Katmai Coast Bear Photography Tour

Katmai National Park & Preserve is among the world's premier destinations for viewing and photographing coastal brown bears. This remote wilderness is home to rugged coastlines, active volcanoes, tidewater glaciers, and salmon-rich rivers that support one of Alaska's highest concentrations of coastal brown bears.

Join us during peak salmon season as we explore the Katmai coast by boat and skiff, where brown bears fish, forage, and interact in their natural environment. Along the way, you'll also have opportunities to photograph bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, and occasional wolves and other wildlife, all set against dramatic coastal landscapes.

Why August?

August is one of the best times to experience the Katmai coast and one of the few times of year when salmon turn a brilliant shade of red as they return to spawn. The bright red salmon draw brown bears to rivers and estuaries, where they spend their days feeding before winter. Cubs remain close to their mothers, creating wonderful opportunities to observe and photograph a wide variety of natural behaviors, from dramatic fishing action and playful sibling interactions to quiet family moments. Combined with long daylight hours and the spectacular scenery of the Katmai coast, this is one of the most sought-after weeks of the season for bear photography, which is why we reserved these dates more than three years in advance.

Your Floating Basecamp: Comfort Meets Adventure

Our 90-plus-foot vessel serves as a comfortable floating basecamp, allowing us to explore renowned bear-viewing areas such as Geographic Harbor, Hallo Bay, and Kukak Bay. Each day, we'll travel ashore by skiff for close range encounters with bears in their natural habitat. From mothers and cubs grazing on sedge grass to boars chasing bright red salmon through shallow streams, every outing reveals something different, with changing wildlife behavior, beautiful light, and endless photographic opportunities, all within one of the wildest and most spectacular coastal ecosystems in Alaska.

Photography Highlights

• Action and behavior: Capture bears fishing, sparring, clamming, and cubs at play

• Intimate moments: Mothers and cubs resting or nursing in wildflower meadows

• Epic settings: Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, misty fjords, and lush estuaries as dramatic backdrops

• Golden hour light: Long Alaskan days offer extended windows for soft, warm light

• Bonus wildlife: Sea otters, eagles, whales, wolves, horned puffins, river otters, tufted puffins, and harbor seals

Dates and Details

When: August 15–22, 2028 (4 spaces left)
Starting Point: Kodiak Island, accessible via Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport (ADQ) with regular Alaska Airlines service

Itinerary

August 15
Arrive in Kodiak, settle in, and meet the group for a welcome orientation and dinner.

August 16
Board a floatplane for a scenic flight to our private vessel, your floating basecamp for the week. After settling in, head ashore for your first opportunities to photograph coastal brown bears in their natural habitat.

August 17 to 21
Spend full days photographing brown bears while exploring a variety of locations along the Katmai coast. Our schedule remains flexible so we can take advantage of changing wildlife activity, weather, tides, and the best available light. Depending on the day's plans, we'll return to the vessel for lunch or enjoy a packed lunch in the field. While traveling by skiff, you'll also have opportunities to photograph seabirds and marine wildlife.

August 22
Enjoy one final morning in the field before returning to Kodiak by floatplane for your onward flight home.

Who Should Join

This tour is open to anyone passionate about wildlife photography, from beginners to professionals. You should be comfortable using your camera, love nature, and enjoy the camaraderie of a small group.

Participants must be able to safely climb in and out of small boats while carrying camera gear and should be in good overall health. Expect up to 1 to 2 miles of hiking over flat but uneven terrain.

Group Size

Our small group of up to 8 participants and two experienced leaders provide personalized instruction, flexibility in the field, and plenty of opportunities to learn while photographing incredible wildlife.

Pricing

Cost: $12,995 per person
Deposit: $2,000
Balance: $9,995 (due 9 months before departure)

The final payment schedule varies by vendor requirements, and flexible payment options are available.

Price Includes:

• Welcome dinner, overnight hotel accommodations in Kodiak, and classroom instruction

• Float plane flight from Kodiak Island to Yacht and back ($1000+ value)

• Tips for Yacht Staff (including captains, cooks, and assistants)

• 6 nights on a private yacht (double occupancy), each room has a bathroom and shower

• All meals on board

• Professional photography instruction and wildlife expertise

Not Included:

• Airfare to and from Kodiak

• Alcoholic beverages on yacht

Meet Your Leaders

John Slonina is a professional nature photographer with more than 35 years of experience and decades exploring Alaska. He is well-versed in bear behavior and spends extensive time researching each location to understand seasonal wildlife activity, light, and habitat. His deep knowledge of Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife helps participants capture powerful, creative images. John’s teaching style blends technical skill, field awareness, and a strong eye for storytelling.

Jenny Bowlden is an experienced wildlife and landscape photographer who has traveled extensively throughout Alaska and has co-led numerous Alaska photo tours with John. Skilled in photographing wildlife behavior, she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the field. Jenny enjoys helping photographers refine their compositions, work with natural light, and capture authentic moments in nature.

Together, John and Jenny combine decades of experience, field leadership, and personalized guidance to make this expedition both educational and inspiring.

Questions? Email us or visit the link below to reserve your spot.