Coastal grizzly brown bear standing by the water at hallo flats alaska
Bald eagle perched on a tree limb with blue Alaska water behind.
Grizzly bear laying on the beach with her cub directly in front of her along the river in Alaska
Grizzly bear cub laying in the green grass and playing with a tree limb in it's mouth.
A grizzly bear taking a bath in the river on its back as a small ship cruise passenger watches from shore
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$9995USD
Starting At
8
Days
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
North America Alaska Cruise

The Great Alaskan Grizzly Encounter

Many travelers come to Alaska expecting to see Alaska’s enormous brown bears lumbering over tidal flats, feasting on salmon and tending to their frisky cubs. But the fact is, very few will. This 8- or 10-day wild Alaska grizzly encounter is aptly named because small groups of only 8 passengers journey by floatplane and aboard the small ship Ursus into the truly bear-rich wilderness of Katmai National Park.

First, a quick Alaska bear primer: grizzly bears and brown bears are the same species (Ursus arctos), but brown bears are generally considered as those who have access to coastal food resources like salmon, while grizzly bears live farther inland and typically do not have access to such marine-derived cuisine.

The brown bears—or coastal grizzlies as they’re often called—encountered on this Alaska cruise are the largest in the world, living in the remote reaches of Katmai National Park, far from any cruise ship or tour bus route. And these are the months they will be feeding on summer’s bounty of spawning salmon. This is as up close and personal as you’ll ever safely get with wild bears! Knowledgeable guides and an extremely small group size allow guests to approach the bears without disturbing them.

Home base is the converted fishing and research ship Ursus, ideal for exploring the scenic wilderness waterways of Katmai National Park. At only 8 guests, she’s one of our favorites for private Alaska yacht charters. By sleeping aboard a small ship each night, the route can be flexible, following the bears from bay to bay. Go truly remote: you can’t get here by road or traditional cruise ship!

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.



Itinerary

The Wild Alaska Grizzly Encounter Itinerary

The 5-day cruise begins and ends in Kodiak, with an included pre- and post-cruise hotel night, day boat tour of Kodiak Island, and then a scenic floatplane flight to and from the Ursus.

The Great Alaskan Grizzly Encounter route map from Kodiak to Katmai National Park.
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Day 1
Arrive Kodiak, Alaska

On arrival in Kodiak, be transferred to the hotel by a local guide who points out sights along the way. Depending on arrival time, you may have free time to explore some of Kodiak’s Russian and Native heritage this afternoon. Options include the Baranov Museum, Alutiiq Museum, Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. All are centrally located in the compact town of Kodiak that surrounds St. Paul’s Harbor. Your grizzly adventure officially begins this evening with an informal welcome dinner and orientation hosted by the local guide.

Accommodations

Kodiak Inn

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Kodiak Island Wildlife Day Cruise

While Katmai’s grizzlies will be the main focus, Kodiak Island is an impressive wildlife destination in its own right. Today, explore a sampler of its coastal waters on a day-long private boat trip. A cruise among Kodiak’s secluded bays and rocky shorelines, past tidal pools and kittiwake rookeries, may reveal sea otters, puffins, bald eagles, sea lions and sometimes humpback and fin whales. Kodiak is remote, not often visited by travelers to Alaska, and the sense of an intimate encounter with nature is palpable as the boat glides through rockbound coves and islands. Spend time touring historic Kodiak, with a mix of activities that may include a walk through the coastal rain forest at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, a fisheries research center with aquarium and touch tank, or a drive up Pillar Mountain for sweeping views over the town and sea, when weather permits.

Accommodations

Kodiak Inn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Floatplane to Katmai & Embark

The day has arrived to see the bears! Using a classically Alaskan means of transport: a floatplane journey from Kodiak to Katmai to meet the privately chartered ship, Ursus. The plan is to fly out late morning, but timing is flexible in the event of weather delays, in which case stay and explore a bit more of Kodiak until the clouds lift. Once on board the plane, fly west over Kodiak’s steep green mountains and across Shelikof Strait to the Katmai Peninsula. The pilot is in radio contact with the Ursus, and soon the plane is taxiing along the water to pull up alongside. Exit the plane and embark the vessel that will be your floating home for the next several days.

The 73-foot Ursus was built as a deep-sea fishing boat called Time Bandit, which navigated the stormy Bering Sea in pursuit of the lucrative king crab catch. Its successor, the second Time Bandit, gained fame in the Discovery Channel TV series “Deadliest Catch.” The original boat was later transitioned for research use by the National Park Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Since retrofitted for custom tourism charters, this sturdy veteran of wild Alaskan waters now offers comfortable accommodations in this remote marine wilderness. The Ursus (which means “bear” in Latin) cruises slowly along the coast, where coastal grizzlies, or brown bears, are often foraging for food. Begin mobile means cruising to wherever the bears are, following them from bay to bay depending on weather and sea conditions. Along the way, the friendly captain and staff of the Ursus ensure guests feel welcomed, safe and attended to.

Accommodations

Ursus

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 6
Grizzly Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park

Footage in nature documentaries of Alaskan brown bears in the wild cannot adequately prepare you for the drama of an actual encounter with these magnificent beasts, often just yards away. They are North America’s largest land predators, and an adult male can weigh 900 pounds. While cruising just off the coast, look for bears dotting the shoreline. Go ashore by skiff for an even closer view and traverse the beaches on foot. It’s not uncommon to find several massive grizzlies at once. And far from dozing lethargically, these bears may put on quite a show in their efforts to fill up on enough protein-rich food to prepare them for a long winter in hibernation.

Bear activity varies according to the season, weather conditions, and timing of the salmon runs, but there’s always something riveting to watch. Perhaps see bears fighting to capture salmon in their jaws, trying to seize spawning fish that make their way up the streams flowing over the intertidal area. As omnivores, bears also dig for clams and mussels in the sand and browse on protein-rich sedges. Depending on the time of year, bears may be mating or cubs gallivanting on the shore. Other Alaska trips watch grizzlies from viewing platforms or vehicles. Not here. In coastal Katmai you are on foot, carefully wandering the area in small group under the cautious guidance of a professional expedition leader, who offers thorough coaching in safe bear-country etiquette. Sometimes wolves join the scene and have interesting interactions with the bears. While occasionally there may be another boat in the region, usually the Ursus is alone in the wilderness, offering a profound sense of solitude, peace and raw beauty.

Accommodations

Ursus

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Grizzly Bear Viewing & Fly Back to Kodiak

One last morning is set aside for time with the bears before the planned afternoon flight back to Kodiak. Traveling in an open skiff, head once more toward shore, looking for a glimpse of the glaciers that crown the tall mountains behind Katmai’s lonely coastline. Typically, these peaks are cloaked in clouds while evocative mists weave in and out of the bays, providing the moisture that keeps Katmai so lush and verdant. Deep ash covered the region after the massive 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai and adjacent Novarupta, and revegetation in the century since has come mostly as a thick blanket of willow and alder bushes, though some stands of spruce thrive as well. Keep an eye out for bald eagles in the treetops and seabirds like kittiwakes, terns, mergansers, pigeon guillemots and black oystercatchers. On shore, walk across the tidal flats and gravel bars, possibly fording a few streams to find the best vantage point for a last sojourn with the bears.

Inevitably, it’s going to be hard to leave. Most travelers never get such an immersion in genuine wilderness, let alone the chance to sit in solitude with some of the world’s most magnificent carnivores. Most come away awed by the access the bears grant into their world and inspired to protect them from the very real threats of mining, climate change and other forces that may impact the ecosystem that sustains them—especially the salmon runs on which they rely. In mid-afternoon, fly by floatplane to Kodiak, though the exact timing will vary according to weather, marine conditions and other logistical factors. Back in Kodiak, be met by the local guide once more and transfer to the hotel. A farewell dinner is planned at a local restaurant. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, along with other varied choices.

Accommodations

Kodiak Inn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Depart Kodiak, Alaska

This Alaska bear adventure comes to a close today as you depart from Kodiak. An afternoon flight is recommended in case inclement weather prevents the floatplane from flying back to Kodiak on day 7 as scheduled. Occasionally, weather delays may require a morning flight on day 8 from the Ursus back to Kodiak. Several morning activity options are available in town, and your Kodiak guide can offer great suggestions. Options may include a drive to the top of Pillar Mountain for views over the harbor and neighboring islands (hardy travelers may choose to hike to the summit or back down); a stop at the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center featuring regional species on display; or a visit to Fort Abercrombie, to walk trails through dense rainforest to a wild beach, snack on salmon berries in season, and encounter relics from a World War II coastal defense installation.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s), boat crew and local staff; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; beer and wine on board the Ursus; some gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; gear including chest waders and boots for shore excursions (if you require an especially large or small size, please let us know prior to departure); all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Exclusions

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip; some alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees (if any); optional activities; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.); airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any); required medical evacuation insurance; optional travel protection insurance; insurance of any kind; cost of internal air, which includes all floatplane flights within the itinerary ($994 in 2023, to be added to your invoice).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The 8-day Wild Alaska Grizzly Encounter begins and ends in Kodiak, Alaska (ADQ). Plan to arrive in Kodiak in time for a 7:00pm welcome dinner and orientation on Day 1. Plan to depart Kodiak anytime on day 8, though we strongly recommend booking an afternoon flight for the unlikely event that poor weather prevents the scheduled return time by floatplane on Day 7 of the itinerary.

Airport transfers are included on day 1 and on the final day of the trip. Exact times of the floatplane flights between Kodiak and the ship Ursus vary according to weather and other logistical factors beyond our control. Should travelers be required to remain in Kodiak longer than anticipated due to inclement weather, either before, after or during the trip, they will be responsible for their own expenses.

Internal Flights

Most floatplane flights will depart Kodiak to meet the Ursus in late morning and return to Kodiak mid-afternoon. The exact times will vary according to weather and other logistical factors. There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs of baggage per person (including carry-ons and camera equipment) on floatplane flights. Hard shell luggage is not recommended. We recommend bringing a small duffel bag to pack for the few days on the boat. Any excess luggage can be stored at the Kodiak Inn or Land’s End Resort and retrieved upon return to Kodiak.

Activities

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this small ship-based Alaska adventure, as it involves watching grizzlies on foot in open areas. At times, travelers must walk at least two miles to reach the daily bear-viewing location, in varied conditions including rough, uneven terrain, shallow water, and through mud while wearing chest waders (which can feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable). Transfers between the Ursus and the floatplane to the Zodiacs used to access the shore require the ability to make a large step up or down onto an unstable surface. For safety reasons, it is not possible to divide the group or for individuals to stay in one place while the rest of the group moves. Once at the bear-viewing site, physical activity is quite limited; you may spend several hours in essentially one spot with little movement. It is generally not possible to view bears from the Ursus. In order to maximize bear-viewing opportunities, be prepared to spend long days ashore, returning late to the ship for dinner. Travelers must be of sound health and able to maintain a positive attitude in a wild and remote setting.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.

Families & Children

Due the expedition nature and isolated location of this program, children must be 16 years old at time of departure.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

This trip involves watching grizzlies on foot in unprotected open areas. While bears are unpredictable and sighting them can never be guaranteed, groups on this tour have never missed seeing them. The unpredictability of bears can also lead to dangerous situations. They are wild animals, and all travelers must heed the rules set by staff and understand that this trip can potentially present harmful situations. All travelers must take their own safety into consideration before and when joining this adventure. Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

A Note on Seasons

In June, the world’s largest coastal grizzlies converge to socialize, mate and feast from the sea. Long, warm days supercharge the rich marine habitat, with seawater flooding into glacial river valleys to create intertidal meadows where bears congregate. These are some of the world’s most active brown bear mating grounds, with the season peaking in mid-to-late June. Play among sows, cubs and sub-adults is at its most rambunctious.

July is a month of transition. The bears continue grazing, while some sows come into estrus, offering potential opportunities to witness complex and fascinating mating rituals. While salmon runs are unpredictable, the fish often begin congregating at river mouths by late July. As mating season winds down, many large nomadic males disperse while females and their cubs loll in the rich habitat. July encounters typically include intimate time watching infants nurse and families play and graze on sweet wildflower meadows.

For coastal grizzlies, August is spent gorging on plentiful pink salmon. At Geographic Harbor and Kinak Bay, bears converge at shallow tidal estuaries to feast on fat-rich salmon. Huge, solitary males, and females with as many as three cubs, prowl the banks and plunge into cold streams, poised to pounce on unsuspecting fish.

September brings dramatic change, an optimal time for photographers hoping to capture images of fishing bears exhibiting their most fierce physical appearance in beautiful seasonal light. There is some berry grazing, but mostly the bears are fishing. By now they are largely satiated and healthy, with thick coats ready for winter. Fall foliage is red, orange and gold, and rain is more frequent.

Grizzlies of Katmai: A Photo Pro Expedition

The 8-day cruise begins and ends in Kodiak, with an included pre- and post-cruise hotel night and a scenic floatplane flight to and from the Ursus.

The Great Alaskan Grizzly Encounter route map from Kodiak to Katmai National Park.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Kodiak, Alaska

On arrival in Kodiak, be transferred to the hotel by a local guide who points out sights along the way. Depending on arrival time, you may have free time to explore some of Kodiak’s Russian and Native heritage this afternoon. Options include the Kodiak History Museum, Alutiiq Museum, Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center and Kodiak Fisheries Research Center Aquarium. All are centrally located in the compact town of Kodiak that surrounds St. Paul’s Harbor. Your grizzly adventure officially begins this evening with an informal welcome dinner and orientation hosted by the local guide.

Accommodations

Kodiak Inn

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Floatplane to Katmai & Embark

Exciting aerial photo opportunities await on today’s floatplane journey from Kodiak to Katmai to meet the ship. Plan to fly out late morning, but timing is flexible in the event of weather delays—in which case, explore a bit of Kodiak while waiting for clouds to lift. Once aboard the plane, fly west over Kodiak’s steep green mountains and across Shelikof Strait to the Katmai Peninsula. The pilot is in radio contact with the ship, and soon the plane is taxiing on the water to pull up alongside the ship. Exit the plane and embark the vessel that will be a floating bear photography base for the next seven nights.

The 73-foot Ursus was built as a deep-sea fishing boat called Time Bandit, which navigated the stormy Bering Sea in pursuit of the lucrative king crab catch. Its successor, the second Time Bandit, gained fame in the Discovery Channel TV series “Deadliest Catch.” The original boat was later transitioned for research use by the National Park Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Since retrofitted for custom tourism charters, this sturdy veteran of wild Alaskan waters now offers comfortable accommodations in this remote marine wilderness. Bear photography begins in earnest this afternoon as the Ursus (which means “bear” in Latin) cruises slowly along the coastline. Common in this region are giant Alaskan brown bears—the world’s biggest coastal grizzlies—in abundance, fishing or foraging for clams and sedges, depending on seasonal timing.

Accommodations

Ursus

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 8
Bear Photography in Katmai National Park

Footage in nature documentaries of Alaskan brown bears in the wild cannot adequately prepare you for the drama of an actual encounter with these magnificent beasts, often just yards away. They are North America’s largest land predators, and an adult male can weigh 900 pounds. While cruising just off the coast, look for bears dotting the shoreline. Go ashore by skiff for an even closer view and traverse the beaches on foot. It’s not uncommon to find several massive grizzlies at once. And far from dozing lethargically, these bears may put on quite a show in their efforts to fill up on enough protein-rich food to prepare them for a long winter in hibernation.

Bear activity varies according to the season, weather conditions, and timing of the salmon runs, but there’s always something riveting to watch and photograph. With cameras poised, perhaps see bears fighting to capture salmon in their jaws, trying to seize spawning fish that make their way up the streams flowing over the intertidal area. As omnivores, bears also dig for clams and mussels in the sand and browse on protein-rich sedges. Depending on the time of year, bears may be mating or cubs gallivanting on the shore. Other Alaska trips watch grizzlies from viewing platforms or vehicles. Not here. In coastal Katmai you are on foot, carefully wandering the area in small group under the cautious guidance of a professional expedition leader, who offers thorough coaching in safe bear-country etiquette. Sometimes wolves join the scene and have interesting interactions with the bears. While occasionally there may be another boat in the region, usually the Ursus is alone in the wilderness, offering a profound sense of solitude, peace and raw beauty. Suffice it to say this trip offers wildlife photo opportunities that will thrill beyond expectation!

Accommodations

Ursus

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Grizzly Bear Photography & Fly Back to Kodiak

One last morning is set aside to photograph the grizzlies of Katmai before flying back to Kodiak later today. Traveling in an open skiff, head to shore once more, looking for a glimpse of the glaciers that crown the high mountain backdrop above the lonely coast. Typically these peaks are cloaked in clouds while evocative mists weave in and out of the bays, providing the moisture that keeps the Katmai landscape so lush and verdant. Deep ash covered the region after the massive 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai and adjacent Novarupta, and revegetation in the century since has come mostly as a thick blanket of willow and alder bushes, though some stands of spruce thrive as well—keep an eye out for bald eagles in the treetops. Seabirds abound, too—look for kittiwakes, terns, mergansers, pigeon guillemots and black oystercatchers.

On shore, walk across the tidal flats and gravel bars, possibly fording a few streams to find the best vantage point for a last chance to capture images of the bears. Inevitably, it’s going to be hard to leave here. Most travelers never get such an immersion in genuine wilderness, let alone the chance for close-up photos of some of the world’s most magnificent carnivores in their natural habitat. Come away awed by the way the bears allow us into their world, and inspired to protect their future from the very real threats of mining, climate change and other forces that may impact the ecosystem that sustains them—especially the salmon runs on which they rely. Back in Kodiak, be met by the local guide once more to transfer to the hotel. A farewell dinner is planned at a local restaurant, where fresh seafood is always on the menu, along with other choices.

Accommodations

Kodiak Inn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Depart Kodiak, Alaska

Fly home today from Kodiak and continue your travels independently. An afternoon flight departure is recommended, in case inclement weather prevents the return to Kodiak on Day 9 as planned.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s), boat crew and local staff; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; beer and wine on board the Ursus; some gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; gear including chest waders and boots for shore excursions (if you require an especially large or small size, please let us know prior to departure); all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Exclusions

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip; some alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees (if any); optional activities; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.); airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any); required medical evacuation insurance; optional travel protection insurance; insurance of any kind; cost of internal air, which includes all floatplane flights within the itinerary (to be added to your invoice).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The 10-day alternative Grizzlies of Katmai: A Photo Pro Expedition begins and ends in Kodiak, Alaska (ADQ). Plan to arrive in Kodiak in time for a 7:00pm welcome dinner and orientation on Day 1. Plan to depart Kodiak anytime on day 10, though we strongly recommend booking an afternoon flight for the unlikely event that poor weather prevents the scheduled return time by floatplane on Day 9 of the itinerary.

Airport transfers are included on Day 1 and on the final day of the trip. Exact times of the floatplane flights between Kodiak and the ship Ursus vary according to weather and other logistical factors beyond our control. Should travelers be required to remain in Kodiak longer than anticipated due to inclement weather, either before, after or during the trip, they will be responsible for their own expenses.

Internal Flights

Most floatplane flights will depart Kodiak to meet the Ursus in late morning and return to Kodiak mid-afternoon. The exact times will vary according to weather and other logistical factors. There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs of baggage per person (including carry-ons and camera equipment) on floatplane flights. Hard shell luggage is not recommended. We recommend bringing a small duffel bag to pack for the few days on the boat. Any excess luggage can be stored at the Kodiak Inn or Land’s End Resort and retrieved upon return to Kodiak.

Activities

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this small ship-based Alaska adventure, as it involves watching grizzlies on foot in open areas. At times, travelers must walk at least two miles to reach the daily bear-viewing location, in varied conditions including rough, uneven terrain, shallow water, and through mud while wearing chest waders (which can feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable). Transfers between the Ursus and the floatplane to the Zodiacs used to access the shore require the ability to make a large step up or down onto an unstable surface. For safety reasons, it is not possible to divide the group or for individuals to stay in one place while the rest of the group moves. Once at the bear-viewing site, physical activity is quite limited; you may spend several hours in essentially one spot with little movement. It is generally not possible to view bears from the Ursus. In order to maximize bear-viewing opportunities, be prepared to spend long days ashore, returning late to the ship for dinner. Travelers must be of sound health and able to maintain a positive attitude in a wild and remote setting.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.

Families & Children

Due the expedition nature and isolated location of this program, children must be 16 years old at time of departure.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

This trip involves watching grizzlies on foot in unprotected open areas. While bears are unpredictable and sighting them can never be guaranteed, groups on this tour have never missed seeing them. The unpredictability of bears can also lead to dangerous situations. They are wild animals, and all travelers must heed the rules set by staff and understand that this trip can potentially present harmful situations. All travelers must take their own safety into consideration before and when joining this adventure. Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

A Note on Seasons

In June, the world’s largest coastal grizzlies converge to socialize, mate and feast from the sea. Long, warm days supercharge the rich marine habitat, with seawater flooding into glacial river valleys to create intertidal meadows where bears congregate. These are some of the world’s most active brown bear mating grounds, with the season peaking in mid-to-late June. Play among sows, cubs and sub-adults is at its most rambunctious.

July is a month of transition. The bears continue grazing, while some sows come into estrus, offering potential opportunities to witness complex and fascinating mating rituals. While salmon runs are unpredictable, the fish often begin congregating at river mouths by late July. As mating season winds down, many large nomadic males disperse while females and their cubs loll in the rich habitat. July encounters typically include intimate time watching infants nurse and families play and graze on sweet wildflower meadows.

For coastal grizzlies, August is spent gorging on plentiful pink salmon. At Geographic Harbor and Kinak Bay, bears converge at shallow tidal estuaries to feast on fat-rich salmon. Huge, solitary males, and females with as many as three cubs, prowl the banks and plunge into cold streams, poised to pounce on unsuspecting fish.

September brings dramatic change, an optimal time for photographers hoping to capture images of fishing bears exhibiting their most fierce physical appearance in beautiful seasonal light. There is some berry grazing, but mostly the bears are fishing. By now they are largely satiated and healthy, with thick coats ready for winter. Fall foliage is red, orange and gold, and rain is more frequent.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jun 21 - Jun 28, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jun 25 - Jul 02, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jun 29 - Jul 06, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jul 03 - Jul 10, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jul 07 - Jul 14, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying
From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jul 11 - Jul 18, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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From $9995USD
Per Person
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Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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From $9995USD
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Jul 19 - Jul 26, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Aug 06 - Aug 13, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Aug 10 - Aug 17, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Aug 14 - Aug 21, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Aug 22 - Aug 29, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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Aug 26 - Sep 02, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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Aug 30 - Sep 06, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Sep 03 - Sep 10, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
From $9995USD
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Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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Sep 11 - Sep 18, 2023
Ursus • 8 days
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary 

Yacht
Ursus

This privately chartered 8-guest ship is designed for shallow water navigation, allowing her guests to cruise close to shore in search of Alaskan brown bears. She is AdventureSmith's only partner sleep-aboard vessel sailing in the remote reaches of Katmai National Park.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • November 12th, 2018
Expert Review: The Great Alaskan Grizzly Encounter

An AdventureSmith Specialist is 1 of only 8 passengers on this Katmai bear viewing cruise in Alaska. See his incredible grizzly bear photography and read stories of the bears in this detailed trip review.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Terrific Experience Overall!"

Seeing the wilderness and the bears was the best! The Ursus was excellent.

Overall
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Accommodations
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Add to Wishlist
8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Camp Denali Adventure

This premier Denali National Park base camp, in view of Denali, is located near Wonder Lake at the end of the 92-mile Denali Park Road and offers expert guided explorations and unique hikes.

From $6225USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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7 - 8 Day Land Tour
Alaska Wildland Collection

The 7- or 8-day Alaska Wildland Collection is a seamless Alaska adventure promising remote and in-depth exploration of the Kenai Peninsula. Easy access from Anchorage, short travel times, fun activities and special youth rates make this a great family travel option.

From $4645USD
May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Denali Backcountry Explorer

Spend 3-4 nights at a remote backcountry lodge situated 90 miles inside Denali National Park. Unbeatable wildlife viewing, landscape photography, guided hikes, fishing, dog sleds and an Alaska railroad ride can be customized to complement any Alaska small ship cruise.

From $6630USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
Travel Guides

Inspiration & Education From Our Staff

View All Alaska Cruise Guides
Travel Essential • February 3rd, 2021
5 Iconic Alaska Wildlife Cruises by Small Ship

Brown Bear. Moose. Humpback Whales, Orca. Mountain Goat. In my experience as a former guide, these are the animals that people come to Alaska to see. These 5 cruises are your best bet for seeing them.

Travel Essential • January 2nd, 2023
The Best Time to Visit Alaska

When is the best time to visit Alaska? Consult this month-by-month guide for help planning your Alaska travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month.

Travel Essential • June 25th, 2020
6 Ways to Travel Alaska Right

We’ve come up with this list of six expert tips to help you plan the best Alaska trip. Whether you’re returning for more travels, or seeking to do it right the first time, follow our advice and you can’t go wrong.

Travel Essential • August 26th, 2020
How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

View All Alaska Cruises
Add to Wishlist
6 Day Land Tour
Alaska Bear Camp Adventure

On this multiday bear viewing adventure, enjoy exclusive access to a safari-style deluxe tent camp on a remote and private parcel of land frequented by coastal brown bears. Live amongst the bears and take guided forays into the surrounding wilderness, returning to a conservation-minded camp with hot showers, real beds and gourmet meals.

From $6395USD
May Jun Jul Aug
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5 Day Cruise
Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure

Cruise Prince William Sound aboard the 12-guest classic yacht Sea Star, bookended by scenic day trips along the renowned Alaska Railroad, on this round-trip Anchorage southcentral Alaska adventure.

From $6040USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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5 Day Cruise
Sea Star Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Board the 12-guest classic yacht Sea Star for an unforgettable 5-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Travel round-trip from Anchorage to embark and disembark the ship via the renowned Alaska Railroad. Crackling ice, pristine air, vivid blues and grays, and ancient carved glacial rocks all tantalize the senses in this constantly changing environment.

From $6150USD
May Jun Jul
View All Alaska Cruises
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The Great Alaskan Grizzly Encounter

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