2027 Kodiak Wildlife & Brown Bears of the Katmai Coast

2027 Kodiak Wildlife & Brown Bears of the Katmai Coast

The Best of Wild Alaska in One Unforgettable Workshop

Where else can you spend 9 nights in Alaska, surrounded by friends on a private yacht, photographing the most extraordinary wildlife the state has to offer? This single, all-inclusive workshop combines everything you love about Alaska into one seamless, fun-filled adventure.

We begin in Kodiak with a full-day Marine Wildlife Tour followed by a full-day Kodiak Island Adventure. Then, we fly from Kodiak to our yacht aboard two Beaver floatplanes for 6 nights along the wild Katmai Coast, photographing bears and other wildlife in breathtaking settings.

This trip truly has it all—whales, sea otters, puffins, eagles, and coastal brown bears fishing, raising cubs, sparring, grazing, and more. Aboard our privately chartered expedition yacht, we’ll explore rugged coastlines, maximize time in the field, and capture the most exceptional bear photography opportunities Alaska can provide.

All-inclusive—every meal, every transfer, every gratuity—plus expert guidance, instruction, and plenty of laughter along the way.

Dates: July 31–August 9, 2027
Length: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour Size: Cindy & Bayliss — Two leaders with 8 photographers
Cost: Double Occupancy – $13,793
Deposit: $3,793 | Balance: $10,000 due March 1, 2027

To reserve your spot please email Cindy.

Kodiak Portion Includes

  • Full-day Kodiak Marine Wildlife Tour
  • Full-day Kodiak Island Photography Tour
  • All meals
  • 3 nights lodging in Kodiak
  • Kodiak guide gratuities

Katmai Coast Yacht Portion Includes

  • All transfers
  • Roundtrip floatplane Kodiak–Katmai
  • 6 nights aboard the yacht
  • 5 full days and 2 half days in the field
  • All meals/snacks onboard
  • Crew gratuities

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from Kodiak
  • Hotel stays before/after trip
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Waders (limited loaners available)

Marine Wildlife Tour

We’ll search for breaching whales, nesting puffins, sunning sea lions, and sea otters floating with pups. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1918, protects most of the archipelago as wilderness—accessible only by air or sea. Our spacious charter boat offers versatility, visibility, and maneuverability with twin 300 HP Suzuki outboards, putting photographers at the heart of the action.

Kodiak Island Adventure

A guided full-day excursion takes you through lush rainforests, flower-filled meadows, rocky shorelines, and dramatic cliffs. Wildlife possibilities include Kodiak bears, fox, ermine, and an array of seabirds. You’ll explore WWII relics, tide pools, and remote beaches such as Fossil Beach and Surfer’s Beach, pausing for a gourmet local seafood picnic. The day ends with a celebratory drink at a local brewery or historic bar.

Overview Katmai Coast via Yacht 

Remote. Wild. Spectacular.
Unlike lodge-based trips restricted by flight schedules and weather, our yacht-based workshop offers unmatched proximity, flexibility, and comfort. When weather turns, we wait in the safety of our 98-foot Coast Guard–certified vessel until the skies clear and the light returns. Then, it’s back to shore for action-packed bear photography.

Operating primarily from Hallo Bay, Geographic Bay, and surrounding areas, our vessel is equipped with a 28-foot landing craft to reach remote shores where bears roam against volcanic backdrops.

Activity Level: Moderate. Expect 3–4 miles of hiking/day over uneven terrain, wearing waders and carrying camera gear.

Workshop Itinerary

  • July 31: Arrive Kodiak, check in to hotel
  • Aug 1 & 2: Marine Wildlife Tour & Kodiak Island Adventure
  • Aug 2 evening: Welcome dinner & orientation
  • Aug 3: Fly to yacht via floatplane; afternoon/evening bear photography
  • Aug 4–8: Morning & afternoon/evening bear sessions; optional skiff outings for sea otters, puffins, eagles, seals, and possibly whales
  • Aug 9: Morning bear session; return to Kodiak by floatplane; connect to flights home

Exclusive Post-Workshop Reunion

As an added bonus, every group photo workshop includes a private Zoom reunion. This is far more than a casual check-in—it’s a chance to reconnect with your fellow travelers, share your ten favorite images, and receive thoughtful critique. The deadline to select and present your images provides the perfect push to complete your editing workflow, while the process of narrowing down to ten becomes an invaluable editing exercise in itself. Participants often call these reunions a highlight—like reliving the best moments, only this time with friends for life.

Cancellation Policy

Due to the significant time and financial commitments required to secure guides and accommodations in prime bear season, all payments (including deposits) are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled. If you fill your own spot, a full refund will be issued. If we fill your spot, a $350 administration fee will be deducted from your refund. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.