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National Geographic

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Photography Tours & Events

2009 Alaskan Brown Bear Adventure LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Daniel has photographed grizzlies in the wilds of Alaska for the past decade but nothing will compare to the incredible experience this past summer just off the coast of Kodiak Island.

To view a gallery of images from this trip click on link below
Brown Bear Trip Gallery

After flying by float plane from Kodiak, Daniel boarded a 75ft vessel. By cruising the shorelines, Daniel and his small group of 6 were able to locate bears and go by skiff to shore to photograph these massive and majestic creatures with impressive landscape backgrounds. Mothers & playful cubs, bears digging for clams and the best part, no viewing platforms! As you can see from the images, there are unbelievable photographic opportunities. Daniel would like you to join him on a trip like no other bear trip in the Summer of 2009.

Itinerary

Day 1
Meet the group on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Accommodations at the Best Western are provided for the night.

Day 2
We will have a morning departure by float plane to Kukak Bay where we will meet our Captain Charles Keim ("Chuck"), his staff and board our vessel. Chuck has been licensed and experienced in the Alaskan waters for over 24 years. We will start our coastal cruise looking for bears along the shorelines.

Day 3-8
Bear viewing along the shores of Katmai. After a hearty breakfast, we will take skiffs daily to shore and disembark on land. Upon arrival, we will travel by foot wandering together in a small group, following, observing and photographing various bears with magnificent landscapes. The bears usually appear to be somewhat lethargic and rarely pay attention to our presence. However, the cubs are quite inquisitive and can sometimes get quite close but by staying in a group and reading behaviors we stay safe. These cubs are incredibly sweet to observe, scratching, rolling, playing, you never know what they will do next. Last season Daniel observed a cub riding on momma's back and momma trying to shake him off. The opportunities ARE endless!

Daniel will be there for anyone who is new at photography and who might have questions about camera settings or exposures or learning digital. Lunch is included in the field or on board the vessel. A great dinner will be awaiting on the vessel, maybe some fresh halibut or lobster along with a good nights sleep. If you are a fisherman at heart, there are opportunities to sink a line or two into the waters but remember to obtain a fishing license in Kodiak before you board.

* June/July are considered the best time to view mothers with cubs.

Day 9
Return to Kodiak
Today we will return by float plane to Kodiak Island. We recommend staying the night in Kodiak (hotel is included tonight) in case of bad weather and you can’t make connecting flight to Anchorage.

Day 10
Fly home from Kodiak.


Remember: These trips consist of only 9 guests per trip so space is VERY limited. If you wish to book a trip please contact our office at 406.556.8212 or email us at info@naturalexposures.com. A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required at time of booking.

Dates and Costs

Dates of Trips 2009
TRIP 1: June 21 (Arrive Kodiak)- June 30 (Depart Kodiak home) (7 nights on vessel) 3 spaces available
TRIP 2: June 28 (Arrive Kodiak)- July 7 (Depart Kodiak home) (7 nights on vessel) 4 spaces available

Price per Trip: $5400/double occupancy

(NOTE: Dates include ARRIVAL date and DEPARTURE date from Kodiak. you can book your flights any time of day to/from Kodiak)

Installments:
Deposit due at time of booking ($500, Visa/MC or check accepted)
1st installment Jan 01, 2009 ($2450)
2nd installment April 01, 2009 ($2450)
Payment for 1st and 2nd installment - check only made payable to Natural Exposures.

Included

  • 2 nights hotel accommodations at the Best Western on Kodiak Island.
  • Float plane to/from vessel.
  • Accommodations on vessel including ALL meals. The rooms on board have upper and lower beds with linens (double occupancy required per room). The vessel has 2 showers, 2 bathroom facility and living area. It is quite spacious, however, little time during the trip is spent on the vessel.

Not Included

  • Airfare from your home to Kodiak Island return, meals on Kodiak Island.
  • Single supplement fee for hotel on Kodiak Island
  • Refund if weather is not cooperating. This would include flight rescheduling fees or extra hotel nights.
  • Gratuities
  • If you wish to bring Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, or obtain a fishing license this can be purchased on Kodiak Island.

Recommendations

  • This trip is for individuals that can walk on short hikes and get in and out of boats. The terrain is not difficult to walk on but it will take some personal strength. Hip waders are provided on trip. There are weight restrictions of 75lb gear for the float plane so pack light. The weather can be unpredictable at times so please take this into consideration when packing. Bring layers of clothes and a rainproof jacket for you and a cover for your camera. We don’t usually have a problem with insects but you may want to bring a mesh head netting as precaution.
  • Camera suggestions: Dan suggests a 35mm camera with up to a 500mm lens, tripod, 100-400 ISO film and a backpack for your camera gear.
A package will be sent out to each participant closer to trip departure with the itinerary, additional information and waiver form.

Please Note:
Deposits are non-refundable. If for any reason you need to cancel your trip we will need this request in writing. We will refund you payment (minus deposit) ONLY if we can resell your space. We will do our best to help you. No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip. All prices are quoted in US dollars.

Please email our office at info@naturalexposures.com to book your space.

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