Join us for an instructional photo tour and workshop in Alaska, the Last Frontier. This trip is designed to help you capture Alaska’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife from a private yacht, combined with land excursions to some of the region’s most photogenic locations. We’ll travel to remote areas that larger vessels can’t access, offering opportunities to photograph coastal fjords, glaciers, mountain scenery, and rich temperate rainforests.

BEARS
We will have opportunities to see bears in several locations throughout the trip. One highlight is visiting Anan Creek Bear Observatory, one of the best places to photograph bears fishing for salmon. From the boat landing, we’ll follow a well-maintained trail through the forest to reach the viewing platform overlooking a waterfall, where black bears and brown bears gather to feed. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and gulls are also drawn to the salmon run. A creekside photo blind offers an even closer vantage point for photography. We will be visiting some other secret locations that we can’t mention online.

WHALES AND OTHER WILDLIFE
We'll spend much of our time in prime humpback whale territory, where the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage provide outstanding whale photography opportunities. This region also offers incredible scenery and supports a wide range of wildlife. As we explore nearby areas, we’ll look for bears, bald eagles, puffins, seals, Dall’s porpoise, and sea lions. With so much activity in these rich habitats, you’ll have plenty of chances to photograph Alaska’s remarkable wildlife.

FJORDS AND GLACIERS
Photogenic snowcapped mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fjords will surround us for most of the tour. We will visit Tracy Arm Fjord, which is incredibly beautiful with its tidewater glaciers.

THE YACHT
We'll be based on an 87-foot private yacht, offering a comfortable and well-equipped home for the tour. The open layout includes four spacious common areas with views from every room. There’s space to gather as a group or find a quiet spot to relax, review images, or recharge. The vessel has a large dining area, cozy indoor lounges, several restrooms, and wraparound outdoor decks, most of them covered, which allow for photography from a stable, low vantage point close to the water.

Two skiffs and kayaks are available for shore excursions and additional photography opportunities. Our experienced crew includes a captain, co-captain, mate, and chef. Photography instruction will be provided throughout the trip by tour leader John Slonina, who will be on board to help you make the most of each scene.

WHEN
July 29 - August 6, 2026 (2 spaces left)

GETTING THERE AND BACK
Starting Point: Juneau, AK (JNU)
Ending Point: Ketchikan. AK (KTN)
Alaska Airlines flies to both of these locations.

GROUP SIZE
The group size is small for this tour, with two leaders. This will maximize learning and allow us to get closer to wildlife. This is the best way to approach wildlife with a small group and not on an overcrowded boat.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Anyone with an interest in photography, from beginner to professional, is welcome on this tour. The participants should have a working knowledge of their camera, a love of nature, and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

• Participants should also be able to climb in and out of boats in sometimes slippery conditions, carrying photo gear. This cruising ground is protected from ocean exposure by the many islands. There is minimal swell for most of the tour.

• This trip may include some short hikes from 1 to 2 miles round-trip.

• Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 7 nights’ stay on a private Yacht (double occupancy). There are no single-occupancy rooms.

• 1 night's stay in a hotel before (the night before the boat ride)

• All meals

• Professional Instruction in photography, wildlife identification, and behavior

NOT INCLUDED

• Air travel is NOT included.

• Tips for the yacht company staff

COST
$10,995 per person
Deposit: $2000
Balance: $8995

The final balance for this tour is due 6–9 months before your tour begins, with exact timing based on lodge and vendor requirements.

We’re happy to offer flexible payment options—just reach out and we’ll work with you to find a plan that fits

Note: There is an option to extend this trip to photograph Grizzly Bears (Brown Bears).

PAYMENTS
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart.

Testimonials:

Cancellation Policy:

John Slonina (leader)
John Slonina is a professional nature photographer with more than 35 years of experience and several decades of travel and guiding in Alaska. His deep familiarity with the region, combined with his passion for the natural world, is reflected in both his photography and teaching. In this workshop, John will share not only photography techniques but also insights into Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife. This knowledge will deepen your appreciation of nature and help you grow as a photographer.

We hope you can join us on this incredible photo tour. If you have any questions, please contact us.