9 Person group
All Ages
5 hours on the ground
Our Iconic Trip
Emerald Air Service flies you from Homer to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, the most famous bear viewing spot in Alaska. It is a 1.5 hour floatplane flight each way and about 5 hours on the ground. After the park ranger orientation at Brooks Camp, walk the 1 mile trail to the viewing platforms and watch brown bears fish for salmon at the falls at your own pace. The Brooks Falls season runs July 1 through September, and on peak days 30 or more bears work the falls and the river below. Buy lunch at Brooks Lodge or bring your own. All ages welcome.
some videos taken by our guests
Brooks Falls Bear Viewing
Katmai's Most Iconic Wildlife Experience
Detailed Schedule
*Subject to weather and group delays
6:30am: Check-in
7:00AM: Departure
3:30PM: Return
7:00AM
7:15AM
6:30AM
Check-in at the office, sign paperwork, weigh-in
Briefing from office staff to go over current camp platform conditions and bear etiquette
Load plane and receive safety briefing from pilot
Take off
8:30AM
Land at Brooks Camp
Deplane and head towards visitor center
Ranger briefing. All camp visitors must do this in order to visit the area
Rangers provide instruction on where to store your lunch
Exploring / Bear viewing / Visiting platforms
8:45AM
Return to plane and embark
Take off
2:00PM
3:30PM
Land in Homer and deplane
4:00PM
Debrief, Q&A, goodbyes
Where is brooks Falls?
Brooks Falls
Preparing for Hibernation
A Salmon-filled river
Brooks Falls sits on the Brooks River at Naknek Lake in Katmai National Park. Each summer, 200,000 to 400,000 salmon run up the river, and coastal brown bears gather at the falls to catch them. The season runs July 1 through September. July is peak, with 30 or more bears on the best days. Activity dips in mid August, then picks back up in early September as the bears fatten up for winter. Watch from the viewing platforms at the falls, or spot bears along the lake shore and the bridge over the Brooks River.
POLICIES
AGE LIMITATIONS POLICY
Brooks Falls welcomes all ages on our bear viewing tours from Homer, Alaska. No age restrictions apply. This trip is perfect for families and those less suited to the physical demands of our Guided Expedition.
WEIGHT LIMITATIONS POLICY
The aircraft has a limited weight capacity. For guests who exceed 260 lb (118 kg) including gear, please call our office to complete your booking. We do our utmost to accommodate guests while ensuring that we do not exceed our weight limit.
If a guest has intentionally or unintentionally misrepresented their weight including gear, and as a result the weight capacity of the aircraft is exceeded, that guest will be unable to go on the trip and will not be reimbursed.
PAYMENT POLICY
When booking your bear viewing tour in Homer, Alaska, choose to pay a 50% deposit or the full amount upfront. Online bookings include a 4.5% convenience fee, but you can skip it by calling our office to reserve your Alaska bear tour directly with our friendly staff. We're proud to offer a 10% military discount for service members and their dependents. Simply contact us to book and claim this special rate. Thank you for your service!
CANCELLATION POLICY
If we cancel your bear viewing tour in Homer, Alaska due to weather or mechanical interruption, we'll provide a full refund. For cancellations made 30 days or more before your Alaska bear tour, refunds are issued minus a per person cancellation fee. Cancellations within 30 days are nonrefundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your adventure with us!
See what others have to say
patriots2u
July 2026
Fantastic tour by fantastic people!
I booked with Emerald Air again and am super happy that I did. Because of the weather both of our trips were cancelled... He even added an extra trip to his schedule to make sure it happened. Brooks Falls is an amazing experience and it far exceeded our wildest dreams.
Brittany B
July 2026
Emerald is a MUST if going to Brook's Falls
If you're planning a trip to Brook's Falls, booking with Emerald is a must! ... Not to mention, when you get back they have fresh baked treats, hot cocoa and coffee!
C F
July 2026
Exceptional brown bear sighting experience at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park
Exceeded expectations in all areas: customer service, costs, comfort and safety of aircraft, pilot experience and explanations during the flight. Length of time for the to/from travel and time on the ground to see the bears at Brooks Falls Katmai National Park was just right. Early departure time meant arriving at Katmai before the crowds arrived.
Brooks Falls FAQ
When is the best time to see bears at Brooks Falls?
Brooks Falls runs July 1 through September. At peak, 30 or more bears work the falls. Activity is slower early in July and dips in mid August, then historically picks back up in early September.
Is lunch included?
No. Bring your own lunch, or buy lunch at Brooks Lodge.
What should I bring?
Bring water, layers and rain gear.
What if weather cancels my trip?
If weather cancels your flight, you get a full refund, or we will do our best to get you out on another day.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel 30 days or more before your trip for a full refund, minus a per person cancellation fee. Cancellations within 30 days are nonrefundable. If we cancel for weather or mechanical reasons, you get a full refund.