Emerald Air Service

Name: Emerald Air Service
Address: 1344 Lakeshore Drive, Homer, AK, 99603, US
Telephone: +19072354160
Rating: 5

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Emerald Air Service

Emerald Air Service is a bear viewing company based in beautiful Homer, Alaska. Keep an eye on the water as we commonly see whales and sea otters.
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Emerald Air Service is the oldest guided bear viewing company based in Homer and have had the pleasure of sharing respect, understanding, and love for Alaska’s Coastal Brown Bears with many thousands of guests while maintaining a perfect safety record in over 30 years of operation. We operate out of two turbine de Havilland Otters on floats; spacious seats–each with a window and a headset. The are

as of Katmai National Park which we visit are a scenic hour's flight past volcanoes and glaciers lining Kachemak Bay and the Cook Inlet. Spend a day in Katmai's back-country with a small group lead by our naturalist guide or come with us to Brooks Falls to see the iconic moment of salmon leaping up waterfalls only to be caught in the jaws of Coastal Brown Bears. Either trip you choose, you will have 5 hours on the ground with these awe-inspiring bears. One of Emerald Air Service’s defining attributes is that our main goal is to educate guests about Katmai’s majestic residents, the Coastal Brown Bear, and the country in which they live. We hope everyone who takes one of our trips leaves with not only great photos, but with an understanding of bears, with knowledge of how to move respectfully throughout their world, and with a love for wild places.

09/05/2023

Beautiful day down on the Katmai coast. Both of our turbine Otters patiently waiting for our guests to get back. Soon the bears will hibernate and so will our planes.

08/26/2023

Shower Time

After chasing a few salmon, momma comes back to check on her cubs and gives them a shower.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/25/2023

When you are an only child, and Mom needs to be your everything. Including playmate!

📷: Erica Hausfeld (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/24/2023

The Lucky One

This lucky sockeye bearly escapes the clutches of 4in claws, massive paws and huge canines.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/20/2023

Resident Celebrity⁠
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FLAPJACK has been an icon of Moraine Creek for many years. With his floppy ear, tell-tale scars and a chunk of fur missing from his back he is very recognizable. He initially takes up position at the confluence where he bellyflops onto the big schools of sockeye. ⁠
After the big push of salmon simmers down, he retreats into the dark depths of the drainage to his favorite spots. He then quietly sits in the water along the banks, camouflaged in the shadows of overhanging willows, for the perfect moment to grab his next salmon. How big will he get this year? He is well on his way to weighing in at over 1,000 pounds.⁠
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📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/19/2023

08/18/2023

Photobomb! “Mine, Mine, Mine!”

The Glaucous-winged gulls are a perpetual part of the landscape, awaiting their chance to clean up the scraps! Each species is an integral and important part of this ecosystem.

Erica (EAS naturalist guide)

08/17/2023

Release the Beast

Even though this one bearly escaped, he didn't get that big from not catching.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/16/2023

3...2...1......We have Liftoff and Splashdown

During the initial return of salmon up in the creeks, the bear are frantic to get their fill as most haven't had salmon in 9 months. So, there is a lot of splashing and not a lot of catching.

📷️Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/13/2023

Fight for Survival

Occasionally you witness something absolutely mind blowing. As we were leaving the creek bottom of Moraine creek a fierce fight broke out. A sow (light blonde) with a single spring cub caught a salmon and a huge boar decided he wanted it. A fight quickly broke out and then something incredible happened. Another sow (darker brown) with twin two-year-olds joined in the fight against the huge boar. At one point the two sows had the boar pinned in the water on his back, but he soon managed to regain his feet. When the sow looked around for her spring cub, who took off down the creek, into incredible danger the darker sow launched at the boar grabbing him by the neck. The tussle and chasing went on for about two minutes where the prized salmon changed possession multiple times but, in the end, the big bruiser came out the winner. Momma and her cub were reunited and went off to fish in a different location.

It was a heart pounding tense fight. We all were gasping because we were just watching the sow with the spring cub fish and initially, we thought the boar attacked the spring cub.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/12/2023

CUTE OVERLOAD!
This mama has her paws full! Triplet spring cubs require a lot of care! Not only does she need to keep her belly full of salmon, but she also needs to keep her eyes on her three fur balls, nurse them and provide salmon for them, too!

Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/11/2023

The bears are honing their fishing skills and filling their bellies!

Each sockeye salmon has an average of 4,500 calories! The bear are busy preparing for their winter slumber by increasing their fat reserves, which they will live off while sleeping away the cold months in the den.
At this rate, they will be well prepared!

Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/10/2023

Off To Moraine Creek We Go

As the meadows along the coast dry and turn yellow, the salmon make their way into the streams. The sockeye runs, just like most things this year, are a little late. In some places pushing three weeks. As you can see, the bear are here on Moraine Creek, and WOW are they hungry!!!!!!!

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/09/2023

We Aren't Done

These triplet cubs weren't done nursing, but momma was.

📷️ (Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/08/2023

It's an exciting time on Moraine Creek! A mother bear chases off a very bold yearling cub to protect the sockeye salmon she had just caught! Her triplet spring cubs anxiously watch the scene unfold.

The salmon run has only just gotten going in this part of Katmai National Park and Preserve, and the bear are all over it!

Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/06/2023

Super Bear

What makes a bear fly?

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/05/2023

Just a Pretty Girl

A beautiful sow resting on a log. A perfect pose!!!

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/04/2023

Means Business

This big boar and another were circling each other vying for a sow. Watching them "Cowboy Walk", around one another, leaving their scent through urine and glands on their feet is quite intimidating. Then when this big guy turned towards us, our eyes locked briefly and it felt like looking into sheer power, strength and the wild of Alaska. We could hear the heavy breathing (from the bear, well, ours too); the sedges being twisted under foot and feel the intense rivalry between two huge males. What an amazing experience.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

08/03/2023

POV: Iconic Falls at Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska 🐻

08/01/2023

Found My Feet

This little spring cub is such a joy to watch. With so much energy and playfulness the adorable meter is always pegged.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/30/2023

Let's Get Reeeeeeeaaady!!!!!!!

Two males wrestle it out while a female pays no attention to their antics.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/29/2023

Say Cheese!

Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/28/2023

The fur is flying as two yearling cubs wrestle in the meadows of Hallo Bay! The weather has heated up in the last few weeks, and many bears are shedding large tufts of last year's coat. Sitting back and watching these siblings playfully try out the skills they will need to be successful adult brown bears was a treat!

📷Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/25/2023

07/24/2023

Hitching a Ride

This little spring cub takes a ride on mommas back while she grazes. It's a much better view from up there too.

📷️ Lance Basset (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/23/2023

We Have Salmon

What a day it was at Hallo Bay! Not only are the meadows still green and lush but we saw our first salmon being caught in Middle creek. It was a good-sized feisty Chum salmon, and this big male didn't waste any time devouring the whole thing on the spot. One down and thousands to go before denning.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/22/2023

Cute Cub Time.

You never know what you may see in nature until you see it. What incredible experiences we have had with our guests in Hallo Bay watching these beautiful Coastal Brown Bear.

This little spring cub put on a wonderful show for us frolicking along the bank as momma grazed in the meadow. We watched it run back and forth digging up sticks, rolling, eating goose tongue and just being a little cub full of energy.

I think the smiles are still there.

📷️Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/20/2023

07/19/2023

Peace and tranquility!

The familiar feet and bear rest on a cool bank as a Merganser family swims quietly by.

📷️ Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

07/18/2023

Water Collar

A sow shaking after a bath in a creek at Hallo Bay.

📷️Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist guide)

Address

1344 Lakeshore Drive
Homer, AK
99603

Telephone

+19072354160

Website

http://emeraldairservice.com/

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Videos

Wait for it..... Spring Cubs are the best!!! Video taken by one of Emerald Air Service's Clients! Book your trip today!😬#naturelovers #bucketlist #brownbear #katmaibears #visithomer #alaska #ecotourist #floatplane #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #bearcountry #homeralaska #naturalist #HomerAK #katmai #bearcub #alaskalife #Alaska #emeraldairservice #emeraldair #wildlifephotography #visitalaska #alaskasummer #explorealaska #mamabear #naturephotography

The season has come to a close, but you haven’t heard the last from us. Stay tuned! 🎥& 📷: Erica Hausfeld (EAS Naturalist Guide) #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #emeraldair #bearcountry #brownbear #naturelovers #homeralaska #visithomer #katmaibears #bucketlist #bestdayever #ecotourist #autumn #alaskalifestyle #alaska #alaskaadventures #wildlifephotography #katmaipreserve

Fall is practically here. The bears will continue fishing as long as there are 🐟 to eat! 🎥: Erica Hausfeld (EAS Naturalist Guide)

Just wanted to share. I declined.

The brown bear are getting plumper by the day and will continue to dine on the sockeye salmon and vegetation as long as possible. Winter will come fast! Come join us for an adventure! 🎥: Erica Hausfeld (EAS Naturalist Guide) #mamabear #alaskasummer #visitalaska #ecotourist #katmaibears #visithomer #bearviewing #alaska #brownbear #explorealaska #katmainationalpark #alaskawildlife #naturelovers #bearcountry #wildlifephotography #emeraldair #alaskaadventures #bucketlist #naturalist #alaskalifestyle #bestdayever #sockeyesalmon #bristolbaysockeyeockeye #katmaipreserve #naturephotography #mothernature

Brooks Camp

POV: Iconic Falls at Brooks Camp, Katmai National Park, Alaska 🐻

Every day is an adventure and every day on an Emerald Air Service guided expedition brings something different! (Erica - EAS Naturalist Guide) #visitalaska #ecotourist #katmaibears #visithomer #bearviewing #alaska #brownbear #explorealaska #katmainationalpark #alaskawildlife #naturelovers #bearcountry #wildlifephotography #emeraldair #alaskaadventures #bucketlist #naturalist #alaskalifestyle #bestdayever

Another exciting day at Brooks Falls and haven't even gotten to the falls or the platforms. #bearviewing#katmainationalpark #brown bear #naturelovers ##Alaska #bucketlist #bearcub #bearcountry #katmaibears #naturalist #HomerAK #homeralaska #naturelovers #visithomer #ecotourist #brownbear Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

Bear stalk During our camping trip we saw some incredible interactions with wolf and bear. We saw a river otter minding its own business on an exposed rock eating a fish, then a bear took notice. This big bruin slowly went into the water and put on a rather impressive semi submerged bear stalk. #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #brownbear #wildlifephotography #naturelovers #ecotourist #emeraldair #floatplane #alaska #bucketlist #visitalaska #bearcountry #alaskalifestyle #alaskaadventures #alaskasummer #alaskawildlife #visithomer #explorealaska #katmaibears #naturalist #naturelovers #homeralaska Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

As much as it’s about the destination, it’s also about the journey! - Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide) #alaskasummer #visitalaska #ecotourist #katmaibears #visithomer #bearviewing #alaska #brownbear #explorealaska #katmainationalpark #alaskawildlife #naturelovers #bearcountry #wildlifephotography #emeraldair #alaskaadventures #bucketlist #naturalist #alaskalifestyle #bestdayever

Three sub-adult brown bears wandered by while we ate our lunch in Hallo Bay! It always feels like a gift to "bear" witness and be accepted as a neutral part of the environment. I might have been giggling, realizing we were both having salad for lunch! ☺️ Erica (EAS Naturalist Guide) #alaskasummer #visitalaska #ecotourist #katmaibears #visithomer #bearviewing #alaska #brownbear #explorealaska #katmainationalpark #alaskawildlife #naturelovers #bearcountry #wildlifephotography #emeraldair #alaskaadventures #bucketlist #naturalist #alaskalifestyle #bestdayever

After a cool dip in Middle Creek at Hallo Bay, this pretty sow walked over to us to say "HI". After greetings were exchanged she decided to have a little self care. #emeraldair #explorealaska #naturelovers #ecotourist #alaskaadventures #bearcountry Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

Feeling Itchy We were watching this female play in the cool waters of Middle Creek in Hallo Bay when she came over to pay us a visit. After saying "HI" she decided it was time for some self-care and exfoliation. #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #brownbear #wildlifephotography #naturelovers #ecotourist #emeraldair #floatplane #alaska #bucketlist #visitalaska #bearcountry #alaskalifestyle #alaskaadventures #alaskasummer #alaskawildlife #visithomer #explorealaska #katmaibears #naturalist #naturelovers #homeralaska Lance Bassett (EAS Naturalist Guide)

Check out these cute spring cubs running to mom at Brooks Camp. Cubs like to explore and wrestle around, but they always stick close to mom! 📷️: Charlotte Arthun #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #brownbear #wildlifephotography #naturelovers #brookscamp #emeraldair #floatplane #alaska #bucketlist #visitalaska #bearcountry #alaskalifestyle #alaskaadventures #alaskasummer #alaskawildlife #visithomer #explorealaska #katmaibears #bearcubs #homeralaska

Intertidal resources Tidal flats are full of clams providing a good source of protein. They will need this in early summer to help provide energy for foraging, mating, and nursing until the salmon arrive. Using their claws, they will dig through the mud to find clams. As you walk through the meadow trails, some bear scat might look a little whitish. Can you guess why? #bearviewing #katmainationalpark #brownbear #wildlifephotography #naturelovers #ecotourist #emeraldair #floatplane #alaska #bucketlist #visitalaska #bearcountry #alaskalifestyle #alaskaadventures #alaskasummer #alaskawildlife #visithomer #explorealaska #katmaibears #naturalist #naturelovers #homeralaska

And just like that, we're back in Hallo Bay! Doing what we do best while the bears do what they do best. Everyone is happy 🐻😊 #katmainationalparkandpreserve #hallobay #explorepage #explore #visithomer

And just like that, bear viewing season begins! Happy summer everyone, we are officially in the water and ready for business!

Come fly with us and experience the best of South Central Alaska 🛫 📷️ 🐻 🏔️

Someone had an itch.

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Our Story

Emerald Air Service was founded by Ken and Chris Day. What began as “Day Trips” in 1991 officially became Emerald Air in 2000. We are the oldest guided bear-viewing company based in Homer and have had the pleasure of sharing respect, understanding, and love for Alaska’s Coastal Brown Bears with many hundreds of guests over the years.

One of Emerald Air Service’s defining attributes is that our main goal is to educate our guests about Katmai’s majestic residents, the Coastal Brown Bear and the country in which they live. This education is conveyed by the guide who has a thorough understanding of the habitat and the bears; but most importantly, it is conveyed by walking a mile (or four) in the footprints of Katmai’s bears.

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