| KATMAI COAST BEAR VIEWING |
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The trip begins with an amazingly scenic flight across Cook Inlet and down Shelikof Straight featuring views of four magnificent active volcanoes and the vast ice fields and jagged spires of Cape Douglas. Bears, moose, marine mammals and whales are often spotted from the air. The ample time in the field allows one to observe bears to a great degree. In June to early July the bears are engaged in complex, fascinating mating behaviors, and can be found digging clams in the intertidal areas and grazing in the intertidal sedge flats. In mid July the bears spend time grazing, clamming, and doing some fishing for dollies and early salmon runs. From late July to October, the bears concentrate on fish and take a few breaks to treat themselves with berries. By limiting the groups to 4 people, with an exclusive guide, we provide a very intimate, personal experience. Depending on the interest of the clients, guides will also provide interpretation on various aspects of this dynamic, pristine environment, such as marine biology, bird life, history of the region, geology, plants and flowers. Evenings are spent telling stories, enjoying sunsets, eating delicious home cooked food, and listening to educational presentations by the guides. Accommodation is charmingly rustic, yet very comfortable. |
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| Day |
Itinerary |
| 01 |
In the morning board your air taxi in Homer for a one hour flight. Regardless of whether the flight is over McNeil River and across the giant Four Peak Glacier or along the spectacular Pacific Coast and Augustine Volcano you will be held in awe of the magnificent panorama throughout the flight. As you approach the camp, the pilot will fly over the camp and surrounding terrain to give you a bird's eye perspective on the immense and incredibly rich coastal ecosystem. You will be landing on the beach, after a fly-over to make sure it is clear of bears and other animals. Cabin check-in and orientation will be conducted by the camp personnel upon your arrival. We will conduct a walking orientation tour of the Camp facilities once all guests are checked into their cabins. Included will be operation of restrooms, showers, handling and care of trash, availability of electricity, safety precautions, and areas regularly used by bears as they pass near the Camp.
After a delicious lunch we will walk at a leisurely and observing pace to nearby salmon streams, or food rich meadows depending on current bear feeding habits at the time of your visit. When we come upon bears, we will stop to observe and photograph them. Your guide will answer any questions you may have, provide clear instructions on appropriate behavior around the bears, and offer naturalist interpretation on the bear's behavior. (5 hours and 2 miles total, difficulty level - easy walk) In the evening a family style dinner will be served in the Galley. On cool evenings, the fireplace will provide a cozy warmth while we talk of the day. Evening Programs will be provided by one of the guides, guests, or professional photographers depending on interest. Typical discussions include narratives on the region's rich native and colonial history, biological and evolutionary aspects of bears, or techniques of wildlife photography. Tonight, after a hot shower, you will fall asleep to the sound of the surf and sea breezes in the comfort of a private, heated cabin. |
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| 02 |
| Remember to look around before you step out of your cabin as it is common to have bears in the camp at anytime! Breakfast is served in the galley. Lunch will be packed by the cook in preparation for a full day outing. A full day guided walk to the south of the Camp where there is a very interesting tidal lagoon. The point overlooking the lagoon affords good views of the area's glaciers, volcanoes, brown bears, moose, shorebirds, waterfowl, and nesting bald eagles. The lagoon is excellent bear habitat in all seasons, providing succulent sedges from May to July, and salmon runs from July to October. The beach combing in this area is is incredible due to the nature of the currents. Japanese glass net floats, old shipwreck debris, thousands of beached logs, whale bones, and countless other objects are stacked against the sand dunes. It is not uncommon to discover that a seal, sea lion, or sea otter has washed ashore, and is being consumed by eagles, bears, foxes, and maybe even a wolverine. (8-9 hours and 5-6 miles average, difficulty level - easy but long distance walk) Dinner and evening program. It is common to have several foxes hunting voles in the tall grass around camp or bears passing nearby during this time of the evening. |
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| 03 |
| Enjoy breakfast, pack your gear prior to check out and departure. This is also a good time for last minute photos of new friends, arriving aircraft, nearby bears, wildlife, and of course the ever present foxes with whom you will now be intimately familiar. This is often a very sad event, as the noise, traffic, and hassles of the civilized world are very unappealing after a few days in the Alaskan frontier. Arrive in Homer around noon. |
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| Rates per Person in US$ (Based on double occupancy) |
Adult |
| Full Day Guided Bear Viewing Trip (2 minimum) |
$530.00 |
| 2 Days / 2 Nights Guided Bear Viewing Package |
$1070.00 |
| 3 Days / 3 Nights Guided Bear Viewing Package |
$1400.00 |
| 4 Days / 4 Nights Guided Bear Viewing Package |
$1750.00 |
| * Tax not included |
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| Including |
- Return air transportation from Homer
- Private Cabin Accommodation
- Showers
- All meals
- Professional, Naturalist Guide
- Evening Program
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