ClickCeaseBears - Natural World Safaris
  • Settings:
Scroll
Menu

Bears

WILDLIFE

Encounters with Bears

Before Natural World Safaris, the brand was split into three, including World Bear Safaris. We have kept all of our specialist knowledge from our World Bear Safari days and continue to design journeys into the natural world to see these magnificent creatures in the wild, including the King of the Arctic, the Polar Bear. We are also experienced specialists in grizzly bear watching safaris, spirit bear holidays and sun bear safaris.

Experiencing bears in the wild is always an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience, whether you are traversing the icy Arctic on a polar bear safari or tracking through lush forests to watch grizzlies fishing for spawning salmon. Natural World Safaris will put you in the right place at the right time for the best possible bear watching experience, ensuring you have a trip of a lifetime.

Sl Kamchatka Brown Bear Andrew James
POL Sl Nws Svalbard Aug Polar Bear Credit Chase Teron

WHY BOOK YOUR BEAR SAFARI WITH NWS

Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the change to join habituation safaris and more. Our exclusive network on the ground links us to all the best lodges in the region and we are often able to add that little NWS twist to your trip, transforming it into something really special.

Best Places in the World to See Bears in the Wild

Bears inhabit a remarkable variety of environments across the globe, each species perfectly adapted to its unique habitat. From the vast Arctic ice fields where polar bears roam, to the rich salmon rivers favoured by grizzlies, the misty coastal rainforests home to elusive spirit bears, and the dense, steamy jungles where sun bears quietly thrive — the diversity of bear habitats is truly extraordinary.

Our carefully curated bear safaris take you to some of the world’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, including:

  • The Arctic wilderness of Svalbard and Canada, where polar bears dominate the frozen landscape.
  • The rugged rivers and forests of Alaska and British Columbia, home to powerful grizzlies and black bears.
  • The tropical rainforests of Borneo and the vast wilderness of India, where you can encounter sun bears and the rare Himalayan brown bears.
  • The wild Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, a remote stronghold for brown bears living amid volcanoes and pristine rivers.

Each destination offers a unique bear experience, and links throughout this page will take you to detailed information on the habitats, wildlife, and safari opportunities available.


Our Top Bear Safaris

CAN St Canada Spirit Bear Shutterstock Naturesmmentsuk

Grizzlies and Spirit Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest

Travel deep into the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world, home to an abundance of grizzlies, black bears and the elusive spirit bears. Snow-capped peaks overlook spectacular fjords and ancient forests with 1000 year old cedars teeming with wildlife. Bears forage for roots and berries or gorge on salmon, wolves hide between trees, eagles wait patiently ready to swoop and the Pacific coastal waters welcome orca, grey and humpback whales.

Read more...
ORA Ga Borneo Sticky Rice

Borneo Short Safari

From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.

From 7000 per person
ARC St Arctic Canada Polar Bear With Cub Shvaygert Ekaterina

The Great Ice Bear

A 7-day fly-in safari for polar bear viewing at Dymond Lake Lodge.

From 13000 per person
Sl Svalbard Kinfish Chase Teron

Polar Bear Explorer

Join us in 2024 for polar bear cruises in Svalbard aboard the R/V Kinfish, where every moment is an opportunity for polar bear watching amid the stunning Arctic scenery.

From 10660 per person

Best Time to See Bears Around the World

Short, cold days favour true Arctic specialists and tropical forest dwellers. This is a great month for icy polar scenes and dry-season India safaris.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard & Arctic Canada: Adults roaming sea ice, hunting seals.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Cool, dry conditions in Satpura/Kanha improve daytime foraging sightings.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Year-round rainforest activity; climbing for fruit and honey.

Arctic landscapes remain pristine and quiet, while India continues to deliver dependable sightings.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard & Arctic Canada: Males and non-denning females areactive on the ice.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Dry forests aid tracking; look for termite-digging.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Canopy feeding and hive-raiding continue.

Spring stirs northern wildlife while tropical forests stay lively; this is a magical month for polar bear families.

  • Polar Bears — Hudson Bay (Canada) & Svalbard: Cubs emerging from dens; intimate family behaviour.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: First post-hibernation activity in milder/coastal areas.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Foraging; mothers often carrying cubs.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Seasonal figs and fruit draws them into view.

Short, cold days favour true Arctic specialists and tropical forest dwellers. This is a great month for icy polar scenes and dry-season India safaris.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard & Arctic Canada: Adults roaming sea ice, hunting seals.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Cool, dry conditions in Satpura/Kanha improve daytime foraging sightings.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Year-round rainforest activity; climbing for fruit and honey.

A transitional month: Arctic ice routes open to small ships; coastal North America and India remain rewarding.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard: Excellent ship-based viewing on spring ice floes.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: Meadows, coastlines and early salmon opportunities.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Strong pre-monsoon sightings in central parks.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Foraging among blossoms/fruit.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia (Canada): First seasonal sightings in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Long northern days boost encounter rates; salmon action begins and rainforests are buzzing.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard: Reliable from expedition cruises on drifting ice.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska (Katmai/Lake Clark): Salmon runs kick off; gatherings at rivers.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Females with cubs often visible.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Good chances near fruiting trees; rehab centres in Sabah offer consistent viewing.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia: Occasional summer sightings in lush forest.

Peak salmon drama in Alaska; the high Arctic stays productive while monsoon patterns shape India.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard & Canadian High Arctic: Working the ice edge farther north.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: Iconic fishing at Brooks Falls and other rivers.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Sightings continue (weather-dependent); cubs often riding on mothers.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Fruit-rich forests keep them active.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia: Possible, though less reliable than autumn.

Late-summer abundance: salmon frenzies, rainforest insects and the first strong spirit-bear movement.

  • Polar Bears — Canadian Arctic: Encounters on ice floes/coastlines.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: Spectacular salmon catches continue.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Termite-mound raids; nocturnal activity increases.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia: Increasingly regular near salmon rivers.

One of the most balanced months across regions: salmon peaks, spirit-bear prime time, and post-monsoon India re-opens.

  • Polar Bears — Hudson Bay (Canada): Gathering along shores awaiting freeze-up.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: Heavy feeding on salmon and berries pre-denning.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Active as rains ease, with fresh feeding grounds.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Breaking open logs/termite mounds.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia: Peak season in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Crisp, colourful forests in British Columbia meet headline polar bear action building in Canada’s north.

  • Polar Bears — Churchill, Canada: Large congregations before sea ice returns.
  • Grizzly Bears — Alaska: Final intense foraging before dens.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Reliable post-monsoon sightings in cooler air.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Active around fruiting trees/hives.
  • Spirit Bears — British Columbia: Excellent salmon-season encounters continue.

Arctic showtime; temperate bears wind down while India hits a sweet spot for sightings.

  • Polar Bears — Churchill, Canada: Peak month for guided, close-yet-respectful encounters.
  • Sloth Bears — India: Cool, dry conditions boost daytime activity.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Consistent rainforest viewing year-round.

Deep winter favours the Arctic and India’s clear, cool safaris; Borneo stays evergreen.

  • Polar Bears — Svalbard & Canada: Classic winter scenes of bears hunting seals on the ice.
  • Sloth Bears — India: One of the best months for clear-sky sightings.
  • Sun Bears — Borneo: Active in canopy and understory.

Types of Bears

Talk to a Bear Specialist Today