What we rate and what we don't
41 Bear watching holidays found
Grizzly bear watching holidays in British Columbia, Canada
Spectacular viewing of British Columbia's grizzly bears
From £3,065 6 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This 6 day tour departs on various dates from May through to October. Other durations and tours are also available, including combining it with a tailor-made tour of British Columbia, the Rockies and Alberta.
Watch brown bears in Finland
Observe the rare European Brown Bear
From £835 to £1,089 4 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 28 Jun, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep
2020: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul, 14 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep
2020: 22 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul, 14 Aug, 4 Sep, 18 Sep
Late availability on these dates: 28 Jun, 02 Aug, 16 Aug, 06 Sep, 13 Sep
Brown bear tracking in Northern Greece
Track wild bears & explore the wilderness with park rangers
From 625 5 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 21 Sep, 12 Oct
Northern Greece bear conservation tour
Brown bear conservation in Pindos & birds of Prespa Lake
From 850 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 21 Sep, 12 Oct
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Churchill polar bear tour in Canada
A unique opportunity to encounter polar bears
From £6,595 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 25 Oct, 26 Oct, 30 Oct, 1 Nov, 4 Nov, 10 Nov, 12 Nov, 14 Nov
Polar Bear watching holiday, Canada
Get up close & see polar bears
From £6,195 6 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This 5 night itinerary departs on various dates from 11 Oct - 3 Nov. Other departure dates, durations and tours are also available (Polar bear viewing is only possible in October & November)
Brown bear photography holiday in Alaska
Photograph Alaskan brown bears in exclusive photo tour
From US $4,995 to US $5,400 6 days ex flights
Small group travel
Wild Taiga self drive holiday in Finland, Finnish NP
Self guided driving tour in Finland's Wild Taiga wilderness
From 810 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip is tailor made and can be arranged to depart anytime between 1st May to 30th September to suit your requirements.
Polar bear and beluga whale watching tours in Canada
Combine the thrill of seeing beluga whales with summer polar bears
From £9,685 8 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged to suit you in July and August
Summer holiday in Finland
A wilderness camp adventure in Finland
From £1,999 to £2,129 6 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 14 Jul, 25 Aug
2020: 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 23 Aug
2020: 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 23 Aug
Late availability on these dates: 14 Jul, 25 Aug
Alaska adventure holiday, salmon run
Active small group adventures in a retrofitted school bus
From US $3,590 to US $3,690 20 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 10 Aug
2020: 6 Jun, 27 Jun, 18 Jul, 8 Aug
2020: 6 Jun, 27 Jun, 18 Jul, 8 Aug
Get $100 discount on all our August departures!
Canadian wildlife & Vancouver Island holiday
Off the beaten track adventure into the Canadian Rockies
From £2,849£2,565 to £2,849 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 6 Aug
2020: 10 Jun, 3 Jul, 12 Jul, 4 Aug, 13 Aug, 18 Aug, 3 Sep
2020: 10 Jun, 3 Jul, 12 Jul, 4 Aug, 13 Aug, 18 Aug, 3 Sep
Up to £280 off selected dates.
Late availability on these dates: 06 Aug
Late availability on these dates: 06 Aug
Volunteering with bears in Romania
Volunteer at an inspiring bear sanctuary in Transylvania
From £925 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Flexible departures available throughout the year, minimum stay 1 week
Exclusive discount for Responsible Travel users: Save £100 on departure between now and 30th August 2019. Very limited spaces remaining!
Volunteering with bears in Cambodia
Care for rescued bears in tropical Cambodia
From £645 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
Departures every Sunday throughout the year
We still have a few spaces to join this project in the next few months, so get in touch soon so that we can help you plan your trip!
Alaska group tours in lodges
Experience Alaska's wilderness and wildlife!
From US $4,590 10 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 26 May, 29 Aug
Canada polar bears and beluga whales tour
Swim with Beluga Whales and spot Polar Bears in the Arctic
From £4,535 9 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Satpura tiger and sloth bear watching holiday, India
Find Indias rare predators, tigers, dhole, bears & leopard
From 3,795 11 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
South East Alaska sailing adventure
Whales, black bears and spectacular scenery
From £6,249 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 2 Jul
Wrangel and Herald Islands expedition cruise
Diverse, abundant wildlife, dramatic and volcanic landscapes
From US $10,690 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 8 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug
2020: 6 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug
2020: 6 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Canada wilderness holiday, Rockies & Vancouver Island
Experience the Canadian Wilderness and wildlife
From £2,849£2,565 to £2,849 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 23 Jul, 12 Aug
2020: 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 19 Jul, 28 Jul, 2 Aug
2020: 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 19 Jul, 28 Jul, 2 Aug
Up to £280 off selected dates.
Late availability on these dates: 23 Jul, 12 Aug
Late availability on these dates: 23 Jul, 12 Aug
Wild Taiga wildlife holiday in Finland
Special Taiga mammals of Finland
From 1,475 8 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Finland wildlife short break
Bear, wolverine and elk widlife short break in Finland
From 700 to 750 5 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 9 Oct
2020: 13 May, 3 Jun, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 9 Sep, 7 Oct
2020: 13 May, 3 Jun, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 9 Sep, 7 Oct
Finland wildlife holiday, whales and bears
Beluga white whales in Russia and brown bears in Finland
From 1,570 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 28 Jun
Polar bear expedition in Spitsbergen
Expedition cruise searching for polar bears in the Arctic
From £3,499 to £7,549 11 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 29 Jun, 3 Jul, 12 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 31 Jul, 8 Aug, 10 Aug
2020: 20 May, 30 May, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 27 Jun, 30 Jun, 1 Jul, 13 Jul, 19 Jul, 30 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 15 Aug
2020: 20 May, 30 May, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 24 Jun, 26 Jun, 27 Jun, 30 Jun, 1 Jul, 13 Jul, 19 Jul, 30 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 15 Aug
2-4-1, 50% off or no single supplement on last minute Spitsbergen cabins. Prices from £2948pp
What we rate and what we don't
Arctic polar bear cruise, Spitsbergen
Arctic expedition cruise searching for polar bears
From £1,919 to £5,699 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 28 Jun, 7 Jul, 15 Jul, 24 Jul
2020: 27 May, 31 May, 1 Jun, 3 Jun, 6 Jun, 7 Jun, 9 Jun, 12 Jun, 14 Jun, 17 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 6 Jul, 23 Jul, 25 Jul, 24 Aug, 28 Aug
2020: 27 May, 31 May, 1 Jun, 3 Jun, 6 Jun, 7 Jun, 9 Jun, 12 Jun, 14 Jun, 17 Jun, 19 Jun, 24 Jun, 6 Jul, 23 Jul, 25 Jul, 24 Aug, 28 Aug
Save 25% on all remaining cabins on board the ms Expedition in Spitsbergen this summer. Limited spaces left.
Arctic polar bear fly in safari, Canada
Thrilling safari in the middle of Polar Bear Alley, Canada
From £6,545 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 14 Oct, 19 Oct, 24 Oct, 29 Oct, 3 Nov, 8 Nov, 13 Nov
Bear watching in British Columbia, Canada
Spirit Bear Viewing in British Columbian Wilderness
From £2,995 5 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Grizzly bear and wildlife holiday in British Columbia, Canada
View mighty Grizzly Bears in their natural habitat
From £1,295 4 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Brown bear watching holiday in Bulgaria
Wonderful week of bear and wildlife watching in Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains
From £1,249 to £1,299 8 days inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 28 Sep, 5 Oct
2020: 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 6 Jun, 12 Sep
2020: 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 6 Jun, 12 Sep
Late availability on these dates: 28 Sep, 05 Oct
Great Bear Rainforest sailing cruise, Canada
Bears, Whales, and Wolves of Canada's Great Bear Rainforest
From CA $6,496 9 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 4 Sep
From
US $4,995
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
We spent almost every available hour looking for, finding and photographing bears. Being able to be so close to them, to watch their behaviour and get such good pictures in the process was amazing. It felt safe yet the bears were in their normal habitat, and we were not confined to a hide or platform which made the experience incredibly special.
Tips?
Be prepared for all kinds of weather, both in terms of clothes and camera gear, as you will go and stay out even... (more)Cornelia Kinley
From
£3,065
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
Difficult to choose 1 part. We enjoyed sea kayaking in Ucluelet, sitting watching the views with our tea picnic on Pyramid island in Jasper. Our black bear watching in Tofino and Whale watching excursion in Victoria were great fun too!
Tips?
Those keen on whale watching, should book their tour with eagle wing and keep a spare day the next day. As in our tour, we did not see any whales on our scheduled excursion. Eagle wing let us come back the following day for free... (more)Payal Mehta
From
US $3,590
excluding flights
I loved this tour - it was amazing! Being able to travel Alaska in a converted school bus, with amazing guides and a fantastic group of like minded people, made for an incredible trip. We got to see some beautiful places and animals, ate really well and generally just had the best time. (more)Sasha Lim
Since this was my first trip on my own I felt very comfortable with the holiday providers as the owners were the people directly running the trip. They were always available to answer questions both before and during the trip. I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone looking for an exciting overland tour of Alaska (and Canada too!). (more)Julie Woods
This is the best holiday my partner and I have ever been lucky enough to have. We thoroughly enjoyed it and it exceeded our dreams. If anyone is thinking of seeing Alaska and considering camping, this would be the tour to choose. (more)John Cracknell
From
625
excluding flights
Most memorable: Exploring this little known (to us) part of Greece, meeting the friendly locals, and eating the fantastic food. The scenery is truly stunning and unspoilt, and the autumn colours were just superb. (more)Baxter Jeffs
The autumn colours and atmosphere of mountains and lakes and the great time with our group was the most memorable part...Excellent. (more)Anna Denise Bolks
The knowledge and professionalism of the local guide...was the most memorable part of the holiday.
(more)Quentin Macilray
From
£925
excluding flights
We saw a number of bears taking a dip in the water and I enjoyed seeing the pleasure on their faces as they enjoyed the therapeutic effects of the water (more)Suzanne Jones
Excellent. Exceeded my expectations, all very well organised, very good accommodation with lots of help from local rep. Brasov had plenty to offer and the bears were amazing! (more)Deborah Robson
The most memorable part of the holiday was...getting to spend time watching the bears play together, and seeing them all so happy. (more)Melinda Kerr
From
£645
excluding flights
I loved every second of my trip - the people, the country, the bears I worked with... (more)Louise Bednarz
Meeting the bears and being able to really make a difference to their day-to-day lives with enrichment, feeding and cleaning; some of the things we were doing (such as enrichment to keep the bears active and happy) wouldn't get done unless we were there to help out! (more)Heather Reynolds
We were so close to the bears and keepers that you feel part of the project rather than just a short stay helper. I think we were really lucky... to have the baby bear (Lola) arrive when we were there too. (more)Anon
From
810
excluding flights
The bear watching and having a close encounter with a white-tailed eagle. (more)Robert Bagley
Almost whole tour of ours was exciting as every mile / kilometer of our drive in FINLAND was mesmerizing and exciting. All the activities of sports was new and knowledgable for us. (more)Nehal Lekhadia
we had great time and would definitely go back....seeing the wolverine, bears and willow grouse (more)Mohni Gujral
From
£2,565
excluding flights
Best bit: Having an amazing guide who delivered so many interesting facts, and always had a smile and a sense of humour. (more)Barbara Jackson
The trip did not disappoint. We saw about ten [black bears] including several within camera range. We also saw Elk, Orcas and a range of other interesting mammal and bird species.
(more)Paul Butler
From
£835
including UK flights
Spending Saturday night in the hide was the most memorable part of my holiday. (more)Sara Warren
It was wonderful seeing the bears, but the whole Finland forest experience was also very special. We did so much it seemed longer than a weekend. (more)Rosemary Sutcliffe
Excellent...being in a bear hide and seeing the Brown Bears was the most memorable part.
(more)Anne Higgins
From
1,475
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The nights in the bear hide, seeing what I had most hoped for, bears, a wolf and a wolverine. Thrilling!
Tips?
Sabrina is a superb and knowledgeable host. Outstanding.
Local benefits?
Yes absolutely. It is an excellent example of eco tourism as its absolute best.
Overall rating?
(more)Lynn Freeman
From
CA $6,496
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing the bears - we were quite close to the Black bear. Also the Grizzly Bears
especially the mum with her three young cubs along with this is the boat , the
environment and the peace and quiet - apart from the noise of nature. The
Humpback whales were fantastic. The crew on the boat brilliant - our naturalist so knowledgeable and our chef was amazing - no junk food there.
Tips?
It is a rainforest so you need strong waterproof clothes that do the job As the... (more)Susie Barrett
From
£1,249
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
Spending time in the bear hides and being able to watch mother and cubs for over an hour.
Tips?
Be realistic about what wildlife you are going to see; i.e. walking in largish group (12 + guide) and wariness of local wildlife. Definitely take binoculars for watching bears / other wildlife from hide.
Local benefits?
Use of small village hotel, local driver and nature reserve guides benefitted local people. Because more and more people are visiting the area with... (more)Simon Knock
From
£2,799
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Seeing polar bears, including one mother with cub, and being in Packice, and among icebergs in a zodiac! An emotional roller coaster.
Tips?
Throw yourself into all the activities, follow the advice of the expedition team, relish meeting lovely people , including other travellers and the crew.
Local benefits?
Yes. We spent our pre-embarkation night in a local hostel in Longyearbyen. The expedition took great care to minimise our impact, including recycling,... (more)Val ODwyer
From
£7,195
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
22 Polar bears! And sadly this was a year when the sea ice melted early so I was afraid we wouldn't see any. Also foxes, walruses and reindeer, all seemingly unconcerned with humans so we were quite close.
Spectacular scenery - glaciers, icebergs, tundra - lovely ship with a great crew and food better than I expected. Also, most importantly, the guides couldn't have been better.
Tips?
Be prepared for ever changing weather conditions.
Local benefits?
Svalbard... (more)Lisa Bromwell
From
£3,799
including UK flights
Memorable parts?
Whale watching and Grizzly bears (every aspect of the nature in Canada
wild life & scenery)
Tips?
Get good camera, binoculars and plenty of money for food Canada is more expensive than UK- go to Gov site ONLY to get ETA.
Local benefits?
Yes and no
Overall rating?
7 out of 10. (more)Deborah Miles
From
£2,995
including domestic flights only
Memorable parts?
The wildlife - bears, orcas, humpbacks and other marine life, all thriving within this very special corner of the world!
Tips?
Make sure that you pack for the weather - extra layers for warmth, and waterproofs to stay dry, to make sure that it doesn't affect your experience of this very special place.
Local benefits?
Through the initiatives of Responsible Travel, yes; Spirit Bear Lodge also employ local First Nations peoples, and so yes for this as well.... (more)Mei Yee Man
From
£6,195
including UK flights
From
1,265
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Watching wolverines and bears very close.
Tips?
As you nearly don't sleep at night, it's better to organize a transfer to the next hide instead of driving yourself the hides are very different in term of distance to the bait but also in comfort( some are heated and have good sleepingfacilities, others are terrible and are the same price!!)
Local benefits?
The owners are all local people so certainly a yes.
Overall rating?
It's a wildlife tour and that's... (more)Guido Rommens
From
£655
excluding flights
The most memorable was being able to take my 7yo to watch bears in their natural habitat (and in so doing making his dreams come true). A wonderful experience for me and created memories for my 7yo son that he'll carry with him forever. (more)Richard Denney
The evening we sat on a hilltop in the sunshine and watched several bears doing their thing was the highlight. (more)Jon Holland
From
850
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Going on a walk with the conservationists up the various mountains and then trying out Greek drinks such as their coffee and "Mountain tea" that was made from local plants.
Tips?
To know what the weather is when they go, so they can decide if they want to be there during hot weather or somewhat cooler.
Local benefits?
Not directly us being on the trip, however the conservations as a whole are doing really good work preventing the death of bears while still... (more)Ruairi Benn
From
£6,200
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
The wildlife, the scenery, the ice, basically all of it
Tips?
Spend as much time on deck, you never know when you may see something, really take in every moment we are privelidged to be able to travel and see such wonders.
Local benefits?
I am sure any form of tourism,brings money into the local economy, and as travellers we see the impacts and changes on our planet ,If we trully open our eyes and take it on board, then in any way we can and however small... (more)Paul Lee
From
£6,595
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
From the moment we arrived in Churchill until we left!
We saw a polar bear being released from the holding facility and flown off back to the wild, mothers and cubs, young bears 'play-boxing, a large male bear falling through the thin ice and the Northern Lights.
All the staff were fantastic, particularly our wonderful free-spirited guide Leah Okin Magowan. It could not have been better!!
Tips?
Go go go!
Local benefits?
The local company have worked, and... (more)Liz Green
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