Brown bear reflected in water beneath a Kamchatka volcano

Photography Tours

Kamchatka

Photograph fishing brown bears at Lake Kuril, with helicopter access and a stay at Grassy Point. 9–14 August 2027.

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Photographer-led

Spend six days in Kamchatka, with Lake Kuril and its fishing brown bears at the heart of the journey. Fly by MI-8 helicopter to Grassy Point and explore the lake shores on guided walks and boat outings.

With no fixed schedule on the two full days at the lake, head out twice daily to observe and photograph bears around the salmon hotspots. The journey begins and ends in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Highlights

  • Photograph brown bears fishing along the shores of Lake Kuril
  • Return MI-8 helicopter flights to Grassy Point
  • Twice-daily outings on the two full days at the lake
  • Guided walks and boat trips to salmon hotspots

Expedition rhythm

Day 01 · 9 AugustArrival in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Arrive in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, check in at a hotel near the airport and rest after the long flight.

Day 02 · 10 AugustHelicopter to Lake Kuril

Board the MI-8 helicopter for Lake Kuril and land at Grassy Point, your base for the next four days. After lunch, head out along the lake shores to watch and photograph fishing brown bears.

Days 03–04 · 11–12 AugustBrown bears and salmon hotspots

There is no fixed schedule over these two days. Head out twice daily, exploring on guided walks and travelling by boat across Lake Kuril to the salmon hotspots.

Day 05 · 13 AugustFinal lake outing and return flight

Spend the morning at the lake before breakfast and checkout from the lodge. Take the MI-8 helicopter back to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and stay overnight in the city.

Day 06 · 14 AugustDeparture

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Inclusions

  • Five nights’ accommodation with all meals
  • Return helicopter flights to Lake Kuril
  • Guided walks and boat tours on Lake Kuril

Exclusions

  • Flights to and from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
  • Russia visa
  • Any extra nights in Moscow or other cities
  • 5% GST and 2% TCS
  • Anything not mentioned under inclusions

Photography tour questions

Before you set out.

Dates, equipment and what to expect on your photography tour.

How do we reach Lake Kuril?

Return MI-8 helicopter flights between Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Lake Kuril are included. The lake stay is based at Grassy Point.

What are the tour price and additional taxes?

The tour costs €6,600 + 5% GST. The exclusions also list 2% TCS. Request a written quote confirming the total payable before booking.

When does this tour depart?

The next departure is 9 – 14 Aug 2027. See the departure list for other available dates.

What photography experience do I need?

Wildlife photography on guided walks and boat outings. Share your experience and goals with the team so they can confirm whether this tour is suitable for you.

What equipment should I bring?

Share your camera and lens setup when enquiring for the recommended equipment and packing list.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

Wildlife moves freely. Sightings depend on animal behaviour, weather and conditions in the field and cannot be guaranteed.

How do I check availability and book?

Use the tour enquiry form with your preferred dates and group size. Request a confirmed quote, inclusions and booking conditions before making payment.

Before you book

Booking & payment details.

Journey proposals are personalised and subject to availability, local park rules, lodge policies and final confirmation by a specialist.

Payment schedule and cancellation conditions

€1,600 to confirm your place. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

Request the cancellation conditions and any non-refundable costs before making a payment.

What does the price cover?

Review the tour’s inclusions and exclusions and request a written quote for your travel dates, accommodation and group. Ask the team to confirm the currency, taxes and any optional or additional costs.

Request booking details ↗

Expedition enquiry

Enquire about this trip.

Leave your details. Our team will help with availability and the next steps.

Expedition
Kamchatka Wildlife Photography Expedition
Departure
9 – 14 Aug 2027
Led by
Team Safari Crafters

Safari Crafters

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