Hallo Bay- mating season

Hallo Bay located at the coast of Kamtai National Park is a beautiful and remote part of the park which can only be reached by smaller bush flights or boat. This trip starts with a private air charter from Kodiak Island with a sea plane which take us over the Shelikof Strait to Katmai National Park. During a clear day the view is stunning with views over the coast of Katmai. Since the remoteness of the coast of Katmai there is only a few privileged visitors who get to visit this premiere bear viewing spot. Because of this is it far from being as crowded as Brooks Falls within Katmai or other more accesible bear viewing sites in Alaska. Sometimes it is just us as a group in the area in the mornings and evenings during the best light conditions for photography.

Three brown bears, including two adults and a cub, standing close together on green grass with a blurred forest and water backdrop.

During our stay we stay in our own tented camp in Hallo Bay right where the action is. Katmai’s coastline is really spectacular with beaches, grassy plains surrounded by mountains and bears almost wherever you look. In Hallo Bay a large number of bears gather to graze the nutritious grass found on the large grassy plains during the spring. Hallo Bay also serve as a courting and mating place for the bears during their mating season in early summer. It is not uncommon to count up to 30 bears in a limited area at the fields. The month of June is a very interesting month, during this period you can witness interesting social interactions between the bears and learn a lot about bear behavior. The period also usually offers fantastic photo opportunities. Large males are often in place, sometimes there is violent fights between the big males in the competition for females. In a distance to where the most bears are active, one can also have the chance to photograph females with small yearlings cubs. The cubs are still quite small at this time and very vulnerable so the mother keep distance to other bears and especially males. Katmai is also rich in other wildlife; there is a chances to see wolves, majestic bald eagles, falcons and many other bird species.

  • Day 1. All participants will gather in the coastal town Prince Rupert for departure to the wolf island. We usually start in the morning the first day depending on weather and tides. The boat ride takes about 3 hours. At arrival we spend the rest of the day in field. Day 2-6 These days we spend out in field from early morning to late evening in search for the wolves and photo opportunities. We always start well ahead of the best morning light to have the chance to capture the wolves in best light conditions, also we usually stay out until the sun sets. Most often during our time out in the field we sit and wait at some strategic spots along the creek/ river where the wolves often pass by. It can be long hours waiting. The bay where the boats are anchored pretty much gets empty of water during low tide, the wolves then quite often travels on the tidal flats right next to the boats. The boats then function as a good look out for wolves! If lucky one can then observe and photograph wolves right from the boat! Day 7. Depending on tides we

 

Travel information

Date: 5-12 June 2025

Cost $ 5500 excl. international flight ticket and local flight to Kodiak Island.

Special requirements: As a participant one need to have average good condition. We can hike from about 5-20 km each day, however, it is in terrain that is easy to hike that goes along trails and on beach.

What is included in the cost of the trip: All guiding, air charter, special equipment, all meals in the field, any other meals at restaurants participants pay for themselves. Two nights in hotel included. One night on the arrival to Kodiak Island as well as one night in connection with the day we return from the field. Sometimes the weather can prevent us from flying out on the planned day, any extra hotel nights due to bad weather, participants pay for themselves.

General information: The weather on Alaska's southwestern coast can sometimes be challenging with wind and rain. The itinerary is therefore dependent on the weather condition, so in severe weather conditions the itinerary might have to be changed. Clothing and personal equipment: Fully rainproof and windproof shell garments. It can sometimes rain hard, which is why it is especially important to have proper shell clothing. Sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Rain cover for camera and equipment. Further information will be given when booking the trip

Booking of the trip: If you are interested of booking the trip you fill in the booking form and you will then be contacted with information on how to proceed. A deposit is made to reserve a spot.

Two brown bears in a grassy field, one behind the other, with a blurred background of more grass and water.
Brown bear grazing in a lush green field with another bear in the background.
A close-up of a young brown bear standing on grass.
A grizzly bear and a cub in a grassy field.
Two brown bears standing on a grassy field, one in the foreground and another in the background.
Two bear cubs playfully interacting on a grassy field.
Close-up of a brown bear eating grass
Young brown bear resting on a log in a mountainous landscape
A brown bear and its cub walking together on a beach.
A bear cub lying on its back in grass with an adult bear beside it.
Grizzly bear grazing in a grassy field with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Young bear in grassy field
Grizzly bear walking in a grassy field with mountains in the background.
Two brown bears standing on hind legs facing each other in a grassy field with trees in the background.

 

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