Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition

© Ron Todd
The Ultimate Brown Bear Photography Adventure
Designed for serious wildlife photographers, this is an in-depth wilderness immersion with North America’s largest land predator, where you'll have safe and astonishing access for thrilling shots at close range. When we say you’ll get images of a lifetime, that’s no cliché. Very few travelers ever get to peaceably enter the bears’ wild world the way we do on this singular expedition. The Alaska Peninsula is the world’s best brown bear habitat, and our itinerary combines two premier national parks—Katmai and Lake Clark—where you'll spend unhurried hours in the presence of these icons of the wild. The size of the landscape, the raw beauty, the profound silence—these alone would make for a peerless nature photography adventure. But the chance to spend long days in northern summer light among abundant brown bears, on their turf, their terms...well, it's pure magic.
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab
Brad Josephs
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Natural Habitat
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Natural Habitat's Ursus, Katmai coast, Alaska.
Nat Hab
Andrew Ackerman
Nat Hab's Private Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Brown bear with cubs, Nat Hab
Ron J. Brown
Brown bear with cubs, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Nat Hab guest, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Nat Hab guest, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Bear Coast, Alaska.
Ron Todd
Bear Coast, Alaska.
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab
Ron Todd
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Bush plane chartered flight, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Catherine Chiu
Bush plane chartered flight, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Brown bear tracks, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Brown bear tracks, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Atlantic puffin, Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Brad Josephs
Atlantic puffin, Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
Nat Hab guest and Nat Hab
Mike Hillman
Nat Hab guest and Nat Hab's 4x4 Bear Mobile, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Brown bears, Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Brad Josephs
Brown bears, Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Nat Hab
Dana Cama
Nat Hab's Expedition Leader Brad Josephs, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Nat Hab guests, Nat Hab
Court Whelan
Nat Hab guests, Nat Hab's Private Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Red fox, Nat Hab
Court Whelan
Red fox, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Kodiak Harbor, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Ron J. Brown
Kodiak Harbor, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab
Brad Josephs
Nat Hab guests and brown bear, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Nat Hab guests, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Laura Geissinger
Nat Hab guests, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Nat Hab guests, Nat Hab
Court Whelan
Nat Hab guests, Nat Hab's Private Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
American bald eagle, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Arthur Leforestier
American bald eagle, Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Homer Spit, Homer, Alaska.
Homer Spit, Homer, Alaska.
Brown bear, Nat Hab
Brad Josephs
Brown bear, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Floatplane, Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Brad Josephs
Floatplane, Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Brown bear and cubs, Nat Hab
Brad Josephs
Brown bear and cubs, Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.
Nat Hab
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Nat Hab's Private Alaska Bear Camp, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska.

Trip Highlights

Nearly Two Weeks on Alaska's Remote Bear Coast

You'll find no more in-depth experience for brown bear photography, with long days in the field to observe a multitude of giant coastal grizzlies in varied settings

Two Premier Bear Destinations on One Seamless Itinerary

Southwest Alaska's Katmai and Lake Clark national parks, renowned for their abundant brown bears, offer the world's best opportunities for close-up bear photography

Expert Guiding & Photography Workshops

Your naturalist Expedition Leader is both an expert bear naturalist and a wildlife photography pro, whose intensive experience will help you get the best possible shots

Photo Expedition

Sample intro text.
View Photo Expedition
ypc9bzmopw
The Bear Coast
An Alaska Conservation Story

What Makes This the Ultimate Brown Bear Photo Expedition?

If it's world-class brown bear photos you're after, we've pulled out all the stops to help you get them. Discover the features that put this unique Alaska bear photo safari on top of other offerings:

  1.  The most in-depth experience on offer for Alaska brown bear photography
    You’ll spend 13 days in Alaska, with extended time in two prime locations for coastal brown bear activity—plus nearly 24-hour summer daylight to maximize your photography opportunities.
  2. Spend time in two premier national parks renowned for bear viewing
    You needn’t choose! We take you to both Katmai and Lake Clark national parks, each lauded for their healthy brown bear populations and stunning wilderness backdrops. And you don’t have to hassle with the challenges of returning to Anchorage in between, which you would almost certainly have to do if you were attempting to make your own arrangements These are the coveted locations for bear photography, and you’ll hit both on one seamlessly integrated itinerary.
  3. Unparalleled privacy far from tourist crowds
    Bear viewing is becoming more popular in Alaska—and that's good, as it benefits bear conservation by demonstrating their economic value. However, when you're in search of extraordinary bear images, you want to see them in a pristine setting, away from other humans, in silence where it's just you and your wild subjects. That's the exclusive advantage you get via our private chartered ship, the Natural Habitat Ursus—we aren't constrained by structures; we follow the bears along the coastline. And when you are at our Alaska Bear Camp base, you're on a private inholding inside Lake Clark National Park—for our guests alone! Once the day-trippers leave, it's just us...and the bears.
  4. Photograph bears during a time of prime summer activity
    June is mating season for Alaska brown bears, and we’re sure to see some lively activity between males and females. We’re also likely to see mothers with cubs, including young babies born just a few months earlier, known as “spring cubs.” Expect to see bears grazing on sedges and digging clams from the beach as these omnivores devour plenty of protein to start the fattening-up process. (Please note that we will not witness bears fishing for salmon, as the salmon runs do not happen until later in the season.)
  5. Travel with a guide who knows bears – and bear photography – like none other
    Our Expedition Leaders for this trip are top of the top when it comes to knowledge and experience among Alaska’s bears, and in capturing the images of them you covet. Their familiarity with the bears’ behavior, habits and movements means you’ll have the best access possible. And their facility with photographing them – from utilizing the right equipment, settings and camera placement – will help you get the best possible images. 
  6. Intensive photography guidance and workshops
    If you’re going on this trip, you are already an accomplished photographer, perhaps even a professional. Yet you can count on our Photo Expedition Leader to help you get your bear shots to the next level, offering instruction or tips as needed, and facilitating editing and post-production workshops. You’ll have access to a full slate of resources to enhance your Alaska bear photography.
  7. Wilderness accommodations that place you directly among the bears
    Based at Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp and aboard the Natural Habitat Ursus, you will live and sleep surrounded by bears (safely, of course!). Our fly-in camp and live-aboard expedition ship grant you access to the roadless wilderness that is the bears’ home in Lake Clark and Katmai national parks – without compromising your comfort! Enjoy a warm retreat after photography outings, cozy beds, hot showers, gourmet home-cooked food. There’s no way to get closer, in a more untouched setting, than these two bear bases offer.
  8. Chartered private flights maximize convenience and flexibility
    No adhering to preset flight schedules, having to return to Anchorage between destinaitons, or waiting around for other travelers. We charter bush planes to take you directly to and from our bear photography destinations at times suited for our itinerary—and with the flexibility to pivot as needed for weather contingencies.
  9. Additional wildlife photography in Kodiak and Homer
    In addition to intensive bear photography opportunities, you’ll also enjoy unhurried time in both Kodiak and Homer, including two private boat cruises offering a chance to capture marine wildlife shots – look for whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and more, plus scenic landscapes.
  10. Expert Bear Naturalist Guides Add Immeasurably to Your Experience
    Our Bear Camp Expedition Leaders are not only professional naturalists, they're bear experts. They have spent years observing and learning about Ursus arctos, and their wealth of knowledge adds immeasurably to your experience. They are also seasoned guides when it comes to understanding bear behavior and your safety, coaching us in proper etiquette for respectful viewing. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
  11. Our Quality-Value Guarantee
    With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, stating clearly that we will meet the lofty expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. We think this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
  12. Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
    We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
  13. Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
    Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!

Questions?
We've Got Answers!
Talk with an Adventure Specialist
Call Our Boulder Office at 800-543-8917 or contact your travel advisor.
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Outside
Voted "World's Best Travel
Company"
by Outside Magazine
Outside
Natural Habitat Adventures Ranked
“Best Outfitter”
NatGeo
Voted Best Winter Trip: Natural Habitat Adventures' Monarch Butterfly Migration, Mexico
VIEW MORE AWARDS
Physical Requirements
WWF Logo

Learn More

Customize Your African Safari

Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Learn More
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your custom African safari!

Learn More

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition
Learn More
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your private trip!

Download Trip Details

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Get our downloadable trip details in PDF format, a handy resource for your travel planning. Inside, you'll find all the info from our website—highlights of the trip, itinerary, accommodations, and full details on dates, prices and logistics—plus a few extras!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Download Trip Details
Your download awaits…

Thank you for your request! Click here to see your trip details PDF now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

Fill out our form to receive additional information about our ${tripName}, or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition
Ask a Question
Thank you for your note!

We’ll be in touch soon with more details.

Request Your 2023 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly a hundred nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Request Your 2024/2025 Catalog
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2023 Digital Catalog

View Our 2024/2025

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/alaska-northern-adventures/alaska-bear-quest-photo-expedition/