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Katmai Wilderness Lodge Bear Viewing

Live among the bears while enjoying the safety and comfort of a coastal wilderness lodge.

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Tour Overview

Alaska bear viewing at Katmai Wilderness Lodge is possible throughout the summer. Located in the Katmai National Park’s coastal wilderness, one of Alaska’s richest habitats for brown bears. It attracts naturalists and animal lovers worldwide looking for an authentic Alaskan bear-watching experience. The lodge lets guests safely spend their entire day viewing and photographing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat up close while enjoying the comfortable nature lodge. You’ll fly from Anchorage to Kodiak Island for a brief visit before continuing to Katmai Wilderness Lodge for three nights, then returning to Kodiak and Anchorage.

Note: Starting at the end of July, salmon begin to arrive in the area, increasing bear activity, with August being the best for bear viewing.

What's Included
  • Roundtrip flights Anchorage to Kodiak
  • Floatplane flights from Kodiak to Katmai Wilderness Lodge
  • Two nights hotel in the coastal city of Kodiak
  • Overnights at Katmai Wilderness Lodge
  • All meals and guide service at lodge
What's Not Included

Meals in Kodiak, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and transfers in Anchorage / Kodiak.

 

Tour Itinerary

Important - Please overnight in Anchorage before this program. Due to weather reasons, please schedule 2 nights in Anchorage after this program! The lodge itself is located on the Katmai Coast, not on Kodiak Island. However you access the lodge via Kodiak City.

Day 1
Anchorage to Kodiak

In the afternoon transfer on your own to Anchorage International Airport for a scheduled afternoon or evening flight to Kodiak. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Kodiak City.

Day 2
Kodiak to Katmai Wilderness Lodge

In the late morning, transfer yourself to the floatplane dock for your flight to Katmai Wilderness lodge. The next days are spent viewing and photographing some of the largest grizzlies in the world! Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Day 3
Katmai Wilderness Lodge

During the day participate in activities from the lodge such as guided bear viewing, photography, bird watching, etc. A licensed captain will guide you to the best spots in Kukak and the surrounding bays, depending on the time of day and tides. The touring vessel, “Wilderness”, was specially designed for the Katmai Wilderness Lodge – to get close to the remote beaches. A front loading ramp makes boarding easier. The boats have enclosed cabins, large decks, and marine toilets for use while out and away from the lodge. After dinner relax in main lodge. Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Day 4
Katmai Wilderness Lodge

One to two additional free days, depending on length of stay. Overnight at Katmai Wilderness Lodge.

Day 5
Katmai Wilderness Lodge to Kodiak

In the early afternoon a floatplane will land for the 1-hour flight back to Kodiak. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kodiak on own. Rest of day at leisure in Kodiak. Overnight at a hotel in Kodiak City.

Day 6
Kodiak to Anchorage

Morning at leisure to explore Kodiak City or as weather window for delayed returns from Katmai Wilderness Lodge. In the afternoon transfer on own to the Kodiak Airport. Afternoon / evening flight from Kodiak to Anchorage. Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer on own.

The layover time in Kodiak City is needed for potential weather delays and due to flight schedules. We cannot shorten the stay in Kodiak City.

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

Katmai Wilderness Lodge will be CLOSED for the 2025 and 2026 seasons to undertake essential renovations and upgrades.

Katmai Wilderness Lodge stands on land that has been home to Native Alaskan Peoples for nearly 6,000 years. The lodge's deep commitment to preserving this rich heritage has guided their decision to implement a complete systems rebuild—one that carefully protects the historical significance of the grounds surrounding the lodge.  The renovation plans include installing an environmentally sustainable waste management system that will exceed the efficiency of the current infrastructure. Planned are also enhancements to the lodge's amenities while carefully preserving the rustic, welcoming atmosphere that has always made Katmai Wilderness Lodge special. These improvements will ensure we continue providing comfortable accommodations while better protecting the cherished environment.

See below for alternative lodge experiences. 

 

We visited Alaska in March to see northern lights (aka aurora borealis), ride the Aurora Winter train, and soak in the hot springs. The Alaska Tours website advertised custom tours, so I called their toll-free number and spoke to Kimberley. She listened, knew instantly the best way to accomplish this, suggested activities... Read more  

664robinf | Trip Advisor

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