Alaska - Coastal Brown Bears Photography Tour

Up Close. No Crowds. All Wild.

 

Join me for a six-day, five-night Alaskan adventure like no other. Our exclusive wilderness lodge sits deep in coastal brown bear country, where snowcapped peaks rise above wildflower meadows and bears roam just steps from your door.

This tour is timed for peak activity—cubs emerging from dens, courtship displays, and unforgettable bear behavior. You’ll also capture eagles, puffins, and a host of other wildlife.

What makes this spot so special? You get rare, up-close access to coastal brown bears that most Alaska visitors never see. No crowded boardwalks, no strict time limits, no jostling with large groups.

Our lodge offers stunning waterfront views, easy shore access, and a cozy sauna to unwind after photographing bears. You can try your hand at halibut fishing, hunt for ancient fossils in a nearby cove, and enjoy fresh local seafood and chef-prepared meals that make every day feel like a treat.

Blending modern comfort with historic charm, our lodge gives you a true taste of Alaskan heritage—plus front-row access to the world’s largest brown bears. From start to finish, this all-inclusive wildlife photography tour delivers a one-of-a-kind Alaska experience you’ll never forget.

Trip Overview

  • June 28, 2026 - July 3, 2026

  • Tour Start/End Location: Kenai, Alaska

  • Fitness Level: Average

    • Must be able to get on and off a small boat with your camera gear, while wearing waders

    • There will be some hiking over mostly flat terrain.

  • Tour Cost: $6995 per person / double occupancy

    • Please inquire for single supplement, limited availability

    • $2500 deposit to reserve your spot

  • What’s Included:

    • Flights between Kenai, AK and the lodge

    • Daily guided bear photography via boat and on foot.

    • All meals and lodging

  • What’s Not Included:

    • Flights between your home and Kenai, AK

    • Lodging in Kenai before and after the trip

    • Lodge staff gratuity

A Unique Wildlife Photography Adventure

Step into the heart of Alaska’s bear country for a unique photography experience. No crowded boardwalks. No rigid schedules. From meadows dotted with wildflowers to sweeping coastlines and winding sloughs, we’ll follow coastal brown bears wherever the day takes us—on foot or from the water—without competing with other lodges or day-tour groups.

Our boat opens up a whole new world of possibilities. One day, you might walk beside a sow and her cubs through sunlit grasslands. The next, you’re drifting silently offshore, getting low-angle shots framed by snowcapped peaks and dramatic rocky coastlines.

You’ll be guided by an expert with over 10 years of experience photographing and guiding around these bears, and I will be there to help you come home with a collection of wonderful photos. Our guide’s deep knowledge of bear behavior and movements means you’ll be in the right place at the right time for the shots that tell a story.

While bears are the stars of the show, there’s more to explore. We’ll journey to a nearby island for rare, up-close encounters with horned and tufted puffins—right on land, just feet away. We’ll wander a quiet cove in search of ancient fossils, and if you’re interested, you can fish for halibut straight from the lodge.

Our custom boat gives us access to places few others can reach. With an onboard restroom, shelter from the elements, and space for incredible cookouts between shoots, it keeps us comfortable and on location longer. It’s also a game-changer for unique perspectives, especially those hard-to-get low angles.

At the end of each day, you’ll return to Snug Harbor Outpost—a restored 100-year-old cannery turned into a charming, comfortable lodge. Relax in the sauna, wander the historic grounds with your camera, and savor fresh, locally inspired meals prepared just for you. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed like family.

Notes and Details

Deposit: $2500
Non-refundable deposit required to book the trip. Please purchase travel insurance which will cover the cost of cancellations. Balance of payment will be due by 3/1/26. We reserve the right to cancel the trip due to inadequate registration or unforeseen circumstances. In that case, all deposits and payments will be refunded in full.

*Images courtesy of and copyrighted by KAR Safaris