Bubble-netting Humpback Whales! 2023

      Sitka, AK, USA

      DW
      David W. Shaw Photo Workshops
      • Email address verified
      16 reviews
      Mar 23 - 28, 2023
      Group size: 3 - 5
      Bubble-netting Humpback Whales! 2023
      Sitka, AK, USA

      David W. Shaw Photo Workshops
      • Email address verified
      16 reviews

      Mar 23 - 28, 2023
      Group size: 3 - 5

      About this trip

      Early each spring, hundreds of Humpback Whales migrate across the Pacific to Alaska. The whales have eaten little for months, and by the time they return to Alaska, they are hungry. Fortunately for them, schools of spawning herring are abundant, the perfect food supply. But Humpbacks have a strategy to make catching them even easier, a cooperative feeding technique called “Bubble-net feeding”. A whale, or more often, a group of up to several whales, dives down below a school of herring. They then circle, blowing a stream of bubbles from their blow-holes. They spiral upward and inward, forcing the herring into a tight ball. As they near the surface, all the whales lunge upward, their mouths agape, sucking down hundreds or thousands of fish in the process. This trip, based in the southeast Alaska community of Sitka, is timed to hit the window when the hungry whales are bubble-net feeding like crazy.

      What’s included

      • Lodging
        5 nights hotel in Sitka
      • 4 day of boat charters
      • Guide service
      • All meals
      • Ground transportation

      What’s not included

      • Flight to and from AK
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Tips

      Available Packages

      Trip Price
      $5,700
      Deposit: $500

      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival in Sitka

      Independent Arrival in Sitka. I'll meet you at the airport, or arrange an airport transfer to our hotel. We'll meet for a group dinner where can get to know one another and talk about the next days' adventures. 

      Your Organizer


      DW
      David W. Shaw Photo Workshops
      16 reviews
      David W. Shaw Photography Workshops offers small group photo workshops and tours in Alaska, the lower 48, Africa, South, and Central America. Custom trips and scheduled workshops will take you from the wilds of Alaska's Brooks Range to the wildlife-filled wetlands of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Join me!

      Reviews

      CC
      Dave's workshops are incredible! I did the Bears of Brooks last July and we saw them all over the park even though the salmon weren't running. Dave knows all the best spots/timing plus he's super knowledgeable about not only the bears but photography of course, the best of both worlds.. When we had a planned fly in from Homer canceled due to weather, Dave worked to find an alternative and we had a great experience boating in ridiculously close to bears out of Soldotna. Like in a rowboat 10 feet away on the water, an experience that even beats going to Brooks (alternative is flying in and being on the ground with them). You also get time in Homer where you do a marine cruise and see so many animals including puffin and otters- a unique trip. Dave takes care of everything, and tailors to the members of the group needs. Multiple times, a part of our group chose to go for a walk or an extra trip to lower river while waiting on the water taxi, while others waited at the lodge for us. Or, when we had to leave Brooks early one day, he offered a hike around the area or downtime-with a small group we had lots of options when we had downtime. He is also great at helping both advanced photographers and newbies like me get the most out of the experience. Food was incredible, and even though I can't eat seafood there was always an option. Hotels and lodging were comfortable and Dave made traveling easy peasy. I cannot recommend him enough. I'm going to Africa with him next and wish I could just do his workshops all year long.
      By Christi C for Bears of Katmai National Park on Jan 25, 2024
      David Shaw is a top flight photo workshop instructor, extremely knowledgeable and professional
      By Timothy N for Lake Clark Bear View on Sep 24, 2023
      I just returned from this workshop with David. It was first class in every aspect. David is highly organized, communicates well and has a wealth of knowledge about the area and the wildlife. He was always happy to answer photography questions or talk in detail about the area, the bears or other wildlife. The food and accommodations were great considering we were in the backcountry. I've done many workshops with a variety of leaders and David is top notch. Highly recommended.
      By Don C for Fat Bears of Katmai on Sep 22, 2023
      Great time in the Brooks Range. Accommodations were awesome and truly appreciate all the efforts From David in making this a memorable trip. Jim
      By James K for Autumn and Aurora in the Brooks Range on Aug 26, 2023
      Absolutely exceeded any expectations I had going into this trip! Dave was wonderful - the group experience is always fun! Our group shared lots of laughs! Alaska, bears, eagles, puffins, otters, coastal bears - Dramatic weather all with a kind, compassionate, strong and knowledgeable leader guide! I’ll definitely be back to do another one of Dave’s groups! Alaska is a wonderful place and this was an experience that has expanded me in unforeseen ways - The food was good too!
      By Jessica T for Bears of Katmai National Park on Jul 24, 2023
      Show More Reviews

      References

      CC
      Dave's workshops are incredible! I did the Bears of Brooks last July and we saw them all over the park even though the salmon weren't running. Dave knows all the best spots/timing plus he's super knowledgeable about not only the bears but photography of course, the best of both worlds.. When we had a planned fly in from Homer canceled due to weather, Dave worked to find an alternative and we had a great experience boating in ridiculously close to bears out of Soldotna. Like in a rowboat 10 feet away on the water, an experience that even beats going to Brooks (alternative is flying in and being on the ground with them). You also get time in Homer where you do a marine cruise and see so many animals including puffin and otters- a unique trip. Dave takes care of everything, and tailors to the members of the group needs. Multiple times, a part of our group chose to go for a walk or an extra trip to lower river while waiting on the water taxi, while others waited at the lodge for us. Or, when we had to leave Brooks early one day, he offered a hike around the area or downtime-with a small group we had lots of options when we had downtime. He is also great at helping both advanced photographers and newbies like me get the most out of the experience. I cannot recommend him enough. I'm going to Africa with him next and wish I could just do his workshops all year long.
      By Christi C on 25 Jan, 2024