Alaska BEAR photography
Camping Trip ▲

Alaska WILDLIFE TRIP Overview ▲

June 2025

Trip 1: June 15 - 19 (Sold Out)
Trip 2: June 18 - 22 (1 spot remaining)
Trip 3: June 21 - 25

Accommodation: Remote Campsite
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Group Size: 8 Guests

alaska BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY camping HIGHLIGHTS ▲

  • Wildlife Encounters Up Close – Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of brown bears in their natural environment as they forage, court, and roam freely in the open meadows.

  • Untamed Alaskan Wilderness – Immerse yourself in Alaska's untouched landscapes, from its dramatic coastlines to expansive grassy fields.

  • Conservation in Action – By joining this journey, you are directly supporting crucial initiatives that safeguard Alaska’s bears and their habitats.

  • Optional Photography Masterclass – Elevate your skills in a hands-on photography session with renowned wildlife photographer Charlee Wild, capturing breathtaking shots of bears and Alaskan scenery.

  • Exclusive Bear Campsite – Experience the seclusion of a camp deep in bear territory, away from the usual tourist paths.

  • Guided by Experts in the Field – Benefit from the expertise of bear specialist Casey Cooper, who shares in-depth knowledge of bear behavior and conservation practices.

  • Wildlife Beyond Bears – While bears take center stage, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot wolves, eagles, and coastal marine life during beach hikes and wilderness explorations.

  • Intimate Small-Group Experience – Relish close-up wildlife encounters with a limited number of participants, ensuring a meaningful and respectful experience with nature.

Meet Your Alaska Wildlife Trip Leaders ▲

  • Blake Moynes

    Blake Moynes, widely recognized as a television personality, is a dedicated conservationist and adventurer. Through his company, SOSA (Save Our Species Alliance), he leads impactful global wildlife projects. With a diploma in Outdoor Adventure and a degree in Tourism Management, Blake skillfully combines his academic background, both practical and theoretical, as well as his passion for protecting wildlife and wild places, to create wildly immersive experiences. His commitment to conservation is further evidenced by his anti-poaching training in South Africa, where he earned a ranger certificate. Constantly learning and supporting experts in the field, Blake remains at the forefront of conservation efforts. As a guide on our expeditions, he invites participants to join him in protecting vulnerable species and inspiring future environmental stewards.

    VISIT WEBSITE

  • Casey Cooper

    Casey Cooper is a highly experienced bear guide, licensed to lead guests safely through the wilderness to encounter and learn about these majestic animals. With years of experience guiding trips focused on bear encounters, Casey is not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

    Casey is also a multi-talented adventurer, serving as a boat captain, pilot, fly-fishing guide, and freelance photographer. Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he developed a deep love for the outdoors that has driven him to explore the world. Between Alaskan summers guiding fly-fishing trips, Casey travels globally, witnessing breathtaking moments in the wild.

    As a guide on our expeditions, Casey is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

    VISIT WEBSITE

  • Charlee Wild

    Charlee Wild (formally known as Charly Savely) is a world-renowned outdoor, travel, commercial, and wildlife photographer based in Tucson, Arizona. Known for her captivating images of Arctic & African landscapes and wildlife, Charlee spends much of her time photographing wildlife and working on conservation projects to protect animals and our planet. 

    Charlee offers a range of photography workshops globally, including destinations like Iceland, South Africa, and Antarctica. These workshops emphasize wildlife conservation and provide participants with hands-on experience in capturing stunning natural scenes. She teaches photography year-round across the globe during her workshops and expeditions.

    VISIT WEBSITE

Optional one-on-one photography editing workshop after the trip ($499) ▲

Master the craft of wildlife photography with Charlee, a globally acclaimed wildlife and outdoor photographer, as you explore the wilds of Katmai. This expedition is thoughtfully designed for photographers of all experience levels, focusing on sharpening your skills in capturing the essence of nature. Whether you're just starting and need guidance on camera settings, or you’re a seasoned photographer aiming to perfect your composition and anticipate animal behavior, Charlee’s hands-on instruction is tailored to benefit every participant.

For those looking to delve deeper into photography, Charlee offers an exclusive post-trip Zoom session. This one-hour, one-on-one virtual workshop, priced at $499, dives into her complete editing workflow—from organizing your shots to advanced color grading and optimizing images for web or print. Beyond sharing her expertise on turning an ordinary shot into a captivating visual story, Charlee will also conduct a personalized critique of one of your images from the trip, providing detailed guidance on enhancing its artistic appeal.

This session is a unique opportunity to refine your editing techniques and elevate your visual storytelling. Don’t miss out on the chance to tap into Charlee’s vast knowledge and take your wildlife photography to new heights.

Who is This Alaska BEAR and wildlife Trip For?

Our Alaska Bear Photography Camping Trip is crafted to deliver an unforgettable experience for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, no matter your background or level of experience. This journey is ideal for:

Wildlife Enthusiasts ▲

If your heart beats for animals and conservation, this adventure is tailor-made for you. Witness wild bears in their natural environment, learn from seasoned conservation experts, and gain profound insights into the ecosystems that sustain these magnificent animals. This immersive trip is perfect for those eager to connect with nature and actively support wildlife preservation.

Nature photographers ▲

Whether you're a pro behind the lens or simply love capturing the beauty of the outdoors, this expedition provides countless opportunities to photograph stunning wildlife. Imagine grizzly bears fishing for salmon, wolves on the prowl, and the breathtaking Alaskan scenery—all bathed in perfect light. Plus, you'll receive photography guidance from our experienced team to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Beginners & Nature Explorers ▲

No prior photography skills? No worries! This journey is designed for anyone who appreciates nature and wants an up-close encounter with the wild. You don’t need a high-end camera or technical know-how—just bring your sense of wonder and curiosity. Our expert guides ensure that you’ll have an incredible experience, whether you're snapping photos or simply enjoying the majestic beauty of Alaska's wilderness.

Alaska wildlife trip ItInerary ▲

Day 1: Welcome TO ALASKA

  • 1 night stay at a hotel or Airbnb in Kodiak

  • Welcome Dinner – Savor dinner while mingling with fellow guests.

  • Orientation and safety briefing – Meet your liaison who will provide an overview of the days ahead. Get ready for a week of jaw-dropping bear encounters and immersive experiences!

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Katmai ▲

  • Morning Flight Over Alaska (1.5 hours) – Embark on a stunning aerial journey over the wild Alaskan landscape. Fly above glaciers, winding rivers, and dormant volcanoes on your way to Katmai National Park, celebrated for its dense bear population.

  • Arrival in Katmai – Land in one of the most renowned bear-viewing locations on the planet. Upon arrival, settle into your secluded wilderness camp.

  • Camp Orientation & Bear Safety Briefing – Get acquainted with the essentials of safely sharing space with these magnificent bears, setting the stage for your adventure ahead.

  • Afternoon Bear Viewing – Kick off your experience with your first close encounter with these powerful animals in their natural surroundings.

  • Dinner Under the Stars – Savor a hearty meal by the campfire, immersed in the sounds and serenity of Alaska’s remote wilderness.

  • Optional Sunset Bear Walk – Cap off the day with an optional evening excursion to observe bears basking in the warm glow of sunset—an ideal moment for photography enthusiasts.

Day 3 and 4: All day bear Encounters ▲

  • Morning hike & bear viewing – Start your day with a guided hike through rugged terrain, as you watch bears foraging and playing. The early morning light makes for spectacular photo ops!

  • Breakfast – Refuel with a delicious camp-cooked breakfast before continuing the adventure.

  • Interactive Educational Session – Learn from our wildlife guides about bear behavior, ecosystem dynamics, and the vital role Katmai plays in preserving these species.

  • Lunch – A casual lunch in the wild.

  • Beach hike with bear and wolf sightings – Venture along remote beaches where you’ll not only encounter more bears but could also spot elusive wolves. Your guides will provide fascinating insights into their behaviors.

  • Dinner – After an exciting day, enjoy dinner under the stars.

  • Optional sunset bear viewing – Witness the magic of another Alaskan sunset as bears roam the horizon.

Day 5: Farewell ▲

  • Morning Bear Viewing & Final Breakfast – Relish your last morning in this wild sanctuary with a tranquil breakfast, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bears one last time.

  • Departing the Camp – Say your goodbyes to the untouched wilderness as you prepare for the scenic flight back to Kodiak. Take a moment to reflect on the transformative experiences and conservation efforts you’ve been a part of.

  • Return Flight to Kodiak (1.5 hours) – Soar above Alaska's expansive landscapes one final time, heading back to civilization with lasting memories and a renewed passion for wildlife conservation.

Disclaimer ▲

Please note that while we strive to offer an unforgettable wildlife experience, sightings of specific animals or species are subject to their natural behaviors and cannot be guaranteed. Animal placement and program schedules can potentially cause delays or conflicts in schedule. Activities and itinerary are subject to change due to the potential of unforeseen weather events. If deemed unsafe, changes to itinerary will be made and in the worst case canceled.

What’s included?

  • Flights and transportation from Kodiak to Katmai National Park

  • 1 night stay at a hotel or Airbnb in Kodiak

  • Camp Accommodations

  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Exclusive Gear Package

  • Guided tour with an experienced bear guide

  • Daily bear viewing experiences 

  • Endless wildlife photography opportunities

what’s Not Included?

  • Airfare

  • Trip Insurance

  • Gratuities

  • Alcohol or alcoholic beverages

  • Transportation outside the provided activities & airport transfers

  • Any additional booking requests or activities outside of the listed program

  • Any accommodations outside of the booking dates

HOW YOUR TRIP MAKES AN IMPACT ▲

Friends For The Wild™️ is dedicated to protecting Alaska's wildlife and supporting the local communities that share these incredible landscapes. By joining us on this journey, you are not just experiencing the beauty of Alaska—you are actively contributing to meaningful conservation efforts that safeguard its wildlife and ecosystems.

Your Adventure, Their Future:

  • Conserving Bears and Salmon: A portion of your trip fee directly funds critical projects aimed at preserving bear and salmon populations. These initiatives include supporting the International Assiciation of Bear Research and Management’s work to protect vital habitats, conduct research on bear behavior, and implement strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. We prioritize supporting the dedicated scientists and field experts whose research is shaping the future of bear conservation, ensuring that Alaska’s iconic wildlife thrives for generations.

  • Empowering Indigenous Communities: Friends For The Wild™️ partners with United Tribes of Bristol Bay to support the Yup’ik, Dena’ina, and Alutiiq communities whose lands we explore. Your participation helps sustain educational programs, promote traditional practices, and strengthen local conservation efforts, preserving the cultural and ecological integrity of these regions.

  • Preserving Alaska's Ecosystems: Your trip goes beyond supporting individual species; it contributes to the health of entire ecosystems. By investing in projects that protect Alaska’s forests, rivers, and coastlines, you help maintain the natural balance that allows wildlife and communities to flourish.

By choosing to travel with us, you transform your journey into a powerful force for change. Friends For The Wild™️ channels your love for nature into impactful conservation actions that leave a lasting legacy. Discover more about how we are making a difference and join us in preserving the wild places we cherish.

BOOK YOUR Alaska Bear Photography Camping Trip NOW ▲

To book your place on this trip please click “Join Us” below

The price of the trip is $6500