Alaska Bubble-Net Feeding Humpback Whales Photo Tour

Instructor: Ian Plant

Where: Sitka, Alaska

Maximum number of participants: 6

Price: $3995 ($500 non-refundable deposit required at booking)

March 19-24, 2027

Email Ian at ianplantphoto@gmail.com to register.

Every spring, humpback whales gather in Sitka Sound where they bubble-net feed on schools of fish for a few weeks before continuing their journey north. I've timed this photo tour to give us the best chance of witnessing this amazing natural spectacle. We'll head out by boat every day looking for bubble-net feeders, as well as bald eagles, gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, and more. The whole time, we will be surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery of the Alaskan southeast coastal wilderness.

The benefits of this workshop include:

4 full days on the water.
Timing coincides with peak bubble-net feeding activity in Sitka Sound.
A mix of wildlife and scenic photo opportunities.
Expert guiding from our local captain familiar with the waters and wildlife.
A comfortable enclosed cabin for staying warm and dry between photo shoots.

Drones: Drones are allowed on this tour, but please keep in mind that we use a boat for this workshop, which means launching and landing can be challenging, especially during adverse weather conditions. Drone flyers must be able to launch and land drones by hand, and know how to manually navigate and to set a dynamic home point linked to the remote controller position (since the boat will drift during the flight). Please be advised that it is entirely your responsibility to safely launch, fly, and land your drone.

Tour location: The tour is based in Sitka, Alaska (airport code SIT). Alaska Airlines offers several daily flights in and out of Sitka.

Physical requirements: Easy! We're on a boat the entire time with a protected cabin. If you are prone to seasickness, please bring remedies.

Schedule: Please note that each day’s schedule might vary according to weather conditions.

March 19: Arrive in Sitka. We'll meet for dinner in the evening and get oriented.

March 20-23: We have four days planned on the water, maximizing our chances of getting amazing bubble-net feeding photos. We'll meet in the early morning and board the boat. We'll be out for 6-8 hours every day, looking for compelling photo opportunities.

March 24: Departure flights from Sitka.

Lodging and meals: Lodging and meals are the responsibility of participants. There are several hotels that are all just a short walk from the marina in downtown Sitka, including the Sitka Hotel, Aspen Suites Hotel, and Southeast Resort. All hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Please feel free to choose whichever lodging best meets your comfort level and price preference.

Payment policy: A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot on this tour. The remainder will be collected 5 months prior to the tour start. Payments are non-refundable. Trip insurance is highly advised to protect you in case you need to cancel.