The Finer Points
The rates for each trip include transportation round trip from Homer to your destination by a vessel , lodging aboard the boat, all meals and snacks (provided by a full time cook on the boat), and travel aboard a smaller vessel to and from the coast each day. Any additional gear needed such as kayaks, kayak gear, and fishing gear will also be included but you are welcome to bring your own with prior notification. It is recommended that you bring your own rain gear.
Travel time from Homer to Katmai takes about 2 hours or from Kodiak to Katmai 1 hour by float plane. Departure and return times will be dependent on weather and tides. Most trips in early summer will take place on the Alaska Dawn http://www.alaskadawntours.com/ 65ft and in late summer on the Dream Catcher http://wwwalaskadreamcatcher.com/ 90ft both vessels are complete with lodging, showers, restrooms, and a full service kitchen. We will anchor in various places along the coast of Katmai including Geographic Harbor, Hallo Bay, Kukak.
Each day, the guide will prepare the agenda for the day. Most days, the group will leave the boat just after breakfast, travel by smaller skiff to the beach, and spend several hours viewing the bears and wildlife. We will return to the boat for lunch and a break while the bears take their afternoon nap, then depart again in the afternoon to the beach for several more hours of hiking and wildlife viewing. Hiking and wading through tall streams and carrying your own gear are a part of this experience, so it does require moderately active mobility plus the need for hip waders or breathable chest waders if you have them. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be provided and eaten aboard the anchored boat.
Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is home to some of the largest and highest concentrations of brown (grizzly) bears in the world. During this time of year, brown bears are mostly feeding on large salmon runs, foraging for grasses and berries, digging for clams, and teaching their young. Schools of fish arrive, bringing in all sorts of predators and scavengers. This cycle provides the balance that sustains many of the animals that live near this coastal part of Alaska.
Come Prepared
Guests are responsible for bringing adequate gear and clothing. This packing list will help to ensure you will have everything you need for your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual. The weather in Alaska is quite variable, so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring high quality rain gear so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for any Alaska outdoor activity as the fabric does not easily dry and once wet has no insulation.
*Please note that the boat does have laundry facilities available for guest use. Pack light, as storage space in your rooms is limited.
Luggage: Day pack that fits you well and is comfortable for you to carry for several hours at a time. This day pack should be large enough to hold binoculars, camera, sunscreen, water, extra layers, rain gear, etc. Bring a small duffel bag or additional pack for items that you can leave aboard the boat while you are hiking on the coast.
Footwear: Comfortable, lightweight shoes for the boat and beach combing. Waders will be required for bear viewing excursions. Please bring your own breathable chest waders (preferred) or hip waders. The boat does provide a few pairs that can be borrowed each day but they are limited in sizes. If you have a pair that fits you well, please bring them. There will be several times when hiking through streams and water will be required.
Rain gear: Rain is a regular and expected part of our Alaskan experiences. Please bring a good quality, lightweight rain suit (a coat, pants, and hat). Rain suits should be light enough to carry daily and easy to get on and off. Heavy rubberized rain gear is not recommended, as it is bulky and too heavy. Please do NOT bring a plastic or vinyl rain suit or poncho; these tend to be loud in winds and disrupt the animals.
Pants: Two to three; at least one pair made of quick-drying material.
Shirts: Two to three, mostly long-sleeved. A long-sleeved, light colored, tightly woven shirt is helpful for bug and sun protection. Bring at least one non-cotton hiking shirt, preferably two; one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved.
Warm jacket/ sweater / vest: Fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest will help take the early morning or late night chill off while you enjoy your hot beverage on the boat deck.
Wool or fleece hat: You won't be sorry you brought this!
Wool or synthetic gloves: To keep your fingers warm while hiking, boating or photographing outside.
Brimmed hat: For sun protection. Some who don't enjoy a hooded jacket prefer a rain hat.
Socks: At least three pairs of wool or synthetic socks for hiking, plus adequate lightweight socks to meet your personal needs. Socks get wet on these trips so bring extras!
Long underwear: At least two sets of polypropylene, capilene or thermax tops and bottoms are recommended. Synthetic fabrics are designed to keep you warm even when wet, wicking moisture away from the skin. Do not bring cotton long underwear; if it becomes wet it fails to insulate.
Underwear: Enough for your personal needs.
Prescription medications: Make sure you bring an adequate supply for the trip.
One-quart water bottle or hydration pack: One-quart water bottle or hydration pack for each person.
Small flashlight or headlamp: Needed from late July through September.
Insect repellent: Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols. Bug nets are highly recommended. There are all kinds of varieties but generally they cover your face and neck by attaching to your hat or head. Black is ideal as they are the easiest to see through.
Toiletries: There are two heads (bathrooms) near the staterooms complete with showers, sink/vanities, and toilets. Towels, washcloths, shampoo/conditioner, and soap are provided. Bring additional small travel sized toiletries if needed. Optional Items
Sunglasses and sunscreen: We are optimists, and sunshine in Alaska can be strong at times.
Travel alarm clock: We start our days early! There are electric plug ins on the boat if you want to bring a cell phone.
Binoculars: Highly recommended and some guests feel that these are mandatory!
Camera/film/batteries/memory cards: Don't forget extra batteries for your camera. Some types of camera batteries can be difficult to find in Alaska. Also feel free to bring personal computer for downloading your images.
Hiking poles: If you prefer to explore the backcountry with hiking poles, please bring ones that pack easily (telescoping).
Sea sickness pills: Dramamine or other motion sickness pills or patches are highly recommended. Even if you don’t take them, you should have them just in case. Some small crossings can be bumpy and sometimes cause the boat to have a rolling motion. Even some of the crew takes Dramamine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What kind of wildlife will I see on my trip?
Outer coast trips provide the opportunity to view eagles, whales, otters, a variety of birds, mountain goats, an occasional bear, and your grizzly guide.
Trips to Katmai National Park open their own unique chances as well. Other than the infamous Katmai coastal brown bears, we will view salmon swimming in the rivers, eagles and other birds, and the occasional wolf, fox, or moose. While traveling from Homer to Katmai through the Cook Inlet, there are chances to see whales, porpoises, otters, and various species of birds.
How close will I get to the bears in Katmai?
We will be walking among the bears while they forage for food, chase salmon, play with their young, and lounge. The park requires that we stay a safe distant from the bears, about 50 ft. Your guide will thoroughly explain and demonstrate how to interact and exist among the animals. You will stay in a close group with your guide the entire time you are ashore.
How difficult are the trips?
Easy to moderate with most walking conducted on soft sand beach, grass meadows or creek beds. The average age of guests is in the 50s and can range from 18-89. You are responsible for carrying your gear but we stop frequently for breaks and wildlife viewing.
Will I have phone or internet access on the boat?
Communication on and off the boat is by satellite phone only. Satellite phone is available for use by guests in emergencies only, as communication lines need to stay open. There is no internet or phone access. Purchasing or renting a satellite phone in town before departure is an option.
PAYMENT POLICY
Our standard Trip payment policy requires a 50% deposit paid within 15 days of booking to confirm your dates and services. Trip balance is due the morning of your flight and can be paid by traveler’s checks, credit card or cash prior to trip departure. If paid by personal check, it must be received by our office 30 days prior to the trip date. Payment may be made payable in only U.S. Funds to the order of Branch to the Wild.
Payment can be sent by mail to:
Branch to the Wild
P.O. Box 835
Homer, Alaska 99603
The prices listed for the overnight trips are the cash prices. If a guest wishes to pay by credit card, the trip price will increase by 3%.
Trip Insurance
We assume a large part of the risk in the event a trip is canceled or delayed due to bad weather as you will see in the terms listed below. We strongly suggest that you obtain Trip Insurance/Travel Insurance to cover any delays or cancellation liabilities on your part. There are several companies that offer quotes based on your trip cost
Some of the things covered by Trip and Travel Insurance:
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption
• Travel Delay Expenses
Weather Cancellations or Delays & Refunds
Trips canceled due to weather or volcanic activity prior to departure will be refunded. We will make every reasonable attempt to replace weather lost days within the same calendar year of the original trip if space is available. The decision will be made by the Captain and crew and can be made as late as the day of departure. We are not responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred in town by delays or cancellations due to weather or volcanic activity.