Homer [1] is a popular base for flightseeing trips and bear-viewing flights to coastal Katmai National Park in the summer, primarily the stretch between Geographic Harbor and Swikshak Lagoon (some trips go to Lake Clark National Park).
All-day trips cost around $550–625 per person and are offered late May–mid-September. Call ahead for reservations during July-August, but walk-ins may be available one day before.
Operated by lifelong Alaskans Gary and Jeanne Porter, Bald Mountain Air Service (907/235-7969 or 800/478-7969, www.baldmountainair.com [2]) is a long-established company with a fine reputation.
Another company, Emerald Air Service, (www.emeraldairservice.com [3]), may also be offering bear viewing trips. Book your midsummer trip in January or February to be assured of a space.
Jose de Creeft of Northwind Aviation (907/235-7482, www.northwindak.com [4])—one of the best bush pilots around—offers flightseeing and trips to Brooks River or McNeil.
Hallo Bay Bear Lodge (907/235-2237, www.hallobay.com [5]) is a unique camp setting in the heart of Katmai National Park, described in the Southwest Alaska chapter but accessed by Homer [1] air taxis.
Smokey Bay Air (907/235-1511 or 888/482-1511, www.smokeybayair.com [6]) takes guests bear-viewing at Hallo Bay in Katmai or Homestead Lodge in Lake Clark National Park.
Maritime Helicopters (907/235-7771, www.maritimehelicopters.com [7]) guides eagle-eye tours of the region’s glaciers, islands, and mountains on a charter basis.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alaska/kenai-peninsula/homer
[2] http://www.baldmountainair.com
[3] http://www.emeraldairservice.com
[4] http://www.northwindak.com
[5] http://www.hallobay.com
[6] http://www.smokeybayair.com
[7] http://www.maritimehelicopters.com