Wild Coast Excursions -

Andy Claiborne

Our Alaskan friend told us: If you’re going to spend money on one thing in Alaska, spend it on seeing bears. I’m SO happy we chose Peter at Wild Coast Excursions to take us bear watching. Peter outfitted us with excellent gear and took us on a float plane to an incredible location on Chichagof Island. We were able to get very close to several bear families and watch for hours as the tide rolled in. Peter knew all about bear behavior and was always sure not to make the bears nervous about our presence. He was easy to spend time with, and I deeply appreciated his whispered explanations about the bears’ behavior. When it was time to leave, fog had rolled in and our float plane could not pick us up. Peter had multiple contingency plans ready to go and used satellite and radio to stay in touch with his contacts on fishing boats, a Kiwi mega yacht, and the airfield to figure out the best options. We ended up with a real Alaskan adventure, and Peter told us all about the history, plants, and animals of the islands where he grew up. After a fast speed boat ride and an epic hike, a float plane was finally able to break through the fog and pick us up at a different location. Peter made us feel like family. I treasure our trip with Peter. It was definitely the highlight of our 1.5 weeks in Juneau.

Hudson Harmony Band

Peter Nave with Wild Coast Excursions did an amazing job. We were in contact with him before we arrived in Alaska, and he personally led our tour. We chose the Pack Creek adventure because we went in September, and even though it was at the end of the season, we had a great experience and were watching bears the whole time we were there. We watched two mama bears and their cubs fish for and catch salmon. Highly recommend! This was our big splurge for the trip, and a favorite experience for all of us.

Rachel Bebb

A weekend spent bear viewing and hiking with Peter Nave at Wild Coast Excursions was one to remember! We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed both Peter’s company and his extensive knowledge. Spending time with brown bears in their home on beautiful Chichagof Island with just one other couple was a privilege. None of the usual trappings of tourism such as restrooms - you sit on a rock or grass tussock and enjoy the bears at close quarters. Paradise at Waterfall Creek.
It was a thrill to be taken to the top of Mount Juneau in a small helicopter. The walk along the ridge was exhilarating and comfortable, and the good weather allowed for great views. Again, Peter’s knowledge added much to the excursion. We opted to walk down rather than call for the helicopter. Not for the faint hearted! We have walked a lot in the European Alps, including recently in Austria, but we found this descent challenging on a warm day. We’re reasonably fit for our age (72 & 70) but the route down is perhaps better suited to people a few years younger! We savoured a sense of achievement though as we gulped a welcome can of cold coke at the end, pulled from the boot of Peter’s car.
Look no further than Wild Coast Excursions for bear viewing and hiking from Juneau!
Thank you Peter.

Michael Horn

Fantastic tour, can’t say enough great things. Peter is the lead guide/owner and provides a world class experience.

We took the Chichagof island tour, got to see a lot of bears but what made the trip so great was how knowledgeable and accommodating Peter is. He even greeted us by name when we first arrived. Wild Coast is well equipped with high quality gear that is well organized and prepared for each individual guest.

There are a lot of tours in Juneau, many of them are led by short-timers and college students from the lower 48. If you want a great trip from local guide who truly knows and understands the area, book with Wild Coast Excursions!!

Kalee MacDonald

Biggest thank you to Peter and Wild Coast Excursions for the best day of our entire Juneau holiday! Every single part of the tour from start to finish was absolutely amazing. Peter was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the area and the bears that inhabit it. Before the plane even landed we spotted some bears, and continued to see more throughout the tour. Couldn’t recommend Wild Coast Excursions enough!

Carissa Ottoson

Beautiful trip, despite the rainy weather! We had an expert guide (Peter) and a Pack Creek ranger who answered all of my many questions about bears in Alaska. The flight showed Alaska from an angle I don't usually get to see. There were two of us who live in Juneau, and three others who were vacationing; and we all left happy.

I definitely was the only one who didn't have a good camera, but I attached a few of my pictures anyway! I haven't pulled them all out yet (I think I have over 200), there were actually some siblings and there were many chances to take shots of three bears in one frame.

There were several bears, of course, but we felt very safe and our two experts kept a close eye on us and the bears.

This is a great company, great guides, they put safety first, provide a fantastic lunch (Coppa is a local favorite), and I guess that's all I can say! Except, sorry I can't take better pictures!

Kristen Anderson

The excursion to Pack Creek to view the brown bears was the absolute highlight of our trip to Juneau late May. We didn’t think it could get any better than the breathtaking views of wild Alaska as we flew on Ward air to the bear island but my expectations were beyond exceeded. From the moment we arrived to the viewing area we saw multiple grizzly bears. There were cubs wrestling near their mom, large males walking along the edge of the forest and digging for clams on the beach. It was absolutely amazing to be immersed in their habitat. Our guide, Peter, is extremely knowledgeable about the area and we felt very safe with his guidance. The bears had absolutely no interest in us and we felt confident in Peter’s knowledge of following the rules of respect towards these majestic animals. We decided to add an on an extension to our return trip to fly over the glacier ice fields, also something not to be missed. The vastness and beauty of this place is truly stunning. So if you’re considering this trip, do it! You won’t regret it. You only live once and this is a once in lifetime experience.

Amund Rongstad

I had an amazing experience with Wild Coast Excursions and Peter as our guide. I was on a day excursion to view wild brown bears on Chichagof Island.
Peter found the perfect balance of being knowledgeable and informative while still letting nature and our surroundings shine. His expertise and demeanor left me feeling comfortable and able to live in the moment while being literally surrounded by bears. Being able to access a shared folder of the professional quality pictures Peter took is a huge plus and has already let me relive this amazing experience from home. As a bonus, the provided lunch was delicious too! Would 100% book with Wild Coast and Peter again!