Scott DavisTravel to Anchorage, Alaska from home
July 19
Travel to Anchorage, Alaska from your home. You will make your way to our hotel for the night. Take this time to prepare for your adventure ahead.
An Expedition Through Bear Country and Majestic Fjords
Alaska Untamed: Bears, Whales, & Glacial Wonders
July 19 to August 2, 2025
Cost: $16,000
Leader: Scott Davis
Group Size: 6
Days: 15
Safari Overview
Embark on a truly spectacular two-part Alaskan grizzly bear and wildlife adventure incorporating land, sea, and air. For the first five days, private float planes will take you deep into the heart of pristine bear country. You will experience Alaska in a way few visitors ever see. Your base is a secluded family-run wilderness lodge, surrounded by 18 million acres of roadless terrain, perfectly positioned between Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and Bristol Bay. With expert guides, you’ll observe Alaskan brown bears, moose, bald eagles, and other iconic wildlife in breathtaking surroundings.
Following our unforgettable bear experience, transition to a private charter boat to explore the dramatic seascapes of Prince William Sound. Glide past glacial fjords in this region of diverse marine life, where orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and a dazzling array of seabirds call home. This intimate small-group experience ensures unparalleled wildlife photography and adventure opportunities.
Designed by Cheesemans’ owner Scott Davis, this once-in-a-lifetime expedition offers special access to Alaska’s wild frontiers, providing thrilling bear viewing, scenic flights, and marine wildlife encounters in one extraordinary journey. Join us for the ultimate Alaska experience!
TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE
- Exceptional Alaskan Brown Bear Viewing Opportunities – Designed to be deep in nature to observe and photograph Alaskan brown bears in their natural environment. Also, weather dependent, one full day at Brooks Falls.
- Scenic Aerial Views of Wild Alaska – Experience breathtaking flights over glaciers, active volcanoes, waterfalls, and remote coastlines.
- Experience a private Glacial Fjord Expedition – Have an immersive experience aboard a private charter boat, exploring Prince William Sound’s glacial fjords and remote waters.
- Incredible Wildlife Encounters –Spot sea otters and sea birds foraging, humpback whales breaching, and orcas gliding through icy waters.
- Expert-Guided & Conservation-Focused – Led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Scott Davis, ensuring an educational and ethical adventure rooted in conservation.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
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Itinerary Updated: March 2025
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19 | Travel to Anchorage, Alaska | Lakefront Anchorage | |
| July 20-24 | Wilderness Adventures. Internal flight to our lodge. Daily trips on private bush planes to explore the wilderness, seeking various wildlife and photography opportunities | Private lodge | B, L, D |
| July 25 | Overnight in Anchorage. Morning at the lodge and internal flight back to Anchorage. Overnight in Anchorage. | Lakefront Anchorage | B, L, D |
| July 26-31 | Exploring the Sound. Drive to where our ship is docked in Whittier. Explore Prince William Sound, seeking various wildlife and photography opportunities. | Aboard our ship | B, L, D |
| August 1 | Leave for Home. Disembark in Whittier, Alaska and transfer back to Anchorage for your flights home. | B | |
| August 2 | Arrive home. |
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Remote Wilderness and Alaska Brown Bear Viewing
July 20-24
Travel via an internal flight to our private, family-run wilderness lodge nestled between Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and Bristol Bay for a six-day adventure. While there, our private bush planes provide unparalleled access to prime grizzly bear habitats, ensuring you aren’t limited to one or two locations. There are no extra fees for flying while at the lodge —we go where the bears are.
With expert Alaskan bush pilots and local guides, you’ll experience exceptional bear viewing and wildlife photography opportunities. As a special destination, weather permitting, we also will spend a day at the famed Brooks Falls to work on observing and photographing the iconic Alaskan brown bears fishing for jumping salmon.
Each day presents new wildlife encounters, from majestic Alaskan brown bears to stunning wilderness landscapes. After a full day of exploration, return to the lodge by private bush plane, where a hot meal prepared by our chef awaits.
Transition Day
July 25
After a hearty breakfast, if the weather cooperates, we will head out to the field one last time. We return to the lodge, pack up, and then head out to Anchorage in the early afternoon where we spend the night preparing for the next stage in our Alaskan adventure.
Exploring Prince William Sound
July 26-31
We drive to Whittier in the morning, where we board our private expedition ship for a week-long adventure through Alaska’s most dynamic coastal ecosystem. Our small-group, flexible itinerary allows us to explore secluded coves, glacial fjords, and wildlife-rich shorelines without crowds.
As we navigate through glacier-carved waters, you may see harbor seals resting on floating ice, Steller sea lions basking on rocky shores, and humpback whales bubble-feeding. Orcas are also frequent visitors, slicing through the surface with their striking dorsal fins.
The skies are alive with seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres, while bald eagles patrol the coastline. On land, we may spot black bears foraging along the beaches and mountain goats on steep cliffs. The surrounding temperate rainforests support a diverse array of wildlife, with over 30 land mammal species and 220 resident and migratory bird species calling the region home.
Beyond its wildlife, Prince William Sound is a geological wonder, with calving glaciers, shifting landscapes, and exposed rock formations telling the story of Alaska’s constantly evolving terrain. This is Alaska at its wildest—raw, untouched, and teeming with life.
Leave for Home.
August 1
Dock in Whittier and transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your flights home or to a local hotel for flights the following day.
Arrive Home.
August 2
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, single occupancy on lower deck | $16,000 |
| Single Supplement | Contact Us |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Final | Due now to reserve your space | $16,000 |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require the final payment to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport for all activities unless described as optional.
- Two internal flights.
- Accommodations for the nights of July 19 through July 31.
- Six nights on board the ship.
- All private bush plane flights from the lodge.
- Meals from breakfast on July 20 through breakfast on August 1.
- Internal flights, plus transfer from Anchorage Hotel to Whittier and back to Anchorage Airport (YVZ).
- Non-alcoholic bottled beverages while at the lodge and onboard the ship.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included) and excess baggage fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Anchorage on August 1.
- Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $300-400 for the ship crew and $300-400 for the lodge staff, guides, etc.
- Emergency medical and evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance. For more information see www.cheesemans.com/travel-insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
In July, both Katmai National Park and Prince William Sound offer cool, dynamic summer conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (10–18 °C) and cooler evenings dropping into the 40s °F (4–9 °C). In Katmai, expect a mix of overcast skies, light rain, and occasional sunny breaks, along with coastal breezes and cool temperatures near rivers and lakes where bears gather. Prince William Sound shares similarly cool weather but with more pronounced marine influences, often bringing misty mornings, rain showers, alternating with clear skies. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential to stay comfortable while exploring these stunning and varied Alaskan landscapes.
Fitness Level
You must be able to get in and out of the float planes by stepping up or down from the plane to the ground or from the Zodiacs, from the ship, via a short ladder with staff assisting above and below you. For Zodiacs, you must also be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs onto the beach. You’ll have opportunities for a range of activities from easy, short hikes to longer, more vigorous hikes for those interested. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) by July 19 anytime.
- Depart from Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) after 3:00pm on August 1.
Flights we book
- Two internal flights are included in the trip cost. The internal flights will have a luggage weight allowance of 32kg (70lbs) total.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! The seas at this time of year in Prince William Sound are relatively calm. Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
- Local Conservation: Check out our Conservation pages to learn how we support conservation efforts through meaningful partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.