Frequently Asked Questions

We prioritize the health and well-being of our guests, guides and partners. We are taking many precautions to keep our guests and guides safe.

 

Here is what guests can expect:

• In accordance to CDC recommendations and local Public Health authorities, masks are optional in vehicles on our tours. We follow policies as mandated by the NPS. NPS ongoing masking guidance is based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels.
• Guests are asked to wash hands before pickup.
• Your guide may ask a few health questions before the tour begins.
• Guests should have paperwork printed, signed, and ready to give to guide upon pickup.
• We ask that all guests sit in the rear of the vehicles. There are six window seats available in the vehicles, plus a roof hatch. Tours accommodate nine (9) guests max.
• The National Parks have asked all guests on tours to practice physical distancing.
• Food and beverages provided on tours will be individually wrapped.
• To minimize contact, guides will avoid shaking hands or touching guest belongings, including cell phones. Guests should be prepared to carry their own belongings.
• Teton Science Schools routinely cleans vehicles and equipment between trips.

Refusal to comply with any of the above mentioned protocols is grounds for removal from the tour.

Wildlife Expeditions is committed to providing our guests the most flexibility due to these uncertain times. We will provide a 100% refund for cancellations more than seven days prior to tour start date. Within seven days, guests can choose a full tour credit valid for up to one year or receive a 50% refund.

We visit the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s best wildlife viewing areas, guided by the interests of the group and recent sightings in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the surrounding National Forest areas. Our guides are knowledgeable about variable animal behaviors, such as seasonal feeding grounds and rest requirements and, as such, there is no set route. In Yellowstone National Park, we also strive to see as many geological highlights as possible, which are established stops along the way.

While we may visit remote areas, we do not go off-roading as it is detrimental to wildlife habitat. All of the areas we frequent are open to the public, so you can return to those places on your own and observe animals after your trip with Wildlife Expeditions.

There is variability in what animals we may see based on seasonal migrations and hibernation. We often see bison, moose, elk, mule deer, coyotes, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles throughout the year. We typically see pronghorn antelope in spring, summer, and fall, and bighorn sheep in winter and spring. The Jackson Hole area is home to a wide variety of mammal and birds species and on any given day we may see bison, moose, grizzly bears, black bears, mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, foxes or bighorn sheep.

Currently, Wildlife Expeditions is only offering private tours to allow for our COVID-19 protocols and to ensure the health and wellness of our guests. Private tours can accommodate up to nine guests. Every seat in our customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans offers great viewing opportunities.

We hope to resume public tours and multi-day days in the future.

Tour departure times vary based on actual sunrise and sunset times. In the winter months, wildlife tours typically leave at 7:30 am and 1:00 pm. The snowcoach tour has a 6:30 am start.

During the summer season, departure times for full day tours and sunrise tours vary between 6 am and 7:30 am; and departures for the sunset tour vary between 1 pm and 5 pm. For example, in the long days of June, we leave at 6:00 a.m. for the sunrise tour and 5 p.m. for the sunset tour. Please contact us for exact departure times.

Yes! We encourage our guests to bring video/cameras and smartphones to record their experience. Sometimes wildlife will be very cooperative and close to the vehicle, and more often than not, they will be outside of camera range. Your guide will recommend safe and acceptable distances to take photos of certain species.

All Wildlife Expeditions tours include snacks and beverages, spotting scopes/binoculars, and transportation in a customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Full day tours also include light breakfast and a picnic lunch.

National Park passes and guide gratuities are not included.

National Park passes can be purchased at the Park entrances while on the expedition, or you can purchase them in advance online. (Please plan for at least one week for delivery for online purchases.) Park passes are valid for the pass holder plus three additional people.

Typically, Summer tours start May 1st and operate through early December. Winter tours start mid-December and operate through April. Tour start dates may vary due to road openings and closures set by the National Park Service.

 

Wildlife Expeditions is based in the town of Jackson and most of our tours will start and end here. If you are staying in the town of Jackson, Wilson or Teton Village, we are happy to arrange a complimentary pick up at your place of lodging. If you are staying in the National Parks or outside the immediate area, we can meet you in the town of Jackson at the Home Ranch Welcome Center Public Parking Lot. Please note: The drive time for your pickup and drop off will be factored into the total time on the tour.

We welcome all ages of participants from infants to seniors. Our small group sizes ensure a personalized experience for all members of the group. Wildlife Expeditions guides will tailor the tour to your interests and actively engage children and adults. Based on your family’s needs, our guides can change the pace of tour and provide special activities for kids such as journals and activity packs.

According to Wyoming State Law, all children ages eight (8) and under must travel in a child safety restraint system. We do not provide child seats, so please plan on bringing a carseat or booster for all children who require one. Our vehicles have lower connector latch anchors, and anchors behind the seats for tether straps.

There is an abundance of lodging options in and around Jackson to fit your budget and desired amenities. Our staff can provide suggestions based on your parameters and we highly recommend utilizing the wealth of information available at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce website.

There are many other seasonal activities available in the Jackson area. Our staff would be happy to recommend a few, but the greatest wealth of information can be found at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. We also have partnerships with local organizations and offer several discounts: Wyoming Stargazing

Definitely! Add memories from a Wildlife Expedition tour to your winter vacation. Choose a full-day tour on your off-day from the slopes, or select a half day tour after a morning of skiing and riding.

Wildlife Expeditions welcomes all travel trade partners. We have commission and affiliate rate structures available when you book individual guests and groups on our tours. Please contact us via email or phone at 877.404.6626 to learn more about how to offer Wildlife Expeditions tours with your guests.