Katmai Alaska 2027
Bears of the Midnight Sun • September 1–8, 2027Big Bears, Up Close & Eye Level
Travel deep into the remote coastal wilderness of Katmai National Park, where massive coastal brown (aka grizzly) bears rule the shoreline. Photograph these apex predators up close – as they fish for salmon, spar, and roam freely.
At a Glance
- Starts / Ends
- Kodiak, AK
- Dates
- Sept 1–8, 2027
- Fitness Level
- Easy/Med
- Cost
- $12,500 double occupancy
single occupancy +2000 - Deposit
- $2,000
- Instructors
- Ken Lee
- Max Group Size
- 8 Participants
- Included
- Lodging; Meals (as stated in itinerary); Transportation including private charter flights; Local Guides; Photography Instruction.
- Not Included
- Airfare to/from Kodiak; Travel Insurance (highly recommended); Fishing license and fish processing (if applicable); Personal Expenses; Gratuities; Anything not specifically listed as included.
Experience Highlights
Bears in Their Element
Photograph powerful coastal brown (aka grizzly) bears as they fish, roam, and interact along Katmai’s remote, windswept shores.
Luxury Afloat, Wilderness Ashore
Stay aboard a private yacht for unmatched access, comfort, and mobility—your floating basecamp in the wild.
Wildlife & Wild Places
photograph sea otters floating in kelp beds and bald eagles hunting the tidal shallows. Changing weather and light creates endless variety—from mirror-still coves to dramatic coastal storms.
Fishing the Frontier
Between sessions, experience the thrill of casting for wild salmon and halibut in some of the world’s most pristine waters.
A Floating Classroom
Our private yacht is both home and headquarters—a comfortable, mobile base that puts you right where the action is. Equipped with private cabins, chef-prepared meals, and dedicated workspace, the yacht offers the ideal balance of comfort and access.
Travel by skiff to shore for photography sessions, then return to a warm meal and an evening of image review or Lightroom workflow instruction. This approach ensures flexibility and freedom to follow the best light, weather, and wildlife activity across Katmai’s rugged coastline.
Alaska, Unfiltered
Beyond the bears, this wild coastline teems with sea otters, bald eagles, and glacier-carved cliffs. With a small group and seasoned guides, you’ll have the time, space, and support to focus on your craft while immersed in one of North America’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Fishing the Frontier
Between photography sessions, you may choose to fish for wild salmon and halibut in some of Alaska’s most pristine coastal waters. Fishing is entirely optional and dependent on conditions and group interest. Local guides provide gear and instruction, making it easy to participate whether you’re an experienced angler or simply curious to try.
Images From Past Trips
Day by Day Itinerary
Katmai Alaska 2027 · Sept 1–8
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 1 | Arrival in Kodiak, Alaska — Arrive in Kodiak, take the free airport shuttle, check into our hotel, and get settled. At 4:00 PM, we’ll get together for an Introductions and Workshop Overview meeting, followed by a group dinner. Kodiak Hotel | D |
| 2 | Sept 2 | Kodiak–Katmai Coast — After breakfast, we’ll board our private floatplane charter flight across the Shelikof Strait to meet our luxury yacht on the Katmai Coast. Once settled and unpacked, we’ll head ashore for our first day of encounters with the massive brown bears of the Katmai Coast. Aboard Ship | B–L–D |
| 3-7 | Sept 3-7 | Katmai National Park — Each day begins early to make the most of the best light for photography. We’ll head out on our skiff for the morning session, returning for lunch. Afterward, enjoy some down time or do some fishing before heading back out for our evening photo session. Some days, we’ll also take a skiff cruise to photograph sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and other wildlife. During mid-day breaks or after dinner, we’ll gather to discuss photography techniques, review images, and provide one-on-one critiques to help you refine your skills. Aboard Ship | B–L–D |
| 8 | Sept 8 | Katmai–Kodiak — On the morning of Sept 8, we’ll pack up and depart on the floatplane, arriving in Kodiak mid-morning. Before leaving, we’ll have time for a skiff ride in the bay or a short trip to shore for some final photos. End of service We recommend spending the night in Kodiak and beginning your travel home the following day, as charter flights can often be delayed due to weather or other factors. | B |
Your Instructor
Ken Lee — Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.
Cancellation, Refunds & Travel Insurance
We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:
Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.
If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.
If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:
- More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
- 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
- Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.
*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.
All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.
If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended, but not required for this workshop. Policies that cover medical evacuation as well as many other things like trip delay/cancellation, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available at reasonable cost.
Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions
Alumni Discounts
If you’ve traveled with us before, thank you! You’re the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.
To express our appreciation, we’ve launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our ‘frequent flyers’ discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we fish and take fish home?
Yes, absolutely! Please note that an Alaska fishing license must be purchased ahead of time, as there may not be any service or Wi-Fi once we leave the dock. If you plan to take your catch home, you’ll need to have it processed (this service is not included). For more information, please refer to the link below: Kodiak Fish Processing
How should I book my flights?
Book your inbound flight to arrive in Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport, Alaska (airport code: ADQ) no later than 1 p.m. on September 1, 2027, and your homeward flight to depart from Kodiak, Alaska after 5 p.m. on September 8.
Note: Our return flight to Kodiak is expected to arrive around noon on September 8. However, delays due to weather or other reasons are common. Consider overnighting in Kodiak and beginning your travel home the following day (September 9).
Why Travel by Boat?
Katmai’s remote coastline is otherwise accessible only by a single lodge or by camping—both of which limit mobility and wildlife encounters. Traveling by yacht allows us to follow bears and other wildlife as they move along the coast, greatly increasing photographic opportunities. The yacht also serves as a warm, comfortable base for meals, rest, and preparing gear between sessions. When we’re not traveling between bays, the vessel remains anchored in calm waters, so seasickness is rarely a concern.
What sort of photography equipment and other gear do I need for this trip?
Most modern dSLR or mirrorless camera bodies are suitable options. The Animal Eye Tracking feature available in some mirrorless cameras is particularly helpful for wildlife photography. Your medium and long telephoto lenses will be the workhorses of this trip. A detailed information packet with photo equipment, clothing and other recommendations will be provided to registered participants.
What fitness level is required for this trip?
This trip is rated Easy/Med overall, but you must be able to walk through shallow rivers and possibly some rocky, muddy or slippery terrain. Most photo locations are easy to reach for people of average fitness. Total daily walking distance is approximately 1–2 miles
I’m traveling solo. Can you arrange a roommate?
Yes, select the Shared Lodging option when registering and we will pair you with a same-gender roommate. If a roommate is not available, you will get a private room, but the Single Lodging fee will apply.
Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
Absolutely, we welcome travel partners who may not share your passion for photography. Just make sure they can handle being part of a group that wants to do nothing but eat, sleep and talk about photography. Unfortunately, we cannot offer discounts or alternate activities for non-photographer partners.
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