Katmai Wilderness Lodge Bear Viewing

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

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

To complete this reservation we will need for each person: Full name including middle name(s), gender, date of birth and body weight.


*Child rates are not available. This program is best suited for families with children 13 years and older.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations.

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible.

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Special Payment Policy:
Deposit of 50% is due at time of booking.
Final payment is due by 31 Mar 2024!

Cancellation Policy:
Until March 30, 2024: $1000 per person cancellation fee
March 31, 2024 to 61 days prior: 50% cancellation fee
60 to 0 days prior: 100% cancellation fee/ non-refundable

Due to limited availability and a short operating season, stays at Katmai Wilderness Lodge are non-refundable even if your flights to the lodge are delayed or cancelled for weather related reasons, or for reasons beyond the lodge's control.

Full Covid-19 vaccination may be required for each guest. Guests may also have to self-test for Covid-19 throughout the stay.

 

Thank you Alaska Tours for setting up our trip in record time. The trip was amazing and we wish we could have stayed longer. We really enjoyed traveling by train — the sites were breathtaking. We will definitely use Alaska Tours for our next trip.

Donna | Tompkins