Traveler Testimonials
“Wow! So much more than I ever expected. I knew I’d see bears but to watch them at close range interacting with each other, their environments and us! Unbelievable! Before the trip, I thought my heart would pound through my chest when I saw my first bear out of nervousness, instead it was such a memorable and touching experience and left my heart not nervously pounding, but very, very happy! Truly an adventure of a lifetime!”
T. Bennett
"This is a trip that requires that we totally trust our guide to keep us safe. We often had bears on all sides of us, and never once did we feel nervous or scared. We knew Drew would take care of us, and his ability to read the bears' behaviors allowed us to relax and enjoy the moment. The ability to get so close to wild bears was the most amazing things we have ever done."
D. Levith
"This was the most exciting adventure of my life. I was hesitant because of the 'single dimension' of bears, bears and more bears. Or so I thought. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was fun, the exploring was exciting and, of course, the bears WERE remarkable. We saw at least 50 bears in a single day, all going about their business of 'bear life' without a concern of our presence (that was assured by our guide—who was also remarkable)."
R. Lukei
"This trip changed my image of the brown bear. I realize that what I experienced in Katmai cannot be applied to other locations that the brown bear inhabits. Not because of the bears but because of the way they have been treated in other places by man. We saw them in their home behaving as if we were not there at all. Beyond incredible. Beyond belief. I can only hope that my photos give justice to the experience. This trip was beyond incredible! Brad Josephs was outstanding. His knowledge and expertise was top notch."
S. & D. Tranger
"This was our second trip to Alaska with Natural Habitat and we figured it would be tough to match. But match it did, and in some ways surpassed. The bear photography was and is the best in the world (or at least I think so, I can't imagine more bears in a more awe-inspiring setting) and your guides were so caring and knowledgeable. I'd love to go back to Alaska but I just can't figure where to go after this!"
K. Pattee
“The Kodiak to Katmai expedition was the most exciting adventure of all my travels! Our trip leader, Brad Josephs was an on foot wildlife almanac. This 'bear junky' continued to WOW this inquisitive group with his knowledge, energy and enthusiasm while recounting Katmai’s varied history, all the while stressing the importance and concerns of Alaska’s natural beauty, wildlife, culture and complex coastal ecosystem. Brad’s love for the grizzlies and wildlife and Linda Himelbloom’s experience as a geologist, complimented each other and was infectious/contagious. I’m not too sure the group could have been any closer to nature. The photo opportunities of the sunrises, glaciers and sunsets, while viewing the bears snagging salmon, along with observing a curious wolf, and watching the ravens and eagles walk just feet away from the group was amazing. On the last day, we viewed sea lions lazily sunning themselves and a sea otter followed us as we toured the bay in the skiff. I have never laughed so hard nor wanted to learn so much as I have on this adventure. Nat Hab is fortunate to have such trip leaders and crew members of their caliber representing the company for their knowledge/skills is invaluable. This trip was a humbling experience as well as a deeper respect for all that Mother Nature has to offer. This trip far exceeded my expectations!"
L. Karabensch
“This was the most exciting trip I have ever been on, and I've been to all seven continents. It far exceeded my expectations and was everything and more than I heard from previous travelers on this trip. To be that close to a grizzly in the wild was unbelievable and so special. The wolves, otters, puffins,eagles and other wildlife we saw were all so special."
B. Park
"Brad was exceptional in his knowledge of bears and his ability to make us comfortable. He can help with the cameras and is willing to do anything to help his clients.His passion for his work is infectious. We loved him!! We loved most being up close and personal with wild bears and concentrating the trip on doing that. Mike (boat captain) and Carrie (cook) were awesome and went over and above their job descriptions to make us welcome, comfortable and satisfied."
K. Hearn-Papasian
"Love the chest waders! Safety was practiced always...very comforting. The bear viewing was beyond my imagination! A totally awesome life experience! Sitting on a driftwood log, next to the stream and pool, watching a massive female Alaskan brown bear catch four salmon over the course of an hour, was unbelievable! And that was just part of one afternoon!"
B. Wallen
"We had a fabulous time on our grizzly bear expedition. We tried to keep count but gave up somewhere around 86 bears. It was awesome. Brad was a wonderful guide and the whole crew was top notch. We had a real adventure. The evening the grizzly walked by about 4 feet from us is going to be a memory that will stay with us forever."