Join us for an Alaska wildlife photo tour or workshop. This 7-day adventure offers the chance to photograph bears at Brooks Camp, alongside stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in the greater Anchorage area. We will also explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat, capturing images of whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, puffins, various seabirds, and magnificent glaciers.

This tour offers an extraordinary opportunity for a thrilling adventure that only a select few experience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey you will never forget.

Bears and Brooks Camp
Photograph bears fishing for salmon, catching fish atop waterfalls, and interacting with their cubs during peak salmon migration. Our trip is timed for this prime period, maximizing your chances to capture these moments. We will spend two days observing and photographing their behavior from safe distances while getting close-up views.

Expect to photograph 10-40 bears daily, weather permitting, with non-stop action. Bears gather at Brooks River from late June, peaking in mid-July before dispersing by late July.

John, with over 30 years of experience in wildlife photography, will provide instruction on bear behavior and guide you in capturing dynamic shots of bears fishing, playing, and interacting with cubs.

Safety is our top priority.  We have been doing tours with bears for over a decade. There has never been a bear attack with a group of 4 or more people.  Any incident with a bear is extremely rare.

Greater Anchorage
Photographing the greater Anchorage area offers a fantastic opportunity to capture a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes. We will focus on photographing Collard Pika, Dall Sheep, Trumpeter Swans, Loons, and other wildlife amidst the breathtaking scenery. The diverse landscapes, from mountains to lakes, provide endless photography opportunities.

Kenai Fjords National Park
We will explore the coastal fjords, glaciers, mountains, forests, and abundant wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park by land and sea. Our journey includestwo full-day tourson a small private boat, allowing us to get close to wildlife. These boats have the advantage of accessing secluded coves that larger boats cannot reach due to size limitations.

Seward
Nestled between Resurrection Bay and the majestic Kenai Mountains, Seward stands as an enduring testament to Alaska's rich history and breathtaking beauty. This charming town captivates with its harbor, shops, oceanfront dining, and art galleries.

Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, inviting adventurers to explore its rugged coastal fjords. Known for wildlife photography, it offers unique opportunities to capture nature's beauty, including encounters with sea otters, whales, and seabirds. We will explore the park on small boat trips to areas accessible only by water. Witness the dramatic calving glaciers crashing into the ocean, a breathtaking sight.

When:
July 12-18, 2025 (2 spaces left)

Getting There:
Participants will fly into King Salmon (AKN). Alaska Airlines and a couple of other companies have direct flights to and from Anchorage.

Itinerary:
We recommend you fly into King Salmon the night before.

Day 1: King Salmon
We will take a 45-minute boat ride from King Salmon to the famous Brooks Camp where we will photograph bears and their cubs.

Day 2: King Salmon to Anchorage
We will once again take a 45-minute boat ride from King Salmon to Brooks Camp, continuing our journey to photograph bears in their natural habitat.

Day 3: Greater Anchorage
That afternoon we will take a flight back to Anchorage and check into our hotel. The flight is included. We will photograph incredible wildlife and scenery in the greater Anchorage area. Subjects we will look for will include Moose, Loons, Dall Sheep, Collard Pika, and waterfowl.

Day 4: Seward
We will depart from our hotel and drive to Seward, enjoying a scenic journey with planned stops along the route. Anticipate capturing photos of nesting eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Dall Sheep, and glaciers during our drive.

Days 5 and 6: Seward
We will take a boat excursion to explore Kenai Fjords National Park. Each day, the approximately eight-hour boat ride includes lunch. This stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery that could captivate photographers for a lifetime. The extended boat journey enables us to photograph magnificent glaciers, seabird colonies, and numerous whale sightings. After returning from the boat, there are excellent dining options and opportunities for quick photo shoots. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Day 7: Head back to Anchorage
Our journey back to Anchorage will be filled with stops along the route, including a visit to Portage Glacier for photo opportunities. We will aim to be back in Anchorage by approximately 3 pm. We can drop you off at the Anchorage airport or a local hotel.

Price Includes:

• The hotels are included in this tour (6 night’s stay). One night in King Salmon, two nights in Anchorage, and three nights in Seward. The rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer your own room (single occupancy), it is an additional $400. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room.

• Round trip transportation from Anchorage to King Salmon (approx. $600 value)

• All boat rides

• Hands-on field instruction. Plus, wildlife identification and behavior.

Not Included:

• Transportation to and from Anchorage

• Food and drink (everyone is responsible for their own tab)

• Gratuities for boat operators

Skill and Fitness Level Requirements:
Participants must be able to walk up to three miles round trip.

Participants must be comfortable climbing in and out of boats with photo gear in slippery conditions and riding in changing sea conditions. Not recommended for those prone to seasickness.

Anyone with an interest in photography from a 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.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

Weather:
This is Alaska, and the weather can change in a second. All events must be tentative and flexible. Safety is the top priority.

Cost:
$9795 per person (double occupancy) + $400 for single occupancy

Deposit: $2000 per person
Balance: Due 6 months before start date of trip
Note: There is an option to extend this trip to include the Alaska Land and Sea Tour.

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

Click here for the Bear Trip Cancellation Policy

Click here to see Testimonials.

About Us:
John Slonina (leader)

A professional nature photographer who has been photographing for several decades. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

We hope you can join us at this incredible place. If you have any questions, please contact us.