Well, this could be quite a discussion. And it varies somewhat, year to year. Trips change and situations change really a bit more rapidly and frequently than you imagine. But this post will hopefully help clarify some of the differences between each of our brown bear tours a bit.
I’ll mention each trip and then outline a few of the factors unique to that trip as well as what some of the differences might be:
Alaska Brown Bears and Coastal Wildlife
The Brown Bears and Coastal Wildlife Tour is NOT a camping trip. On this tour we stay on board a 100′ boat and are well taken care of by Captain Johnny and his crew. Great people.
You can charge your batteries, laptop, etc as well as yourself on the comforts of Johnny’s boat.
We travel stretches of the Katmai Coast, going to shore each day to photograph the bears. We typically go to at least 2 or 3 different bays, but this does depend on weather, conditions, bear activity, etc, etc.
This trip we also aim to find some other creatures; primarily marine mammals like seals and sea otter, as well as eagles. We’ve had some decent luck with wolves on this tours as well. Superb backgrounds and mountain scenery.
Hiking and difficulty level is low. This trip works well for most folks, beginners to experienced, and you do not need to be in great shape.
Departs from and returns to Kodiak, AK.
Grizzlies in the Fall Tour
The Grizzlies in the Fall Tour is the most “luxurious of those, with (limited) National Park Service services available, and some infrastructure to help your comfort somewhat. An outhouse, covered shelters, etc. It’s pretty comfortable and easy camping conditions for just about anyone. Being later in the year it is likely to be the cooler of the tours.
We spend some time in the river, but due recent park service changes and increasing visitation levels we don’t do that as much as we used to.
This trip works great for instruction and learning photography. Non-hikers and those with mild mobility concerns will be OK on this trip. But you can expect to walk several miles each day. The walking is generally pretty decent (i.e., not challenging).
Great for bear portraits, cubs and great big fat bears.
Yes you can recharge you camera gear.
Excellent for camera and photography instruction and more of a workshop today.
Departs from and returns to King Salmon, AK.
Grizzlies in the Mist
The Grizzlies in the Mist Tour is as remote as remote gets, no infrastructure or services or facilities of any kind. Camping is primitive, not designated sites or anything. No outhouse, etc.
Photography is excellent. Shallow waters, smaller creeks and hungry bears combined with abundant spawning salmon equal excellent photo opportunities for bears chasing salmon. Very, very few people or plane traffic. Incredible mountain backdrops. Have had some luck with wolves on this trip, but not something I specifically promote it for. They’re a treat that appears as they choose.
Hiking is easy-moderate.
Coastal Alaska can be wet, and it can be cold; we’ve had frosts at least twice here.
You have to be battery power independent.
Departs from and returns to Homer, AK.
Brown Bears of Summer
The Bears of Summer Tour is another remote wilderness setting. No infrastructure of any kind.
The photography is great. Bears chasing salmon. Big bears, little bears, awesome backdrops and Alaska wilderness scenery.
More human traffic than the grizzlies in the mist trip. Mostly fishermen, but some bear viewing and photography tours as well. Camping is primitive.
Hiking is variable. It can work well for those a bit out of shape, but works really well if we have a group of people who can walk and be mobile. We may not have to, but it’s always nice to have that option.
Weather can be windy, but generally isn’t terribly cold.
Departs from and returns to King Salmon, AK.
General Brown bear photo tours
All these tours are in Katmai National Park. None of them involve backpacking with camping gear. All can be buggy, but generally none of them are even what I would call “moderate” for bugs. Everything’s relative though.
There’s no way this kind of short post can answer all your questions, but hopefully this outlines most of the significant differences between each of these brown bear photo tours.
If you want a deeper dive and comparison for our bear tours, you should definitely check out this page.
