7 Night Alaskan Cruise - Disney Wonder Day 6
Day 6 - Exploring Ketchikan & Neets Bay Bear Observatory
Ketchikan was absolutely breathtaking—a beautiful, picturesque town that truly felt like a gateway to the Alaskan wilderness. Today’s excursion took us on an exciting journey to Neets Bay Bear Observatory, where we had the chance to witness some of Alaska’s most incredible wildlife.
Journey to Neets Bay
We started our day with a 30-minute narrated motor coach tour from the cruise ship, learning about Ketchikan’s fascinating history and rich culture. Then, we boarded a 40-passenger boat with an experienced captain and crew, setting sail for Neets Bay. The 60-minute cruise through the Tongass National Forest was stunning, with endless photo opportunities of the pristine wilderness. Along the way, we kept our eyes peeled for marine life, spotting a few eagles and sea lions as we made our way toward the observatory.
Searching for Bears in Neets Bay
Upon arrival, we stepped off the boat and were briefed by our guides about the habitat we were about to explore. Neets Bay is home to hundreds of bears, who gather near the salmon-spawning streams to feed. As we followed the well-maintained forest trail toward the viewing platform, we kept our eyes open for any movement.
Today, however, the bears seemed to be hiding behind the bushes. We spent a good length of time at the observation point, scanning the landscape for activity. Just as our time was up and we began heading back to the boat, we spotted a bear on the stony beach, which was an exciting way to end our time at Neets Bay.
Heading Back to the Ship
After returning to the boat, we enjoyed another peaceful cruise through the Tongass National Forest before making our way back to Clover Pass Resort. From there, we boarded our motorcoach for the 30-minute return trip to the ship. The journey back was uneventful, but we were more than ready to warm up and relax after our chilly wildlife adventure.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan and Neets Bay offered a wonderful glimpse into Alaska’s wild beauty. Even though the bears weren’t as active as we had hoped, the scenery, boat ride, and overall experience made the day unforgettable. Would I do it again? Absolutely!