Brown Bears & Puffins Photography Tours
Embark on an extraordinary coastal brown bear expedition unlike any other. Immerse yourself in a six-day / five-night, all-inclusive adventure at an exclusive wilderness lodge that offers unparalleled proximity to majestic coastal brown bears with breathtaking mountain backdrops in every direction.
These photography tours are perfectly timed for when new cubs are emerging from the dens and when males and females are interacting to capture the most intimate moments and inspiring behavior. While the bears steal the spotlight, we will also photograph eagles, puffins, murres, pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes, and an array of captivating species.
What sets our premier location apart is the exclusive, unrestricted access we offer to coastal brown bears rarely photographed by the many who venture to Alaska. Here, you can forget about crowded boardwalks, restrictive time limits, or competing with other groups. With virtually no one else around, you'll experience an authentic, intimate encounter with these incredible bears.
This is the perfect trip to bring the whole family along. Nestled in a remote location off the beaten path, our exclusive lodge boasts breathtaking waterfront views and access, as well as a rejuvenating sauna for relaxation when not pursuing bears or puffins. There are opportunities to fish for halibut or look for ancient fossils at a nearby cove. Prepare to indulge in locally caught seafood and delight in freshly prepared meals that elevate your overall experience.
With a perfect blend of modern comforts and historic charm, the lodge provides a genuine taste of Alaskan heritage, complemented by the opportunity to capture remarkable photographs of the world's largest brown bears. Our expansive and all-inclusive Alaska wildlife photography tours are a one-of-a-kind experience from start to finish.
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey—a private rendezvous with bears, puffins, and more.
Trip Overview
2025 Dates:
27 Jun - 03 Jul 2025 (FULL)
03 Jul - 09 Jul 2025 (FULL)
2026 Dates:
28 Jun - 03 Jul 2026 (space available)
03 Jul - 08 Jul 2026 (space available)
Tour Price: $6895 per person / double occupancy
Inquire for single supplement, limited availability
Tour Start/End Location: 2025 - Kenai, Alaska; 2026 Homer, Alaska
Accomodations: Private Lodge
Group Size: 8-10 Guests
Fitness Level: Easy to slightly moderate
Must be able to get on/off a boat
There will be hiking over mostly flat terrain with some opportunity for slippery surfaces (mud).
What’s Included:
Flights to/from the lodge and Homer, Alaska
Daily bear photography excursions
Freshly cooked, locally sourced meals
Comfortable lodging
Bear & photography guide
Not Included:
Flights to/from your home location and Homer, Alaska
Accommodations in Homer before/after the trip
Lodge staff gratuity
What Sets This Trip Apart
Exclusive Access:
Immerse yourself in a bear photography experience like no other, where the emphasis is on freedom and tranquility. With the absence of bustling crowds, boardwalks, or time constraints, our unique approach allows us to explore on foot or from our boat, capturing stunning bear photographs at our own pace. Track your favorite bears as they gracefully move across meadows, along the coast, and navigate the sloughs—all without the intrusion of other lodges or day-tourists.
Diverse Photography Opportunities:
We will elevate our photography game with the use of our boat, providing unparalleled diversity. We will walk alongside bears in meadows or photograph from the boat, which offers unique low-angle opportunities. The opportunities for mountain backdrops, and unique rocky coastlines are endless with nearly 360 degrees of breathtaking mountain scenes.
Expert Guidance:
Entrust your bear encounters to our two expert guides, each with over 10 years of experience guiding, photographing & observing bears up close. Their intimate knowledge of bear behavior and movements ensures you're in the right places at the right times to capture the most compelling images.
Beyond Bears:
While bears steal the spotlight, our journey extends to a nearby island for an intimate rendezvous with horned and tufted puffins, accompanied by numerous other bird species. Walk on land with the puffins and broaden your photographic repertoire. We will visit a nearby cove in search of ancient fossils. For those who are interested, there are opportunities to fish for halibut from the lodge.
The Eye of the Storm:
Step aboard The Eye of the Storm, our premier vessel offering unique access to areas others cannot reach. With the added perks of an onboard restroom, reprieve from the elements, and incredible cookouts to help us max our time and photographic opportunities, this vessel is a game-changer. Experience truly unique access and often low-angle photography opportunities.
Exclusive Lodging:
Find refuge at Snug Harbor Outpost, where exclusive access to a historic lodge awaits. Over 100 years old and restored from a cannery, this designated historic landmark exudes charm. Indulge in incredible freshly prepared food, comfortable lodging and sauna, and the freedom to explore the grounds and capture the essence of history. From the moment you arrive, you'll be treated like family.
What you can Expect:
Each itinerary is dependent upon the tide schedule and is subject to change based on weather.
Day 0: Arrive in Homer, Alaska and stay at a local accommodation (not included). Arriving a day early ensures you will not miss the flight to the lodge the following day.
Day 1: You will fly from Homer to Snug Harbor Outpost (included) and settle into your comfortable accommodations, grab a bite to eat, and stroll the grounds of this historic location before heading out for our first bear viewing adventure aboard the Eye of the Storm.
Days 2-5: Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast or we might take it with us as we head out to photograph bears, each day brings a new adventure.
For each bear excursion, we will board the Eye of the Storm and cruise the coastline for the best bear opportunities. We will disembark and walk through the meadows with the bears or photograph from the boat, depending on the situation. With the flat bottomed boat, we are able to pull easily up to shore.
Between bear excursions, we may stop at a nearby island to photograph puffins, make another stop to collect fossils, walk to a nearby kittiwake rookery, or photograph eagles right at the lodge. Lunch will be provided in the field so we won’t miss a beat. We will return to the lodge each night to a freshly prepared dinner.
For those interested in doing a little fishing, there are opportunities right at the lodge.
Day 6: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Homer.
FAQ
-
Contact us to talk through any additional questions you may have. Your spot will be secured once the online registration form is completed and the deposit has been collected.
-
This trip includes double occupancy accommodations. If you feel you need your own room, there is limited availability for single occupancy for an additional $500. Please note that rooms currently do not have private bathrooms. Multiple bathrooms are available and are shared.
-
Getting to Kenai or Homer is simple!
Book your flight from your home airport to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Then book a separate flight from the Anchorage airport to Kenai or Homer. Book this short flight through Grant Aviation or Kenai Aviation. Numerous flights are available each day.
These flights may fill quickly, so please book your flights as early as possible.
-
We highly recommend arriving in Kenai at least one day early to ensure you do not miss your flight to the lodge.
-
Arrive a day early and spend some time relaxing at your local accommodations, this ensures you will not miss your flight to the lodge.
From there you can catch a quick ride to the aviation company. A trip specific itinerary will be provided to indicate your flight times.
-
Physical difficulty of this workshop is easy to slightly moderate.
We will be wearing waders for all our bear excursions which to allow us to walk through water, mud, etc.
We will go on some short, easy walks. Guest should be able to walk up to 1 mile with their camera gear and be prepared to spend long days in the field, though we do have the reprieve of being able to rest on the boat.
Guests need to be able to get on and off the boat, which includes 5-6 steps. We may encounter some slippery mud when getting on and off the boat. Guides are always available to lend a hand.
Guests will also encounter some steps at the lodge.
-
Absoluely! We have many people join our trips who want to come and enjoy this incredible experience. Guests are welcome to join us on our excursions each day or kick back at our comfortable lodge while admiring the view, relax in the sauna, or stroll the island at their leisure. There are even opportunities to fish for Halibut!
All guests are responsible for full tour tuition regardless of whether or not they are a photographer.
-
Due to our remote location, cell phones don’t usually work unless connected to the internet. Part of the experience is being off the grid. WIFI is available at times when the generator is running, but is not guaranteed.
-
Beer, wine, and limited types of liquor are provided by the lodge.
-
This is a historic lodge; therefore, guest rooms do not have private bathrooms. There are multiple bathrooms available and they are shared.
Rest assured, experience has shown that guests have ample access and availability to the bathrooms. Bathrooms are cleaned daily to ensure a pleasant experience.
While in the field we will have access to a restroom aboard the Eye of the Storm.
Why KAR Safaris?
At KAR Safaris, we’re different — and proud of it. We’re deeply passionate about what we do, and we bring a warm, welcoming spirit to every tour. Our trips are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and profound wildlife experiences that leave lasting impressions. We work hard to make sure you know exactly what to expect before you join us — no surprises, except the good kind! Genuine and honest to a fault, we believe in under-promising and over-delivering at every turn.
When you travel with us, you’re treated like a good friend, not just another client. We understand that every guest is different. Whether you just want to enjoy the wildlife or are a serious photographer, and we cater to your individual needs — offering personalized instruction if you want it, or simply giving you the space to enjoy the experience if you don’t. Our commitment is simple: create unforgettable experiences, built on trust, kindness, and a shared love of the natural world.
Have a small group or want a more exclusive experience? Ask about setting up a custom tour. From day trips to week long adventures, we can make your dream photography adventure a reality.
We recommend trip insurance for all of our tours and trips.