Planning Your Trip for Boat Based Bear Viewing Trips
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Buffer Days
The necessity of buffer days is primarily due to the remoteness of Katmai and Alaska in general. The area you will visit is separated from the nearest road by over 100 miles of mountain, ice fields and the Gulf of Alaska. This remoteness increases the challenges of getting to the Katmai coast or the Kenai
Fjords or Prince William Sound for that matter, but it also insures an abundance of undisturbed wildlife within an intact ecosystem. To
guarantee you as much time as possible in the wilderness it will be in your best interest to understand the value of these days and build them into your itinerary.
 A buffer day is a day to be allowed by you on each end of your scheduled stay on the boat. This would be one day prior to and one day after your scheduled stay on the vessel. The buffer day gives us the option of taking advantage of the Alaskan weather. For example, if we see a weather system approaching that is likely to delay or restrict out air taxi we would contact you on the buffer day and make you aware of a change in scheduling. Most likely we would fly you in earlier or make arrangements for alternative transportation to the boat. This strategy keeps us a step ahead and gives us room at the end of your adventure to have an extra day. Longer stays on the vessel due to weather or other acts of god are at no charge to our clients. We recommend that you keep an open mind, rely on our reputation, have confidence that you are going to get the absolute best possible service, purchase travel insurance and then relax and enjoy your buffer days. There is a lot to do around Homer, we recommend calling Mako's Water Taxi at 907-235-9055 for great day trip around the area.
And for those looking for a place to stay in Homer you can't do better
than Magic
Canyon Ranch Bed & Breakfast.
 What to do on those buffer days? Take some time to relax, don't attempt to do too much in too short a time. Booking tight schedules will create stress and limit your Alaskan experience. Try to allow more time in fewer places and avoid dashing form place to place in hopes of seeing it all. Leave yourself time to take advantage of excursions and unscheduled events that present themselves or spend some time investigating the local and natural beauty of the area.
Important ---- please remember to inform us of your contact phone number and itinerary for the buffer days in case we need to reach you.
What To Bring
In order to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, we have compiled a check off list of required and recommended items to bring in addition to your own outdoor gear. Guests are required to bring adequate personal gear to ensure protection from our Alaskan weather. All linens are supplied by the boat, and cabins are heated. There is no need to bring sleeping bags. Please use soft-sided, collapsible baggage. NO SUITCASES, please. Except for your photography and viewing equipment.
Clothing Required
- Remember.... Casual and comfortable and dress in layers
- Warm jacket
- Wool or fleece sweater
- Long johns- just in case, you probably won't need them
- Long pants (2)
- Knee high rubber boots - that fit well with thick socks and felt insoles.
- Hiking shoes or tennis shoes - not both
- Gloves (quick drying)
- Hat
- Scarf
- Hip boots (click HERE for more info on necessary boots)
- Good Raincoat with hood or hat, Rain pants
- Sun block
- Personal medication
- Personal toiletries, including soap and shampoo
- Appetite
Optional, but highly recommended items
- Maps and related packet information - This document for example.
- Binoculars - worth the cost. The most used item brought. You will see more by having your own pair.
- Spotting scope w/tripod - very good for long periods of viewing, which you will have. Cheaper models are often adequate.
- Camera, spare batteries and lots of film.
- Small daypack
- Sunglasses
- Field guides
- Water bottle
The
Boat | The Crew | Trip Info | Planning Your Trip | Rates &
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