Kamchatka| Kamchatka, Russia
Brown Bear Wonderland
Eight days and seven nights on the Kamchatka Peninsula - a UNESCO World Heritage site of 28 active volcanoes - photographing Kamchatka brown bears at Kurile Lake and marine life off Avacha Bay, with Phillip Ross.
Volcanoes, glaciers and fishing bears
From active volcanoes and glaciers to winding rivers and vibrant meadows, Kamchatka’s landscape is an untouched paradise showcasing the raw power of nature. The peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 472,300 sq km, with 28 active volcanoes and coastline on three seas.
The heart of the tour is three nights at Kurile Lake, reached by helicopter, staying at Grassy Point Lodge - one of only two places to stay near the lake - where Kamchatka brown bears can be photographed leaping to catch fish, with armed wardens providing security. The trip closes with a marine expedition from Avacha Bay past the Tri Brata rock formations, seeking killer whales, spotted seals, sea otters and seabirds.
Phillip Ross provides professional photography guidance and natural-history learning throughout.
What you come home with
With professionally guided photography across Kamchatka’s premier locations, you are sure to have an unforgettable expedition. The specifics include:
- Maximum 6 participants, for individualised attention
- Seven nights and eight days at premium Kamchatka locations
- Comfortable Petropavlovsk accommodation, and shared cottages at Kurile Lake
- Unlimited access to Kamchatka brown bear photography at Kurile Lake
- A marine expedition seeking killer whales and seabirds
- Professionally guided photography and natural-history learning
Eight days, as they run
Day1
Arrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with time to acclimatise and gather gear.
Day2
A helicopter flight to Kurile Lake, passing the Ksudach volcano (which last erupted in 1907), with evening lakeside walks observing bears fishing.
Day3-4
Morning and evening excursions to the river mouths, photographing bears preparing for hibernation, accompanied by armed wardens. Extended exploration of Kurile Lake via beach walks and berry-filled meadows, with bear photography framed by the Ilyinsky volcano.
Day5
A final morning at Kurile Lake before the helicopter returns us to Petropavlovsk, for hotel check-in and time to reflect on the week.
Day6
A marine expedition begins from Avacha Bay, past the Tri Brata rock formations, photographing killer whales and other ocean mammals.
Day7
Zodiac boat excursions near the rocky outcrops, spotting spotted seals, sea otters, puffins, seagulls and white-tailed eagles.
Day8
Breakfast and airport departure.
How much does it cost?
Individuals
EUR 7,300 per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)Pals
EUR 14,400 for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker
EUR 7,100 per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience. Exchange rates apply per ICICI Bank TT selling rate at the date of payment.
Inclusions
- 3 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation in Petropavlovsk
- 3 nights’ multi-sharing accommodation at Grassy Point Lodge, Kurile Lake
- 1 night’s multi-sharing accommodation during the marine expedition
- All meals throughout the tour
- Reserve entrance fees
- Expert guidance and photography direction
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Travel between home and Petropavlovsk Airport
- Visa expenses
- Personal expenses, optional tours and extra meals
- Insurance, laundry and phone calls
- Beverages (water, alcoholic and aerated)
- Tips and gratuities
Payment Terms
100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking, via bank transfer.
Cancellation Fees
- 75% refund between 30 and 8 days before the tour
- 100% cancellation fee within 7 days before the tour
From the peninsula
Have questions about this tour?
We hope you’ll find your answers here.
Who is this tour for?
Anybody above the age of 18 with a passion to learn and master photography. There are no other eligibility criteria.
How do I make the payment?
We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.
How many participants can be expected to attend?
A maximum of 6 participants are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the group strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!
What documents do I need?
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel date, a yellow-fever vaccination card (valid for life) and a polio vaccination card (valid 1 year, and valid on return). A parental authorisation letter is required for any participant under 18.
How do I register for the tour?
Fill up the form in the enquiry section below and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.
Book now!
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Plan a customised trip
If these dates don’t suit you, we’d be happy to create a customised wildlife tour around your preferred travel dates.
Whether you choose to travel independently or with one of our photography guides, we’ll arrange the best naturalists, drivers, and accommodation to match your interests and budget. With over two decades of experience in wildlife travel, we’ll ensure you enjoy an exceptional and well-planned safari experience.