Our team has tens of thousands of hours guiding around wild bears — and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Every encounter is approached with deep respect, distance, and predictability. We follow strict protocols, read bear behavior in real-time, and only observe on the bears’ terms. The areas we visit are home to bears that are accustomed to calm, respectful human presence — and we keep it that way. When done right, it’s not just safe — it’s transformational.

Autumn is when Alaska’s bears are at their heaviest — late September through October. This trip is timed to witness them in full bulk-up mode before winter hibernation.

We visit a few legendary bear-viewing spots — including Brooks Falls and the Katmai Coast — plus a couple lesser-known gems we keep off the record to protect their solitude. Each location offers a different glimpse into wild bear behavior, from the salmon-chasing frenzy to quiet, intimate moments on remote stretches of coast.

It’s definitely possible. To see the aurora, you need three things: dark skies, clear weather, and a bit of solar activity. By autumn, the skies are finally dark again, and every night of this trip puts us right on the edge of the auroral zone. While nothing’s guaranteed, we’ve had some incredible shows on clear nights — and when it does dance overhead, it’s unforgettable.

Each encounter is different — and always guided with intention. Your experienced guide will read the situation in real time, balancing safety, bear behavior, and ethical distance. We often let the bears decide how close to come, as long as their behavior remains calm and afety uninterested. Always respectful.

Safety is our very top priority.

Yes — we carry bear spray and marine “bear” flares at all times. These are proven non-lethal deterrents designed to stop a charge or safely dissuade a bear if needed.

That said, the real protection comes from reading bear behavior, staying calm, and moving predictably. Our approach is built on deep experience, not fear — we don’t escalate, we observe, and we guide with respect.

You should be able to walk 2–5 miles a day on uneven terrain. We’ll be getting in and out of bush planes, wading through shallow streams, and hiking across sandy mud-flats or rocky coastline.

We’ll provide a few specialty items you might not normally have laying around the house— chest waders, for example.

After booking, we’ll send a detailed packing list, but here’s the gist: layered clothing and reliable rain gear,

If you’re a photographer, bring your long lens for distant action — but don’t forget your wide-angle, too. When a bear strolls past our group, you’ll want the whole scene in frame.

The Ursus is a serious vessel — originally built for crab fishing in rough Alaskan waters. It’s a tank, designed for stability and strength. That said, we don’t go joyriding in heavy seas. If the weather’s rough, we stay put and enjoy the bears from shore a mile or so from wherever the boat is safely anchored.

Definitely. We welcome solo travelers, and many of our guests come alone. A single supplement is available for the non-Ursus portion of the trip if you’d prefer your own room. On the Ursus, space is extremely limited — unless you’re booking the full trip at double occupancy, you’ll likely be sharing a cabin. That’s part of the charm of expedition life: small spaces, big experiences, and a crew that usually ends up feeling like family.

Hearty, delicious, and often built around local Alaskan ingredients — expect highlights like fresh-caught seafood and warm, satisfying meals after long days in the wild. We’re well-versed in a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and more. Just let us know in advance — we’ve got you covered.

You’ll have cell coverage and Wi-Fi in Anchorage and Kodiak, and limited Wi-Fi access at King Salmon Lodge. Once aboard the Ursus, though, you’ll be completely off-the-grid — no signal, no scrolling, and for many, no problem. Most travelers actually find it refreshing to switch their phones to airplane mode and fully unplug.

Rest assured, your guides carry satellite communication gear at all times for safety.

Yes — because we’ll be traveling on Alaskan floatplanes, total luggage is limited to 60 lbs per person, including checked bags, carry-ons, and camera gear. That breaks down to 50 lbs of checked luggage and 10 lbs of carry-on. If you’re packing heavy photography gear, we’ll help you plan accordingly to stay within limits without sacrificing incredible results.