Come and join me in one of the best places on earth to photograph grizzly bears in the wild.
Sorry, no dates are available for 2020. Please check back later in the year for 2021 availability.
If you are interested in joining me on one of these guided photo tours then please contact me for reservation & further details.
If you’re going to photograph wildlife, it’s best to do it in the ‘wild’ or it’s natural environment whenever you can. One of the best locations in Canada for photographing grizzly bears safely and with expert guides is the Khutzeymateen conservancy and sanctuary in Northwest British Columbia.
I have been given an exceptional opportunity to take a small group of photographers (3 max) to photograph the springtime bears in this beautiful location. This is a pretty unique event when you remember that only around two hundred people a year get to go in to the sanctuary – the myriad of channels right in the river mouth and estuary of the Khutzeymateen River. I have put together a guided photo tour aimed primarily at giving you the maximum opportunity to get in and get on with your photography whilst having close by an experienced guide and nature photographer to answer any questions and help with your ‘in the field’ needs.
This will be a working ‘photo tour’ not a sightseeing trip. Accommodation will be a little austere, very much ‘camping on the water’ but will be warm and comfortable for the short periods we’ll be using it each day.
Included in the tour will be:
- Detailed information guide
- Flights in and out of the Khutzeymateen Sanctuary by float plane from Prince Rupert
- Two nights food & accommodation aboard an approximately 40ft sailboat anchored in the Khutzeymateen inlet.
- Two or three (tide dependent) guided tours around the inlet/estuary by zodiac each day to photograph the wildlife and spectacular scenery.
- Services of experienced bear viewing guides and a wildlife photographer throughout your visit to the Khutzeymateen.
Not included:
- Travel to and from Prince Rupert prior to and after the tour
- Accommodation outside of the tour
- Gratuities for the boat staff
- Personal equipment
The total cost of the remaining tour (10-12 June) will be $1,950 per person – Only three places available.
This tour will depart Prince Rupert at 0830 on Tuesday 10th June and return on Thursday 12th June (final departure times tbc). If you would like to register or have any questions please contact me for further information.
Images and more information on the Khutzeymateen can be seen on the Khutzeymateen Gallery.
The Small Print
The full daily itinerary for the tour will be dependent on the weather, tides and wildlife. Please note that whilst every practical and safe effort will be made to find and photograph the bears, they are wild animals and their attendance can not be 100% guaranteed.
Cancellation policy: The tour operator requires a non refundable 50 percent deposit, however, Steve Williamson Photography will work with the boat operator to transfer your booking to an alternative 2018 date (possibly unescorted by us) if possible. Full payment will be due 60 days prior to departure. If your cancelled seat can be resold anytime before departure a full refund will be given. (A standby list will be kept in event of excess bookings). In case you should have to cancel for any reason, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Due to the nature of operating in ocean wilderness areas, tours may be modified or cancelled. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any expedition for adverse weather, mechanical or logistical problems, or unforeseen circumstances which may impede trip operations or safety. Should this occur, a full refund will apply if your tour cannot be rescheduled.
Please be aware this tour involves traveling on and working from boats, if you are not comfortable traveling by boat or working from a boat this tour is not recommended for you.
As sea conditions can not always be relied upon and due to the accommodation conditions, this tour is not recommended for very young children, people with neck or back problems, who are pregnant or persons with osteoporosis.
If you feel you need it, it is recommended that you purchase your own sickness, cancellation and/or equipment insurance.
Neither Steve Williamson Photography and all associated therewith nor the boat tour operator can be held responsible for any personal injury, damage or loss of equipment or cancellation of third party travel that is beyond their control. Nor can they be held responsible or liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, damage, loss or delay of baggage or property, or delay, inconvenience, loss of employment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, caused by any act of omission or negligence. Nor are they responsible for expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip (i.e. travel costs, non-refundable air tickets etc.) The tour itinerary is a general guideline of what can be expected on the photo-tour, but it is not a contract. Factors such as weather conditions, mechanical breakdown, medical emergencies, natural disasters or other uncontrollable circumstances can alter your trip.