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Katmai Bear Photography on Small Group Expeditions

On a multi-day Katmai trip aboard the Island C, you can photograph brown bears and coastal wildlife, spend hours ashore with guides and explore by skiff. Between outings, you’ll return aboard with time to edit your photographs, share images and relax.
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Photographing Bears on the Katmai Coast

On our tours, you have time to settle into one place and photograph the bears without feeling rushed. Follow a bear digging for clams, watch cubs nursing and notice changing expressions as you wait for your shot. Our crew understands that good wildlife photography takes patience.

 

Shore groups typically include eight to ten people, including guides, and everyone stays together. Much of your time is spent seated, photographing bears as they feed, rest and interact.

 

As the Island C moves between bays, you’ll find different shorelines, backgrounds and subjects. Beaches, tidal flats and river mouths offer ground-level views of bears in their surroundings.

For more about guided outings and what to expect ashore, visit our Bear Viewing Page.

Katmai Bear Photography Through the Summer

The time of year shapes what you can photograph. In early summer, you can watch grazing, clamming and social behavior, while later trips offer opportunities to photograph bears fishing for salmon.

June and July

You can photograph bears grazing on sedges, digging clams on tidal flats and interacting with one another. Cubs following their mothers and bears meeting during the mating season offer plenty to watch. Coastal settings also give you room to include the surrounding landscape in your photographs.

August and September

As salmon return, you’ll have opportunities to photograph bears chasing fish, pouncing and splashing through streams and river mouths. The timing varies by stream and year, and the crew follows the activity when planning outings.

A Photographer’s View of the Katmai Coast

Skiff trips take you into coves, around islands and along the coastline, with opportunities to photograph humpback whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters and seabirds.


Photographing from the skiff puts you close to the water, giving you a different perspective on wildlife and the coastline. As conditions allow, the operator can adjust the skiff’s position to help you find an angle for your photographs.


Back aboard the Island C, you can photograph from the viewing deck while traveling between bays or while at anchor, watching wildlife along the shore and in the surrounding waters.

Photo Workstations Aboard the Island C

Between outings, you’re welcome to set up your laptop in the Island C’s salon, where you can edit your photographs and charge your camera batteries. In the evening, gather with the group to share your photos on the large screen and talk about what you captured during the day.

Photography Outings With Our Crew

Our crew is there to help you with locations, positioning and handling your equipment during skiff transfers and shore landings.


You’ll usually head ashore after breakfast, return for lunch aboard and have another outing in the afternoon or evening. Plans follow the wildlife, tides and weather. Outings are optional, so feel free to relax aboard the Island C.

Bringing Your Camera Gear Ashore

Each shore outing begins with a skiff ride of up to about 15 minutes. There may be spray during the ride, and you step into water that can be knee-deep when landing.


We provide chest waders, wading boots and a life jacket for your skiff ride. Bring protection for your camera equipment against rain and salt spray during transfers and time ashore.

Available Trips

Here’s a list of our upcoming trips. If you’re interested in booking a spot, please submit an inquiry form.

Dates

Travel Route

Price

Availability

July 8-14, 2027

  • Boat to Katmai, fly back to Kodiak
  • $7,437
  • 8 spots left

July 14-20, 2027

  • Fly to Katmai, boat back to Kodiak
  • $7,437
  • 8 spots left

Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2027

  • Fly to Katmai, boat back to Kodiak
  • $8,687
  • 0 spots left
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Learn more about these tours, including routes and itineraries, on our Main Tours Page.

What Photographers Say

I just had the best and most unforgettable trip aboard the Island C! I was traveling with fellow photographers and Island C crew - Trevor, Leigh, and Natalie made us feel like family. They not only took us to some amazing places with spectacular views with bears, but they also alerted us when there was other wildlife as well. We saw whales, otters, bald eagles, and puffins! Trevor and Leigh made sure we were safe and Natalie made sure we were well fed. Don't wait! Book your unforgettable trip with them today! You will not be disappointed!
Fran G.Trip Advisor, Sept 2022
I have now traveled with Trevor and the Island-C crew on three separate trips and every one of those trips has been nothing short of amazing! I am a photography workshop instructor and lead trips all over the world. I have worked with guides all over the world and I can definitely say that Trevor and his crew are some of the BEST! Staying on the Island-C, waking up in these beautiful protected coves, and being able to take the time to go ashore multi times a day or just relax on board - it is an awesome experience.
@loraxTrip Advisor, Sept 2022
Just spent a week aboard the Island C with a photography tour. Primary focus was on the bears of Katmai, but also the whales, sea otters, eagles and other wildlife in the area. Capt Trevor Jones got us to the great viewing spots along the coast and then ashore to view the bears up close and kept us safe. Supporting Capt Trevor were Leigh (1st Mate) and Natali (Chef) Our group of ten were well taken care of and the meals were wonderful. Highly Recommended!!!
Brad B.Trip Advisor, Sept 2022

Private Photography Trips and Workshops

You’re welcome to bring your own group aboard the Island C for a private photography trip or a workshop with your own instructor. Talk with GMX about your dates, photographic interests and plans for the group.
Private Charters Page

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Fill out the inquiry form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do your trips include photography instruction?
No. You should be comfortable using your own camera equipment. The crew can help you with locations, positioning and equipment handling.
Regular trips are not scheduled around sunrise and sunset. In June, sunrise can be well before the morning outing. If photographing at those times is a priority, contact us about a private charter.
Yes. You and your friends can book places on the same trip, subject to availability. Instructed photography workshops require a private charter.
You may see them on later-season trips when nights are dark, skies are clear and auroral activity is strong. They are a possible bonus rather than a planned part of the trip.
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