Brown Bears of Katmai

Arrive independently at the Anchorage airport where a complimentary transfer brings you to your Anchorage hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this cosmopolitan city on your own.

An included transfer takes you to the Anchorage Airport. Fly from Anchorage to King Salmon and transfer to a seaplane for the short scenic flight to Brooks Lodge. This afternoon is free to explore the surrounding area. After a brief orientation by the National Park Service you may want to go fishing or join the afternoon nature walk. The big attraction is a visit to the bear viewing platform above Brooks Falls. Each year bears congregate here because of the prolific salmon runs. Because the platform is well managed by the National Park Service, bears are habituated to visitors and behave in a natural manner, providing the experience of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. This evening and the next there are slideshows, films, lectures, sunsets and a bar for evening enjoyment. Overnight in a double cabin.

Today explore the Valley of 10,000 Smokes on a guided natural history tour. This all-day bus and hiking tour to Katmai’s volcanic lava flows features an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife and walk upon the ash and pumice moonscape of the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. Other added-cost options include flightseeing excursions, canoe/kayak rentals and fishing. With additional free time, view brown bears at Brooks Falls.

Spend one final morning in Katmai persuing your own interests. Most visitors take one last chance to visit the platform and view bears. Return to Anchorage by way of King Salmon. Upon arrival in Anchorage an included transfer brings you to your Anchorage hotel.

This morning, an included transfer brings you to the Anchorage airport for your journey home or you may continue your exploration of Alaska with a trip extension or one of our small ship adventure cruises.

Included

Accommodations as listed or similar, roundtrip flights from Anchorage to Brooks Lodge, entrance fees and permits.

Exclusions

Airfare to Alaska; Anchorage room taxes ($53 per person double occupancy in 2020); airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Please note meals are not included at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park. Buffet dining is available and may be purchased in advance or upon arrival.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – $400 fee
31-90 days – 50% of total trip cost
0-30 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Brown Bears of Katmai adventure begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage anytime on day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Anchorage anytime on day 5. Transfers will be provided both upon arrival on day 1 from Anchorage International Airport and on day 5 for your return flight home.

Internal Flights

All internal flights on this trip are included in the rate, including round-trip Anchorage-King Salmon and King Salmon-Brooks Lodge flights. The flights between Anchorage and King Salmon allow 1 checked bag up to 50 pounds and one carry-on bag per person; an additional checked bag is $25 and a third checked bag is $50. The flights between King Salmon and Brooks Lodge are booked aboard small planes. While these are regularly scheduled flights they are almost like a flightseeing excursion and we feel this is part of the Alaska experience. Baggage limits on these flights are 50 pounds per person and travelers will be charged $1 per pound for additional luggage.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include bear viewing, fishing, nature walks, a guided bus tour, flightseeing, canoeing and kayaking.

Room Configuration

Cabins and prices are listed for single, double, triple and quarduple use.

Families & Children

Child discounts are not offered.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.