Join us for an instructional photo tour and workshop in Alaska, the Last Frontier. This trip is designed to help you capture Alaska’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife from a private yacht, combined with land excursions to some of the region’s most photogenic locations. We’ll travel to remote areas that larger vessels can’t access, offering opportunities to photograph coastal fjords, glaciers, mountain scenery, and rich temperate rainforests.

Bears

We will have opportunities to see bears in several locations throughout the trip. A highlight is visiting Anan Creek Bear Observatory, one of the best places to photograph black bears fishing for salmon. From the boat landing, we’ll follow a well-maintained trail through the forest to reach the viewing platform overlooking a waterfall, where black bears and, occasionally, brown bears gather to feed. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and gulls are also drawn to the salmon run. A creekside photo blind offers an even closer vantage point for photography.

Whales and Other Wildlife

We'll spend much of our time in prime humpback whale territory, where the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage provide outstanding whale photography opportunities. This region also offers incredible scenery and supports a wide range of wildlife. As we explore nearby areas, we’ll look for bears, bald eagles, puffins, seals, Dall’s porpoise, and sea lions. With so much activity in these rich habitats, you’ll have plenty of chances to photograph Alaska’s remarkable wildlife.

Fjords and Glaciers

Photogenic snowcapped mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fjords will surround us for most of the tour. We will visit Tracy Arm Fjord, which is incredibly beautiful with its tidewater glaciers.

The Yacht

We'll be based on an 87-foot private yacht, offering a comfortable and well-equipped home for the tour. The open layout includes four spacious common areas with views from every room. There’s space to gather as a group or find a quiet spot to relax, review images, or recharge. The vessel has a large dining area, cozy indoor lounges, and wraparound outdoor decks, most of them covered, which allow for photography from a stable, low vantage point close to the water.

Two skiffs are available for shore excursions and additional photography opportunities. Our experienced crew includes a captain, co-captain, mate, and chef. Photography instruction will be provided throughout the trip by tour leader John Slonina, who will be on board to help you make the most of each scene.

When:

July 29 - August 6, 2026 (2 spaces left)

Getting There:
Airport: Juneau, AK (JNU)
Alaska Airlines flies there.

Who Should Attend:

Anyone with an interest in photography, from beginner to professional, is welcome on this tour. The participants should have a working knowledge of their camera, a love of nature, and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

Participants should also be able to climb in and out of boats in sometimes slippery conditions, carrying photo gear. Participants should also be comfortable riding in boats with changing sea conditions. This cruising ground is protected from ocean exposure by the many islands. There is minimal swell for most of the tour. This is not a good tour for anyone prone to seasickness.

This trip may include some hikes from 1 to 2 miles round-trip.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

Group size

The group size is small for this tour, with two leaders. This will maximize learning and allow us to get closer to wildlife. This is the best way to approach wildlife with a small group and not on an overcrowded boat.

Price:
$10,995 per person

Deposit: $2000
Balance due: $8995 (due six months before the start date of the trip)

Note: There is an option to extend this trip to photograph Grizzly Bears (Brown Bears).

Price includes:

• 7 nights’ stay on a private Yacht (double occupancy). There are no single-occupancy rooms.1 night's stay in a hotel

• All meals

• Professional Instruction in photography, wildlife identification, and behavior

What is not included:

• Air travel is NOT included.

• Tips for the yacht company staff

Payments:
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart.

Testimonials:

Cancellation Policy:

About Us:
John Slonina (leader)

A professional nature photographer who has been photographing for several decades. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

We hope you can join us on this incredible photo tour. If you have any questions, please contact us.