Taking Flight: A Young Woman’s Aviation Journey

One of Samatha Boland's earliest memories is sitting in the cockpit of a plane. “I think I was four and I remember sitting there and just feeling really comfortable, because my dad made me feel comfortable in the plane,” says Boland. Samatha's father Martin Boland has always had a passion for flying. He was in the Airforce, a flight instructor, and also flew cargo throughout Alaska. Martin is one of those natural born guides whose love for bears is evident. As the number of tourists surpassed the number of bear viewing companies, Martin created Scenic Bear Viewing out of Homer, but first he asked his daughter to be his partner.

“My dad said I want to be there for you and I want you to be there for me,” states Boland

As a seasoned pilot, Martin hoped his daughter would inherit not just his love for aviation, but also his passion for the boundless freedom and exhilarating adventures that come with flying. Never pushing his daughter, Martin waited in the wings until Sam was ready. After ground school and over 50 hours of flying in a two-seater 152, Sam will attain her private pilot's license in early summer 2024 and then will eventually work toward a commercial license, which takes over 500 hours. “Once I got that pilot itch, it stuck, plus knowing that I could do it and having the confidence to become a pilot, which my dad really helped me with,” says Boland. The plan is for Sam to fly customers, but until that time she concentrates on bookings, marketing, social media and is a certified bear guide.

When you book an excursion with Scenic Bear Viewing, you are embarking on an experience of a lifetime. They are a family oriented company and one of the few that will take most children.

“We have rules, such as no candy, no running, no excited behavior, etc,” says Sam. "We discuss these things before we ever get on the plane, but we really try to educate the children beforehand because we want the entire family to enjoy this experience."

Their classic bear viewing tour is an unforgettable day trip and includes: air transportation in a six-seater 206 wheeled plane, professional bear/naturalist guide, hip waders, digital photos of your trip and all safety equipment. Flying in their plane over Alaska’s rugged landscapes, one is humbled by the sheer grandeur and untamed beauty unfolding beneath, where majestic mountains, icy glaciers, and sprawling wilderness stretch as far as the eye can see.

Once you reach the remote beaches of Katmai or Lake Clark, a guide will lead you to a vantage point where you can observe the true Alaska kings. Embarking on a bear tour out of Homer offers an exhilarating glimpse into the untamed coast, where one can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, forging unforgettable memories amidst the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier.

With Scenic Bear Viewing, they make you feel like part of their extended family, ensuring that every interaction is filled with warmth, care, and genuine concern for your well-being and satisfaction. “We love getting to know our customers and showing them our corner of the state. Katmai and Lake Clark is not like anywhere else in the world.” says Boland.

To book a tour please visit: scenicbearviewing.com