Come on an Alaskan adventure, exploring the Katmai coast.  You’ll arrive via float plane to our boat, the M/V Ursus, which will already be anchored off of Shelikof Strait.  The Ursus is a 106-foot Alaskan crab boat that has been retrofitted with additional cabins for tours.  This is no luxury cruise ship, it's a comfortable but rustic vessel perfectly suited for the exploration of the Katmai coast.  We will explore the coast with frequent trips into a number of bays.  Along with a guide, we will launch skiffs to the coast for bear viewing photography and landscape hikes.  There will be daily critique sessions and one-on-one instruction.  The voyage will conclude in Kodiak.  

Paul has traveled all over the world as a photojournalist, working everywhere from Antarctica to Congo.  He will share his passion for photography and his love for Alaska, sending you home with great images as well as a new found excitement for your own photography. 

Schedule - 

September 26, 2018
Arrive in Homer, AK.  Explore Homer and get acclimated to the time change.  There will be a group dinner in town, allowing everyone to get acquainted with your photography instructor.  We’ll be able to address any specific desires you have for the trip and allow your instructor to get familiar with your photographic goals for the coming days.

September 27, 2018
Meet at the Beluga Lake Seaplane Base.  We will be taking two float planes to Geographic Harbor in Shelikof Strait, where our 106 foot boat, the M/V Ursus will be anchored.  After everyone is settled into their cabins, we will have a group dinner, look over charts showing the detailed plans for the voyage based on current weather conditions.  We’ll stay in Geographic Harbor overnight and the skiffs will be available to explore the area.  The unique landscape of Geographic Harbor is spectacular, with a prehistoric, jurassic feel.

September 28, 2018
In the morning we will travel to Kinak Bay, where we will launch the skiffs and give everyone the opportunity to tour the bay and photograph the area.  This will be the tail end of the bear season but this is an ideal location to potentially photograph brown bears.  We will have a trained guide to help us find wildlife as well as keep everyone safe.  For those more interested in landscape photography, Kinak Bay has plenty of opportunities.

September 29, 2018
In the morning the boat will travel to Kuliak Bay where we will explore the inlets via skiff with our guide.  You’ll be able to go to the shore if you would like to hike inland.

September 30 - October 1, 2018
Depending on weather, our route may alter but we plan to travel to Kukak Bay for wildlife and landscape photography opportunities, including seeing seals and great hiking.  We will cross Shelikof Strait to the western side of Kodiak Island, voyaging through Kupreanof Strait, passing Raspberry Island and docking in Kodiak.  In Kodiak, you will have time to explore the city and meet up in the evening for a group dinner off the boat. Your instructor will be available all day to meet one-on-one to discuss your photography and help with any image editing.

October 2, 2018
We’ll supply transportation to Kodiak Airport for your return flight home. For an additional fee, the tour can be expanded on land around Kodiak Island or via sea in a smaller vessel)

Whats included: Float plane flight from Homer, AK to The M/V Ursus.  All lodging and meals while you're on board the M/V Ursus.  In-town group dinner in Homer and in Kodiak.

What's not included: Your flights into homer and departing Kodiak.  Your transportation to the Beluga Lake Seaplane Base. Travel insurance, we recommend you purchase travel insurance for the workshop.