Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Trips
When is the best time to see the bears?
Hallo Bay Wilderness is located in the highest natural concentration of brown bears in Alaska so anytime from
May to September provides opportunities to observe the bears. Unlike areas like Brooks Camp where
bears only come to the area to feed briefly during the fish run, Hallo Bay Wilderness has what one might call
"food seasons". During these changing food seasons, bears feed on the food source easiest to obtain whether
it be fish, berries, clams, or sweet grasses. Hallo Bay Wilderness is a food rich natural habitat where bears just feed on specific food sources at different times. Your Hallo Bay Wilderness contact person can supply you with
any additional information you may need regarding the bears typical habits during various times of the summer.
What other wildlife is possible to see at Hallo Bay Wilderness?
At any given time you might see Moose, Wolves, Foxes, River Otters, Beavers, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, Eagles and other Birds (see our bird list).
How difficult are the various Trips offered by Hallo Bay Wilderness?
Overall, the trips offered at camp with the exception of the "Coastal Treks", are considered easy to moderate
with most walking conducted on soft sand beach, grass meadows or creek beds. The average age of our guests
is 52 and have ranged from age 12 to 86.
What types of activities are available at Camp?
Besides bear watching, there is bird watching, incredible fossil hunting, tide pooling and beach combing.
Are children allowed at the Camp?
Children are welcome at the camp and we do not have an age restriction on children. We do however suggest
that children are old enough to participate in the activities and that the parents maintain parental supervision
at all times when in the wilderness setting. Our guides enjoy youngsters, but require that they do not disrupt
the tour. If you feel your child is old enough to handle this kind of adventure, we would definitely welcome
them. One of our most memorable clients was 15 months old and we have had many nice young guests that
range from ages 8-18.
Will we have a cabin to ourselves?
Our cabins easily accommodate a couple or family traveling together. We also have the availability to take
single travelers without additional charges. Single travelers will get there own single cabin.
How are the cabins furnished?
Our heated cabins are furnished with large cots, sleeping bags, liners, pillows, a table, chairs and a vanity
and can easily accommodate a family of four.
What other amenities are available at the Camp?
The camp has private hot showers, sanitary environmentally friendly composting bathroom facilities and
limited electricity. Electricity is supplied by solar and wind generated power, backed up by a generator.
The electricity to recharge camera or laptop batteries is available from 8am until 9pm each day.
Are meals included and how are they served?
All meals are included and are cooked and served in our large comfortable galley. Meals are prepared as
hearty, family style and can consist of grilled pork chops, roast beef, pork ribs, roast chicken, hamburgers,
pasta, rice and vegetable dishes. A soup and sandwich lunch may be served in camp if the weather prevents
us from going out into the field or a packed lunch with sandwich, fruit and snack bars is provided if the group
is going to be out observing bears over the lunch hour.
What do I need to bring?
Your personal clothing, equipment and personal products such as towels for the showers, shampoos and
soaps are not supplied by Hallo Bay and are the responsibility of the guests to bring (see appropriate lists).
We operate an environmentally friendly eco camp. You can purchase environmentally friendly shampoos, conditioners and bath soap products at local health food stores or sporting goods stores in your area before
you fly out to our camp. Also, if you would like any alcoholic beverages while at camp, you are more than
welcome to purchase them and bring these with you, as the camp does not supply them.
Luggage amount limits for the trip?
With the luggage, carry on and camera gear that you bring, just remember when you land at our camp, you
will need to be able to carry all of your luggage and gear from the beach up the small incline of a hill to the
camp in one trip. The staff at Hallo Bay are not allowed to help the guests carry any of their gear. As long
as you can carry everything from the beach up to the camp in one trip, you can bring it.
Does the Camp have 'Rules'?
The staff at Hallo Bay Wilderness conducts a complete orientation program outlining the camp rules and
procedures for guests upon arrival and check in.
What happens if a guest violates the camp rules or procedures?
If a guest violates the camp rules or procedures, they are flown back to Homer immediately, without refund
and on a very unpleasant flight called a COD flight. Neither Nature nor Hallo Bay will tolerate ignorance of the
rules in this wilderness setting.
Can I leave the camp area on my own?
Due to the large amount of bear activity in the area, there are limitations on where guests may go without
guides. No guest is allowed to leave the camp alone without one of our naturalist guides.
Can weather prevent us from flying to or from the wilderness camp?
The weather or volcanic activity in Alaska can be very unpredictable. Fog, low cloud ceiling, ash or inclement weather can prevent the bushplane from flying you from Homer to our wilderness camp. It can also prevent
you from departing our camp the day you are scheduled to leave. If you take any medications, bring enough
for seven days. This way you will have your extra medication with you which could prevent a medical
emergency or at a minimum, prevent undue stress.
Please look into Trip Insurance to cover any additional expenses you may incur if you are weathered into
Homer or weathered into camp. They will cover you for any weather delayed or canceled trip, in town accommodations, plane rescheduling, etc.
Is the Air Taxi (bush plane) transportation from Homer included?
Air taxi services, while conducted by a separate company from ours, are included on the trip invoice unless
otherwise stated. Once you book your tour with us, we make the bush plane reservations for you.
How long is the Air Taxi trip from Homer to Hallo Bay Wilderness?
The trip takes approximately 1 hour to one and one half hours, depending on the weather conditions and route taken from Homer to Hallo Bay Wilderness.
Are there weight or baggage limitations on the bush plane and how do I determine my weight
and that of my luggage?
200# is the total allowed per person including body weight & luggage. The Air Taxi service will weigh both
you and your luggage upon check in at our air service facility. See the Air Taxi link for additional information.
What if I am over 200# with my luggage and body weight?
In most cases of a couple traveling together, this is not a problem as the lessor weight of one may offset the difference. In the event all passengers are at the maximum weight allowed, excess gear will need to be
stored in town or other arrangements made. See the Air Taxi link for additional information.
For more information feel free to contact us.
1-907-235-2237, 1-888-535-2237
bears@hallobay.com
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