Join us for an instructional photo tour and workshop in Alaska, the Last Frontier. This trip is designed to help you capture Alaska's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife from the unique vantage point of a private yacht. We’ll explore remote areas that large vessels can’t reach, offering exclusive opportunities to photograph coastal fjords, glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, including coastal brown bears, black bears, whales, and bald eagles.

Bears

Alaska is renowned for its exceptional bear photography opportunities. We will visit some of the state's most famous bear locations, including the Anan Creek Bear Observatory. Admiralty Island, Pack Creek, and the islands of Baranof and Chichagof boast some of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Anan Creek is a prime location for capturing stunning images of black bears in their natural habitat.

Whales

We will spend most of our time in areas with a large number of Humpback whales. The protected waters of the Inside Passage offer some of the best whale watching in the world.

Wildlife

The Inside Passage offers a multitude of stunning vistas and abundant wildlife. We will explore several neighboring regions that boast remarkable habitats for whales, bears, bald eagles, puffins, seals, Dall's porpoise, and sea lions. There will be many opportunities to photograph the abundant wildlife found in Alaska.

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 Boat

We will be staying on an 87-foot private Yacht. It is a comfortable base for our photography tour. The boat has an open layout with 4 spacious common areas and views from every room. There is plenty of room to gather as a group and also space for a quiet moment to read, download images, and review photos. The Yacht has a total of 6 guest rooms. This boat is designed for tours and has a 360-degree wrap-around deck which is important for photography.

When:

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

Getting There:
Airport: Juneau AK (JNU)
Alaska Airlines flies there.

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. Participants should also be comfortable riding in boats with changing sea conditions. This cruising ground is protected from ocean exposure by the many islands. There is minimal swell for most of the tour. This is not a good tour for anyone prone to sea sickness.

This trip may include some hikes from 1 to 2 miles roundtrip.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

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.

Price:
$10,995
Deposit: $2000
Balance due: Six months before the start date of the trip.
Note: There is an option to extend this trip to photograph Grizzly Bears (Brown Bears).

Price includes:
7 night’s stay on a private Yacht (double occupancy). There are no single occupancy rooms.

1 night's stay in a hotel

All meals

Professional Instruction in photography, wildlife identification, and behavior

What is not included:

• Air travel is NOT included.

• Tips to the Yacht company staff

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

Testimonials:

Cancellation Policy:

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 on this incredible photo tour. If you have any questions, please contact us.