Polar Bears in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Polar Bears in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

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DATES

August 20-22

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

TRIP COST

TBD

calendar

DATES

August 20-22
region

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
price

TRIP COST

TBD

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the best place in the world to watch polar bears and Arctic Wild’s guides are uniquely qualified to share the wonders of the Arctic with you. On our trip to the Arctic Coast this August you can immerse yourself in the world of the polar bear, learn about modern Eskimo (Inupiat) culture, and experience wilderness at the end of the earth. From the safety of our chartered boat we can observe and photograph bears for two days. We will stop in the heart of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the way home for a picnic and day hike.

TRIP DETAILS

Last updated: October 9, 2017

Itinerary

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

August 20

Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting after your arrival in Fairbanks. Arctic Wild will pick you up from the airport and transport you to our shop. We will ensure you have enough warm clothes and outfit you with rubber boots. 

August 20

After the pre-trip meeting, fly from Fairbanks, over the mighty Yukon River, across the Arctic Circle, over the Brooks Range, and to the Eskimo village of Kaktovik, population 400. After an orientation and moving into our rooms at a local hotel, we will meet our local guide for a three hour boat tour in the Beaufort Sea. Lunch included, dinner at the hotel.

August 21

Weather permitting, we will enjoy a 1/2 day morning boat ride with our local guide. We will certainly see polar bears but we may also see bowhead whales, bearded seals and perhaps even beluga whales. Once back on shore we will tour the town and local culture. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotel.

August 22

Morning flight from Kaktovik to the mountains of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Picnic and day hike in the Refuge. The plane will wait on the ground while you enjoy and explore the Refuge and return to Fairbanks after about 3 hours. Breakfast and lunch included, hotel and dinner on your own in Fairbanks.

Such a joy to spend days where time was meaningless.  A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip.

You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed.  Dave is a superb guide. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. I appreciated the time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is not easy without trails.   He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. I know the others would concur in my praise.

- Sandra, California, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation to Kaktovik starting and ending in Fairbanks, outstanding guide service, 3 days/ 2 nights food and lodging in Kaktovik at Marsh Creek Inn (Double occupancy rooms), transportation in Kaktovik, two 3-hour boat trips (weather permitting). Stopover in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for a day-hike.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging beyond the duration of the scheduled trip, food beyond the duration of the scheduled trip, warm clothing, gratuity for guide(s). (Should weather delay our departure from Kaktovik you will need to pay for additional nights of lodging.)

WEATHER & BUGS

A variety of weather should be expected including foggy periods and sunny conditions. Temperatures will be moderate to cold (30 to 60). Snow is unlikely, but possible. Bring a good parka, hat, and gloves. The up-side is that mosquitoes will be nowhere in sight.

RECOMMENDED READING

Polar Bears, Ian Sterling; Fifty Years Below Zero, Charles Brown; Arctic Dreams, Barry Lopez.  More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore.

Ready for your adventure?
Find out what's next.

  1. Fill out the Reservation Request form
  2. We will contact you to discuss your trip
  3. Secure your trip with a deposit
  4. We will send you a detailed packing list
  5. Book your flights and accommodations
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"The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect."
"I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. See you next year!"
"Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive."
"That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time"
"Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!"
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