 hours to reach our destination. Eric was our pilot and he did an amazing job. Kirsten and Eric sat up front and told us interesting facts about the area. When we got to Geographic Harbor it was amazing! Eric landed in the salt water of the Harbor and anchored the plane, he explained that the tide was coming in and he would use a boat to retrieve the plane in a few hours and bring it to us. Kirsten led the way on the expedition, and it was so beautiful. There were so many bears, and a ton of sows with cubs, and quite a few with twins and we saw one sow with triplets. All the bears seemed calm and totally ignored us. When our group was calm and quiet the bears would approach closer, and we got some great photos. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can not recommend Alaska Ultimate Safaris enough. Don't hesitate to book with them!
Written 5 September 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.
BlakeIMS
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were blessed to have Eric and Kirsten as our pilots for the float plane trip to Katmai. We specifically went to Geographic Point and it was truly an amazing site to see. The flight over was filled with great info communicated by the these two amazing pilots/guides. After 2hrs of flying there (longer due to wind), we finally landed in this gorgeous Bay. We immediately saw a Sow with two cubs then about 3 groups of Sows. We got to watch up to a spot right into the middle of all these bears without bothering them at all. These guides were great, very professional, polite and informative. We would recommend this company, these pilots/guides and this tour. We’re beyond thankful to have been able to take this trip and be blessed with these guides. Thank you for a great Surprise Birthday present.
Written 4 September 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.
Rick S
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had an amazing time. We saw over 60 bears on our tour. Eric was very friendly and knowledgeable. If you want to see bears, choose Alaska Ultimate Safaris. They are the very best.
Written 17 August 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.
Randy S
1 contribution
Aug 2023
One of best experiences I have had in my 20 plus trips to Alaska. The helicopter ride and pilot were awesome. Kirsten was knowledgeable and fun. The tour is worth every dollar if you want to see incredible scenery and bears. Was able to see 50-60 bears (some unbelievably close). Can't wait to do again someday.
Written 14 August 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.
AlphaMareWy
Riverton, WY161 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
WOW! This was a bucket list experience even if you don’t have a bucket list! The float plane experience was awesome! The owner and pilot Eric was professional, educational and just plain fun! We had seen the Alaska brown bears fishing on the small waterfall on Facebook before, but experiencing that in person was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then we landed on a small lake and had a snack and watched more bear; some very up-close and personal. Eric was experienced and kept us safe while giving us this unique experience. And the more we asked questions, the more we learned about Alaska. This is not a cheap experience, but I would do it again tomorrow!!! Plan on this is you are visiting Homer, Alaska!
Written 12 August 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.
Gina
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
It was awesome riding in a helicopter for the first time and not what I expected, as someone who gets motion sickness. Kirsten was very knowledgeable of the area and the glaciers. It was truly a beautiful experience.
Written 8 August 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.
jenny c
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Probably the coolest experience I’ve ever had!! Weather was not perfect but the pilot was committed to showing us a fabulous adventure and so we postponed takeoff for a few hours and it was worth the wait!! Pilot was professional and safe and fully engaged with stories and information about the scenery- she helicoptered down whenever we saw something interesting including bears, sea lions, seals, glaciers, mountain goats and draw dropping views- and because weather denied us flying to lake Clark. They returned our deposit eventhough we saw bears and amazing views- this group clearly is about customer service- don’t miss this once in a life adventure!!
Written 7 August 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.
Kelly K
10 contributions
Can someone please tell me how in the world you get ahold of this company!??!! SOOO frustrated. Have tried calling and leaving messages, booking online ("no online availability" for any dates in 2020?!) and have sent several emails... these attempts were spread out over the entire month of January 2020. I am trying to ask 2 minor questions (to help decide between two of their trips) and then book the tour.. same call. I am not a tire kicker with a million questions... I WANT to go on their tour. All these great reviews and what must be a wonderful tour seem completely contrary to their business practices. Any suggestions??
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
Kelly, good evening. We haven’t started booking for our 2020 season yet.
Please feel free to call or text my cell and hopefully you’ll be able to connect.
Have a great day!
Kirsten
(801)726-9553
No1cruiser
Whakatāne, New Zealand2 contributions
We have been trying to book with you for 3rd July but your website booking is unavailable and I have left several emails and messages but have had no reply. Would really like to make the booking for the helicopter bear viewing, can you help me please.
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
Good evening, we haven’t opened up booking for our 2020 season. We will open up booking closer to summer of 2020.
onelnsbt
Chippewa Falls, WI190 contributions
We can't find a telephone number or any way to book this trip with you! Please advise - we must be missing something somewhere!
TravelFan95661
Roseville, CA55 contributions
I see a nearby poster (Auburn, CA) got you the information you needed. Special hi to you that live in Wisconsin---we actually live in Appleton in the fall.
Dennis U
20 contributions
We will be in Homer Wed Aug 1-Wed Aug 8. Would you suggest a certain day?
Thanks,
Vicki Underhill
Dennis U
20 contributions
I’m so excited for our trip to Homer!!! I would love to see glaciers and bears! Is there a combo trip?
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
We do have our Ultimate Safari that will take you via helicopter across Cook Inlet to Lake Clark National Oark to experience the Coastal Brown Bears in their Natural habitat.
We then fly over and explore Mt Augustine an active volcano, hiking up and getting to see the different levels of volcanic activity. We will have lunch on the Island.
We finish up the day trekking on the Harding Ice Field, it’s an amazing end to the day looking down all the crevasses and bring on top of all that magnificent ice!!
We do see glaciers on the flight over to see the bears, but only land on the Ultimate Safari!
HI
CAN I HAVE THE NAME OF THIS COMPANY?
when is the best time to go
is it safe?
I'm traveling with a very talented experienced photographer.Can anyone please let me know some great wildlife excursions for photographers
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
Alaska Ultimate Safaris is the name of the company.
It is very safe, our main goals are safety with an amazing experience combined.
We take many photographers out to capture this amazing beauty. I’m sure you would have a great time!!
Dean P
Arlington2 contributions
what is the cost for the ultimate safari, per person or party of 4
TravelFan95661
Roseville, CA55 contributions
The Ultimate is worth every penny---a trip of a lifetime
lucycat4879
California19 contributions
We will be driving from Anchorage to Homer on Sept 29 and plan on staying 2 nights. Then drive to Seward for a night and then back to Anchorage for a night then catch a flight back to Sacramento on Oct 3. We can add a day if neccessary. Are we allowing enough time to take your tour? Do you still run 2 tours a day at that time of year? I have been told that the bears are in hibernation by then. (?) Will we still see them? We will be celebrating my husbands 71st birthday and I think this safari would be the perfect gift. Thank you
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
September is a great time to visit Alaska. Alaska Ultimate Safaris is down to one trip a day to see the Bears toward the end of September. It is toward the end of the season, but the bears aren't hibernating quite yet.
That sounds like an awesome way to celebrate a birthday!!
Alon B
Ra'anana, Israel150 contributions
Hi,
My son and I are arriving to Homer on Aug 30th around noon. We are considering your tour though we understand that our only chance is the afternoon tour (as the day after we need to leave Homer early)
My questions:
1. When is the afternoon tour back in Homer?
2. If the tour is cancelled because of the wheat her, will we get a refund? How likely is cancellation? (I.e. How many do u have each season?)
Thanks!
Alon
KirstenAK
Homer, AK511 contributions
Alon,
August is a great time to visit Alaska.
Our afternoon tour gets back to Homer around 8:30pm.
We offer a full refund if we cancel due to weather. It is unlikely, but has happened. We haven't canceled any bear tours this year for weather yet.
Kirsten