This privately chartered ship is designed for shallow water navigation, allowing her guests to cruise close to shore in search of Alaskan brown bears. She is AdventureSmith's only partner sleep-aboard vessel sailing in the remote reaches of Katmai National Park.
Photo by: Brad Josephs
Alaska’s Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai
The most intimate and up-close Alaska bear viewing available is aboard the 8-guest Ursus cruising to remote reaches of Katmai National Park. View the largest coastal grizzlies in the world, Alaskan brown bears, as they feed on summer's bounty of spawning salmon!
Jul
Aug
Sep
FROM
$11,495
USD
PER PERSON
/
Many travelers come to Alaska expecting to see Alaska’s enormous brown bears lumbering over tidal flats, feasting on salmon and tending to their frisky cubs. But the fact is, very few will. This 8-day Alaska’s grizzly ship is aptly named because small groups of only 8 passengers journey by floatplane and aboard the small ship Ursus into the truly bear-rich wilderness of Katmai National Park.
First, a quick Alaska bear primer: grizzly bears and brown bears are the same species (Ursus arctos), but brown bears are generally considered as those who have access to coastal food resources like salmon, while grizzly bears live farther inland and typically do not have access to such marine-derived cuisine.
The brown bears—or coastal grizzlies as they’re often called—encountered on this Alaska cruise are the largest in the world, living in the remote reaches of Katmai National Park, far from any cruise ship or tour bus route. And these are the months they will be feeding on summer’s bounty of spawning salmon. This is as up close and personal as you’ll ever safely get with wild bears! Knowledgeable guides and an extremely small group size allow guests to approach the bears without disturbing them.
Home base is the converted fishing and research ship Ursus, ideal for exploring the scenic wilderness waterways of Katmai National Park. At only 8 guests, she’s one of our favorites for private Alaska yacht charters. By sleeping aboard a small ship each night, the route can be flexible, following the bears from bay to bay. Go truly remote: you can’t get here by road or traditional cruise ship!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
Alaska's Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai Itinerary
Kodiak, AlaskaKodiak, Alaska
This 8-day cruise begins and ends in Kodiak, with included pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, a day boat tour of Kodiak Island and a scenic floatplane flight to and from the Ursus.
Welcome to Kodiak Island! At 3,670 square miles, Kodiak is the second-largest island in the United States. Defined by high mountains, lush forests and a crenellated coastline, much of the island’s wild terrain lies within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, home to 3,500 brown bears and a multitude of other wildlife. On your arrival at the airport, a local guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel in town. Depending on your arrival time, you maybe able to explore some of Kodiak’s Russian and Native heritage on your own this afternoon. Your adventure officially begins this evening with an informal welcome dinner and orientation hosted by a local guide.
Inhabited by Alutiiq natives for more than 7,000 years, Kodiak was colonized by Russian fur traders in 1792, whose harvest of sea otter pelts drove the species to near-extinction by the mid-19th century. As the first permanent Russian settlement in what would become Alaska, it served as the capital of Russian America until it was moved to Sitka in 1804. In 1794, the Russian Orthodox Church established its first North American mission in Kodiak. Reminders of this residency are on display at the Kodiak History Museum—formerly an 18th-century fur storehouse and one of Alaska’s oldest wooden structures—and Holy Resurrection Church, rebuilt in the 1940s after the original 1795 building was destroyed by a fire. Both are walking distance from your hotel. Other options for free time include the Alutiiq Museum, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and several galleries featuring the work of resident artists. All are centrally located in the compact town of Kodiak surrounding St. Paul’s Harbor. Kodiak is also home to Alaska’s largest fishing fleet, bringing in a great haul of salmon, halibut and herring each season.
While Katmai’s grizzlies will be the main focus, Kodiak Island is an impressive wildlife destination in its own right. Today, explore a sampler of its coastal waters on a day-long private boat trip. A cruise among Kodiak’s secluded bays and rocky shorelines, past tidal pools and kittiwake rookeries, may reveal sea otters, puffins, bald eagles, sea lions and sometimes humpback and fin whales. Kodiak is remote, not often visited by travelers to Alaska, and the sense of an intimate encounter with nature is palpable as the boat glides through rockbound coves and islands. Spend time touring historic Kodiak, with a mix of activities that may include a walk through the coastal rain forest at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, a fisheries research center with aquarium and touch tank, or a drive up Pillar Mountain for sweeping views over the town and sea, when weather permits.
The day has arrived to see the bears! Using a classically Alaskan means of transport: a floatplane journey from Kodiak to Katmai to meet the privately chartered ship, Ursus. The plan is to fly out late morning, but timing is flexible in the event of weather delays, in which case stay and explore a bit more of Kodiak until the clouds lift. Once on board the plane, fly west over Kodiak’s steep green mountains and across Shelikof Strait to the Katmai Peninsula. The pilot is in radio contact with the Ursus, and soon the plane is taxiing along the water to pull up alongside. Exit the plane and embark the vessel that will be your floating home for the next several days.
The 73-foot Ursus was built as a deep-sea fishing boat called Time Bandit, which navigated the stormy Bering Sea in pursuit of the lucrative king crab catch. Its successor, the second Time Bandit, gained fame in the Discovery Channel TV series “Deadliest Catch.” The original boat was later transitioned for research use by the National Park Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Since retrofitted for custom tourism charters, this sturdy veteran of wild Alaskan waters now offers comfortable accommodations in this remote marine wilderness. The Ursus (which means “bear” in Latin) cruises slowly along the coast, where coastal grizzlies, or brown bears, are often foraging for food. Begin mobile means cruising to wherever the bears are, following them from bay to bay depending on weather and sea conditions. Along the way, the friendly captain and staff of the Ursus ensure guests feel welcomed, safe and attended to.
While we’ve all seen footage in nature documentaries of Alaskan brown bears in the wild, nothing prepares you for the drama of an actual encounter with these magnificent beasts, often just yards away. They are North America’s largest land predators, and an adult male can weigh well over 1,000 pounds. As you cruise just off the coast, bears often dot the shoreline. Go ashore by skiff for a closer view, traversing tidal flats and gravel bars on foot, possibly fording a few streams to find the best vantage point for bear watching. It’s not uncommon to find several massive grizzlies at once. And far from dozing lethargically, these bears may put on quite a show in their efforts to fill up on enough protein rich food to prepare them for a long winter in hibernation.
The bear activity you witness will vary according to the season, weather conditions and timing of the salmon runs, but there’s always something riveting to watch. Early in the season, mothers with cubs gallivanting on the shore provide amusing entertainment. Later on, you may see bears fight to capture salmon in their jaws, trying to seize spawning fish that make their way up the streams flowing over the intertidal area. As omnivores, bears also dig for clams and mussels in the sand and browse on protein rich sedges. Depending on the time of your visit, you may see bears mating or males sparring over females.
On most Alaska bear trips, you’ll watch grizzlies from viewing platforms or vehicles. Not here! In coastal Katmai you are on foot, carefully wandering the area in your small group under the cautious guidance of your expedition leader, who offers thorough coaching in safe bear etiquette. Sometimes you’ll see wolves, too, observing their interesting interactions with the bears. While occasionally there may be another boat in the region, you’re usually alone in the wilderness, moved by a profound sense of solitude, peace and raw beauty. This trip offers an encounter with the Alaskan wild that we trust will thrill you beyond expectation.
One last morning is set aside for time with the bears before the planned afternoon flight back to Kodiak. Traveling in an open skiff, head once more toward shore, looking for a glimpse of the glaciers that crown the tall mountains behind Katmai’s lonely coastline. Typically, these peaks are cloaked in clouds while evocative mists weave in and out of the bays, providing the moisture that keeps Katmai so lush and verdant. Deep ash covered the region after the massive 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai and adjacent Novarupta, and revegetation in the century since has come mostly as a thick blanket of willow and alder bushes, though some stands of spruce thrive as well. Keep an eye out for bald eagles in the treetops and seabirds like kittiwakes, terns, mergansers, pigeon guillemots and black oystercatchers.
Inevitably, it’s going to be hard to leave. Most travelers never get such an immersion in genuine wilderness, let alone the chance to sit in solitude with some of the world’s most magnificent carnivores. Most come away awed by the access the bears grant into their world and inspired to protect them from the very real threats of mining, climate change and other forces that may impact the ecosystem that sustains them—especially the salmon runs on which they rely. In mid-afternoon, fly by floatplane to Kodiak, though the exact timing will vary according to weather, marine conditions and other logistical factors. Back in Kodiak, be met by the local guide once more and transfer to the hotel. A farewell dinner is planned at a local restaurant. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, along with other varied choices.
This Alaska bear adventure comes to a close today as you depart from Kodiak. The hotel shuttle will provide a transfer to the airport in time to meet your departing flight. It’s recommended guests book an afternoon flight out in case inclement weather prevents you from flying back to Kodiak on Day 7 as scheduled— occasionally, weather delays may require a morning flight today from the Ursus back to Kodiak.
Included
Accommodations; services of professional expedition leader(s), boat crew and local staff; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day; beer and wine on board the Ursus; some gratuities; airport transfers on Day 1 and final day; gear including chest waders and boots for shore excursions (if you require an especially large or small size, please let us know prior to departure); all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
Exclusions
Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip; some alcoholic beverages; some gratuities; passport and visa fees (if any); optional activities; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.); airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any); required medical evacuation insurance; optional travel protection insurance; insurance of any kind; cost of internal air, which includes all floatplane flights within the itinerary ($1,794 in 2026 to be added to your invoice).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. Deposit may be transferred to a new departure date of this trip anytime before the balance of the trip price is due, 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 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 8-day Alaska’s Grizzly Ship begins and ends in Kodiak, Alaska (ADQ). Plan to arrive in Kodiak in time for a 6:30pm welcome dinner and orientation on Day 1. Plan to depart Kodiak anytime on Day 8, though we strongly recommend booking an afternoon flight for the unlikely event that poor weather prevents the scheduled return time by floatplane on Day 7 of the itinerary.
Airport transfers are included on Day 1 and on the final day of the trip. Exact times of the floatplane flights between Kodiak and the ship Ursus vary according to weather and other logistical factors beyond our control. Should travelers be required to remain in Kodiak longer than anticipated due to inclement weather, either before, after or during the trip, they will be responsible for their own expenses.
Internal Flights
Most floatplane flights will depart Kodiak to meet the Ursus in late morning and return to Kodiak mid-afternoon. The exact times will vary according to weather and other logistical factors. There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs of baggage per person (including carry-ons and camera equipment) on floatplane flights. Hard shell luggage is not recommended. We recommend bringing a small duffel bag to pack for the few days on the boat. Any excess luggage can be stored at the Kodiak Compass Suites or Land’s End Resort and retrieved upon return to Kodiak.
Activities
Due to the extremely remote nature of this adventure, you will be required to submit a medical form before departure. This form must be completed and signed by your primary care physician. Good health and overall fitness are a must, as you will be far from medical facilities in this roadless region—it may take several hours or potentially a full day or more to evacuate to a medical facility should health problems arise.
A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this small ship-based Alaska adventure, as it involves watching grizzlies on foot in open areas. At times, travelers must walk at least two miles to reach the daily bear-viewing location, in varied conditions including rough, uneven terrain, shallow water, and through mud while wearing chest waders (which can feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable). Transfers between the Ursus and the floatplane to the Zodiacs used to access the shore require the ability to make a large step up or down onto an unstable surface. For safety reasons, it is not possible to divide the group or for individuals to stay in one place while the rest of the group moves. Once at the bear-viewing site, physical activity is quite limited; you may spend several hours in essentially one spot with little movement. It is generally not possible to view bears from the Ursus. In order to maximize bear-viewing opportunities, be prepared to spend long days ashore, returning late to the ship for dinner. Travelers must be of sound health and able to maintain a positive attitude in a wild and remote setting.
Room Configuration
Solo travelers willing to share, please ask your Adventure Specialist about the possibility of matching with a roommate; this program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found.
Families & Children
Due the expedition nature and isolated location of this program, children must be 16 years old at time of departure.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $250,000 per person. If you decline the operator’s insurance, then you must provide proof of third party insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
This trip involves watching grizzlies on foot in unprotected open areas. While bears are unpredictable and sighting them can never be guaranteed, groups on this tour have never missed seeing them. The unpredictability of bears can also lead to dangerous situations. They are wild animals, and all travelers must heed the rules set by staff and understand that this trip can potentially present harmful situations. All travelers must take their own safety into consideration before and when joining this adventure. Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
A Note on Seasons
In June, the world’s largest coastal grizzlies converge to socialize, mate and feast from the sea. Long, warm days supercharge the rich marine habitat, with seawater flooding into glacial river valleys to create intertidal meadows where bears congregate. These are some of the world’s most active brown bear mating grounds, with the season peaking in mid-to-late June. Play among sows, cubs and sub-adults is at its most rambunctious.
July is a month of transition. The bears continue grazing, while some sows come into estrus, offering potential opportunities to witness complex and fascinating mating rituals. While salmon runs are unpredictable, the fish often begin congregating at river mouths by late July. As mating season winds down, many large nomadic males disperse while females and their cubs loll in the rich habitat. July encounters typically include intimate time watching infants nurse and families play and graze on sweet wildflower meadows.
For coastal grizzlies, August is spent gorging on plentiful pink salmon. At Geographic Harbor and Kinak Bay, bears converge at shallow tidal estuaries to feast on fat-rich salmon. Huge, solitary males, and females with as many as three cubs, prowl the banks and plunge into cold streams, poised to pounce on unsuspecting fish.
September brings dramatic change, an optimal time for photographers hoping to capture images of fishing bears exhibiting their most fierce physical appearance in beautiful seasonal light. There is some berry grazing, but mostly the bears are fishing. By now they are largely satiated and healthy, with thick coats ready for winter. Fall foliage is red, orange and gold, and rain is more frequent.
Loading rates & dates…
No upcoming departures available at this time.
Sort
No departures match your filters.
USD
Per Person
Per Person
The Ursus provides accommodations for up to 8 passengers on coastal grizzly expeditions on the Alaska Peninsula. Ideally designed for exploring the remote waters of coastal Katmai National Park, the Ursus (Latin for "bear") is 73 feet long with a deep displacement hull and an exceptionally seaworthy design with a high bow and fine horseshoe stern. She carries a full complement of modern, state-of-the-art navigation and safety equipment.
Ursus Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ursus review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our Alaska experts have been aboard the Ursus firsthand. Please read our Ursus review below then contact our experts to compare the Ursus with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises and private Alaska yacht charters.
The Ursus is AdventureSmith's only partner sleep-aboard vessel sailing in the remote reaches of Katmai National Park. Choose this vessel if you want to witness Alaska's famed brown bears up close in a wilderness environment. Being specifically designed for shallow water navigation, the Ursus allows her guests to cruise close to shore, watching bears foraging in the meadows and clamming on the tide flats. Accommodation aboard is simple and expedition focused, with no-frills cabins featuring upper/lower single berths and shared bathroom facilities.
History of the Ursus
The Ursus was originally built in 1984 as a crab fishing boat called the Time Bandit, which plied the storm-tossed waters of the Bering Sea and gained fame in the Discovery Channel TV series The Deadliest Catch. In 1989, the vessel was transitioned for research use by the National Park Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other agencies conducting scientific study and monitoring. She has since been converted and comfortably appointed for custom marine charter use. In addition to Alaska bear cruises, the Ursus has outfitted two international filmmaking projects: the 2012 BBC/Discovery Channel documentary Great Bear Stakeout, and an NHK (Japanese public television) program on orcas hunting gray whales and humpbacks.
Common & Dining Areas Aboard Ursus
Inside, the ship is intimate and simply appointed, yet she provides ample space and facilities for activities. A well-lit galley and dining space are the site for convivial conversation over gourmet meals prepared each day by the onboard chef. Fresh Alaskan seafood, including halibut, salmon and crab, highlight many of the dinners. The ship also has a small library, computer, DVD and CD player on board.
Expedition Leaders Aboard Ursus
The Expedition Leaders who guide Ursus's grizzly adventures are professional naturalists and bear experts. The vessel takes pride in employing Alaska's most qualified, dedicated and passionate natural history guides, and her Alaska Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years’ experience each. They also receive additional training from leading World Wildlife Fund scientists as the organization is also a partner company for Ursus's Katmai bear cruise itineraries. These Expedition Leaders regale guests with their in-depth knowledge while remaining close at hand to ensure safety and comfort in every respect.
Cabins Aboard Ursus
The Ursus accommodates eight travelers in four cabins with upper/lower berths. Guests share two toilets and two showers.
The Kodiak Compass Suites sit one block off the ocean in the center of town on Kodiak Island. The island is known for its remote, untamed nature, drawing visitors for hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting and history. And Kodiak Compass Suites is a hotel known for its modern, larger-than-average rooms and commanding views of the ocean and surrounding peaks.
Nearby Attractions
Kodiak Compass Suites are ideally located near to some of the town's top attractions, including the Alutiiq Museum, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, St. Paul Harbor, Kodiak History Museum, Kodiak Maritime Museum and the orthodox cathedral. A short drive accesses Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park. And a selection of municipal parks and hiking trailheads are nearby to the hotel's front doors.
Amenities
An onsite fitness center accommodates various fitness routines, with a bench and free weights, treadmill, elliptical machine, exercise bike, weight machine and rowing machine. Guest laundry facilities are available and the computer center means there's no need to travel with a laptop (but WiFi is available throughout the property as well). An elevator accesses all three floors of the building, making the hotel's public spaces ADA-compliant.
Kodiak Compass Suites does not offer breakfast or onsite dining, but the helpful front desk staff are ready to recommend the best local restaurants. And the onsite shop is stocked with travel essentials and snacks. Grab a snack from the vending machine and complimentary coffee from the lobby before enjoying the third-floor lounge between active excursions around Kodiak.
Accommodations
All of the guest rooms at Kodiak Compass Suites are either suites or mini-suites, offering a roomy stay. Common to all rooms are a private bathroom with walk-in shower, 50" LCD TV, seating area, air conditioning and a kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, utensils, plates and glassware.
View rooms face the ocean and accommodate up to 4 guests in either a king or queen bed plus a sofa bed. Mountain View rooms face the mountains and accommodate up to 4 guests in a queen bed plus a sofa bed; a selection of these rooms are ADA compliant for up to 2 guests with transfer bars and roll-up shower and kitchen sink. Lastly, guests can choose a room with two extra-long full beds, for up to 2 guests.
Learn About the Ship & Hotel on Your Itinerary
The Kodiak Compass Suites sit one block off the ocean in the center of town on Kodiak Island. The island is known for its remote, untamed nature, and this hotel is known for its modern, larger-than-average rooms and commanding views.
Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us
“”
You have questions. We have answers.
Start a one-on-one conversation now for unbiased advice.
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
-
Expert Review: Alaska’s Grizzly Ship
An AdventureSmith Specialist is 1 of only 8 passengers on this Katmai bear viewing cruise in Alaska. See his incredible grizzly bear photography and read stories of the bears in this detailed trip review.
Trips You Might Also Like
View All Alaska Cruises
Alaska Bear Camp Adventure
Fly-in bear viewing with prime access to Alaska’s top bear habitats
Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
Visit three Alaska national parks by sea, air & rail
National Geographic Alaska’s Inside Passage
Premium Inside Passage expedition with expert guides & enrichment
Inspiration & Education From Our Staff
View All Alaska Cruise Guides-
5 Iconic Alaska Wildlife Cruises by Small Ship
A former guide gives his recommendations on itineraries and ships that offer the top Alaska wildlife cruise experience. Plus tips that will maximize your chances of seeing these iconic animals: brown bear, orca, humpback whales, moose, and mountain goat.
-
Best Time to Visit Alaska
When is the best time to visit Alaska? Consult this month-by-month guide for help planning your Alaska travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month.
-
How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps
Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
View All Alaska Cruises
No single supplement
+1
Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure
Prince William Sound by classic yacht for glaciers & marine wildlife
$250 military savings
+2
Aleutian Islands Cruise with Kodiak, Katmai & Kenai
Epic expedition with two national parks & active days
No single supplement
+1
Sea Star Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Kenai Fjords by charming yacht for glaciers, whales & unique access
Our experts will save you hours.
A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.
