Seeing close to 200 bubble nets in four days was beyond any of my dreams.
Kerry H.
This is my third trip with David. The trip did not disappoint.
Jessica T.
Nature came through and was awe inspiring.
Jeanne D.
Bubble-netting Humpback Photography Workshop
The ultimate whale photography trip in Alaska!
2027 Dates: 26 – 31 March, 2027
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-netting”. 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 Bubble-netting Humpback Photography workshop, based in the southeast Alaska community of Sitka, is timed to hit the window when the hungry whales are bubble-net feeding like crazy.
6 days/5 nights
4 Full days of private boat charter
All-inclusive from Sitka, Alaska.
Dates
2027: 26 - 31 March - Space Avaiable!
2027 Rate - $6050/person.
Secure your spot by paying the $500 deposit below:
Trip Overview
Sitka is rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska. Situated on the west coast of Baranof Island, Sitka lies in the core of the archipelago that lines the northwest coast of North America. Surrounded by volcanoes, glaciated peaks, the sprawling Tongass National Forest, and the rich waters of the North Pacific, it is an incredible place.
That, however, is just our setting. Our eyes will be set firmly on the ocean and the leviathans within. In late March, Humpback whales are arriving in droves from their wintering grounds. Hungry, after long months of eating little or nothing, they begin feeding like crazy as soon as they hit the rich, Alaskan waters.
With four full days of private whale-watch charters on this bubble-netting humpback photography workshop, we’ll be spending a lot of time watching the show. Bubble-net feeding is one of the most dramatic natural phenomena I’ve ever seen. Witnessing several enormous whales, working cooperatively to corral and then devour schools of herring, is truly remarkable. Watching a pod of whales lunging from the water, mouths gaping, fish spilling from their open maws, and flocks of seabirds hanging above is a breath-snatching experience.
I can’t wait to spend days catching it.
Incredible!! The weather cooperated for all 4 days on the water, which was nice for SE Alaska. The whales put on a show as well. It was a fun group of avid photographers looking to capture some awe inspiring moments. Dave and the crew were amazing. Well worth the time and effort to attend this workshop. I highly recommend it.
Jacqui M.
Itinerary
Day 1
Independent Arrival in Sitka, Alaska. You’ll be met at the airport and shuttled to our hotel, the Longliner Lodge, which is located right on the water at the Sitka Harbor. We’ll have a group dinner that night at the hotel restaurant.
Days 2-5
Four full days of whale-watch charters. Our local boat captain has years of experience in Southeast Alaska, and his boat, a 43-foot expedition-style motorized catamaran has a spacious, heated cabin, and ample deck space for our small group to make images. Equipped with a marine head (restroom), and a small galley, it’s the perfect platform for photographing whales, seals, otters, and all the other abundant wildlife and scenery of the region.
During the few waking hours between boat trips, you’ll have the chance to explore historic downtown Sitka or venture further out with the group to photograph the temperate rainforest and wild coast surrounding the town.
Day 6
Independent Departure. Transportation to and from the airport will be provided.
- All lodging after arrival in Sitka, Alaska
- All meals
- Local Transportation
- Boat Charter
- Local Explorations
- Guide Services
- Photography Instruction
- Small Group Size
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- Flights from your home to Sitka
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
Day 1 – Arrival. Group Dinner in the evening.
Days 2 to 5 – 4 Days of whale-watch boat charters. Photography of bubble-net feeding whales, other wildlife, and the landscape. Local explorations around Sitka, and photography technique workshops.
Day 6 – Departure
2027 – $6050/person
Will we actually see bubble-net feeding?
No guide can guarantee wildlife behavior — bubble-netting depends on the whales themselves, not just on us showing up. That said, I’ve seen bubble-net feeding on every trip I’ve run, usually frequently. Late March in Sitka Sound is timed specifically to put us in the right place during peak feeding activity, which gives us the best possible odds, but it’s still wild animals doing what they do.
What’s a typical day on the water like?
We charter for an average of 8 hours per day, though we’ll extend or shorten that based on weather and conditions — when the whales are active, we stay with them. Our boat is a 43-foot expedition-style catamaran with a heated cabin and a marine head, so we have a comfortable base to work from between bursts of action.
Will it be rough on the water? I’m prone to seasickness.
Sitka Sound is mostly protected water, but there can be some chop depending on conditions. If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with medication just in case.
What gear do I need for whale photography?
You’ll want a long lens for the whales themselves (something in the 300-600 range) — most of this shooting is handheld telephoto work from the boat — plus a wide angle for the landscape, since Sitka Sound and the surrounding coastline are beautiful and worth photographing in their own right. Full gear recommendations are in my free packing list.
What’s the physical demand level for this trip?
Good balance is necessary for moving around the boat with camera gear in hand, but there’s no extended walking or hiking involved. Fitness demands on this trip are minimal.
