FAQ

Choose the package that fits your preferred length of stay and adventure level. All bookings are per person based on double room occupancy. To reserve, contact our friendly staff by phone or email — we’ll guide you through the process.

Yes! Packages include accommodations, all gourmet meals, beverages, bar service, guided bear-viewing and outdoor activities, round-trip transport from Kodiak, and unique remote lodge experiences.

Pricing is based on double occupancy. Solo travelers should reach out to us directly for options and any applicable single supplements.

Yes. Tipping your lodge hostess, guides, and staff is highly encouraged and appreciated for their dedicated service.

Weather delays are a realistic consideration when traveling throughout Alaska, so we strongly recommend securing Travel Insurance for your Alaska vacation.

We highly advise spending a night in Kodiak before and after your lodge adventure to avoid tight scheduling difficulties or issues with travel delays to and from the lodge. If you plan to fly from Kodiak to Anchorage the same day as departing the lodge at the end of your stay, we recommend reserving a flight to Anchorage that leaves Kodiak at 4:45 p.m. or later flights.

Kodiak is a beautiful, small town with a rich history influenced by Native Culture, Russian ERA, World War II, USCG (United States Coast Guard), and is home to a rich fishing industry and Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to friendly locals, the town boasts several wonderful museums, restaurants, and shops – all within convenient walking distance of downtown hotels.

Any additional planes or costs incurred by excess luggage weight are solely the guest’s responsibility. The floatplane carrier’s office offers convenient luggage storage for any additional baggage you won’t need while at Katmai, available for quick pick up upon your return to Kodiak.

Wondering what you should pack? View the full list on our What to Bring page.

The best time to see bears at Katmai Wilderness Lodge is from mid-June to mid-September. That’s when the salmon runs and low tides bring bears to the shoreline to fish or dig for clams. Each part of the summer offers something different—July and August are especially good for seeing bears catch salmon. We've guided guests through bear country for years and know when and where to find them. While nature is never guaranteed, these months offer your best chance for an unforgettable bear viewing experience.

While brown bears take center stage at Katmai Wilderness Lodge, our area is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife. Here at Katmai, we frequently encounter sea otters, river otters, and seals, and on special occasions, you may see whales, wolves, fox, and moose. Because Katmai is on the ocean, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see both marine bird life and the majestic Bald Eagle.

While bears are often seen right in the lodge area, most of your bear viewing takes place a short boat ride from the lodge in the surrounding bay.

We keep our tours easy and enjoyable, but you should be able to walk at least one mile on ungroomed trails. Most outings involve a short hike on natural terrain, like grass or beach areas. Our guides are trained to support all fitness levels, and we move at a safe and steady pace. If you have concerns, let us know in advance so that we can ensure the best trip possible. Read our Disclaimers for more information.

Yes, but hiking is limited primarily to beach areas during low tide. Because of abundant wild plant life, the area’s vegetation is very thick, and most of the trails are bear trails – used by bears themselves.

Your safety is our top priority. Our expert guides are specially trained in bear behavior and wilderness safety. We always view bears from a safe distance and never approach or disturb them. We travel in small groups so we can stay quiet, respectful, and alert. Our guides carry bear safety gear and constantly watch the bears' body language to stay prepared. We’ve been doing this for over 25 years and follow strict safety rules every time we go out.

Yes! We welcome adventurous families and older guests. However, we recommend the tours for kids 12 and up, since we need everyone to be able to stay quiet, listen to instructions, and walk safely in the wild. Seniors who are comfortable walking short distances on natural ground and getting into a boat should do great. If you’re not sure, just reach out—we’re happy to talk about your needs and see if our tours are the right fit.

You don’t need fancy gear to take great photos here—a good zoom camera or a phone with a nice lens will work well. If you want close-up shots, a lens that zooms at least 200–400mm is ideal. Bears are often active from a distance, especially on the shoreline or in the water. We also suggest bringing extra batteries, memory cards, and a waterproof bag. There are charging stations at the lodge, and our guides can give tips on getting the best shots based on light and angles.

While we don’t have traditional boardrooms or large meeting rooms, our lodge provides quiet gathering spaces with dependable Wi-Fi. You can bring your own devices for small group meetings or video calls. Our attentive staff will support your team to ensure a smooth and comfortable retreat.

Our packages are priced per person based on double occupancy. Each all-inclusive package covers accommodations, meals, beverages, bar service, and expert-guided outdoor adventures.

Because each retreat is unique, pricing can vary based on group size, length of stay, and activities. Please contact us directly for detailed pricing and to discuss your team’s specific needs.