easy
4–6 hours
Suitable for most participants with basic mobility; consider comfort with boat rides.
Discover the wildside of Alaska with a scenic cruise and bear viewing adventure in Katmai National Park. Journey across Naknek Lake to Brooks Camp and immerse yourself in the region’s remarkable wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
Explore Katmai National Park • All ages welcome • 45 Minutes (One way ticket)
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Katmai National Park with the Katmai Water Taxi. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute cruise across Naknek Lake to Brooks Camp, where you can embark on unforgettable bear viewing, hiking, or fishing adventures. This unique transportation service operates seasonally, ensuring a memorable journey into nature's wonders.
45 Minutes Each Way
Please make sure to add the ticket from King Salmon to Brooks Camp to cart also
Katmai Water Taxi is the official water transportation option to Brooks Falls within Katmai National Park. Operating late June – late September weather permitting. You will be shuttled from King Salmon Airport, Sockeye Saloon, King Salmon Lodge, or Bear Trail Cabins to the Lake Camp Boat Launch. There you will board the water taxi for your cruise across scenic Naknek Lake (45 min) to Brooks Camp for your bear viewing, hiking, or fishing adventure. The water taxi leaves the Lake Camp Boat Launch every odd hour starting at 7 AM, with the last departure at 5 PM.
The water taxi returns from Brooks Camp every even hour starting at 8 AM, with the last pickup at 6 PM. Katmai Water Taxi is a transportation service only.
Please allow yourself at least 3 hours from Brooks Camp return time for same day airport departures.
We do not recommend booking short turn around times between your departure and return. If there are any delays you will be greatly disappointed.
Adverse weather is common in Katmai and the King Salmon area. Although the water taxi is not generally affected by fog; High winds can occasionally cause delays and cancellations. We will make every effort to reschedule you on the next available departure when it is safe to continue service, issue you a credit to use at a future date, or issue a refund.
Overnighting at Brooks Camp: If you are staying overnight at Brooks Camp, please check the Visitor Center for any messages in case of adverse weather conditions the evening before your departures. This is a remote location with limited internet and phone reception. In the event of bad weather, we do our best to communicate with park staff. However, messages do not always get through.
Brooks Camp to King Salmon return: Please be at the boat 15 minutes prior to your scheduled return.
Cancellations: If you miss your scheduled departure or return, please contact us to reschedule on the next available departure or return. If you are not able to travel on your originally booked voyage, you may reschedule your trip to a future time, date, or season, or request a refund.
By booking with Katmai Water Taxi you understand that we reserve the right to modify or change any trip due to adverse weather/wind, or unforeseen circumstances. If you are asked to return early or at a different time from your original booking due to adverse weather/wind, and you refuse transport from Brooks Camp, a refund will not be offered. Any cost that you incur due to refusal will be solely your responsibility. Safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.
Thank you again for your business. We look forward to being a part of your adventures in Katmai National Park.
Weather can change quickly in Alaska—dress in layers to stay comfortable during your boat ride and wildlife viewing.
Securing a spot on the water taxi and at Brooks Camp increases your chances of catching the best wildlife activity.
Wildlife viewing areas can be uneven—wear sturdy shoes and stay attentive to your surroundings.
Enhance your wildlife experience with good optics and capture the stunning scenery and animals.
Katmai became a national park in 1980, primarily established to protect its spectacular brown bear habitat and volcanic landscapes.
The water taxi service supports sustainable tourism by minimizing the impact on fragile ecosystems while providing access to remote wilderness.
Layered clothing helps you adapt to Alaska's variable weather during boat trips and wildlife viewing.
summer specific
Binoculars enhance wildlife sightings, especially for distant bears and birds.
Sturdy, waterproof boots keep your feet dry on uneven terrain and during wet conditions.
summer specific
Sunscreen and sunglasses protect against UV rays during long daylight hours.
summer specific