How do you get to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park?
Brooks Falls and Katmai National Park are now accessible by Katmai Water Taxi Services, from King Salmon, AK. The closest access point to Brooks Falls!
Katmai Water Taxi is the official water transportation option to Brooks Falls and Katmai National Park! Opperating June 1 – September 25 weather permitting. Upon your arrival, you will be shuttled from the King Salmon, Alaska Airport to the National Park Service dock. There you will board the state of the art watercraft for your cruise across scenic Naknek Lake (approximately 45 min.) to Brooks Camp for your bear viewing adventure. The water taxi leaves the King Salmon dock every odd hour starting at 7 AM, with the last departure at 5 PM June, July, and August and 3 PM in September (Subject to change based on weather and light conditions). The water taxi returns from Brooks Camp every even hour starting at 8 AM, with the last pick up at 8 PM June and July and 6 PM in August and 4 PM in September, as long as there are booked seats. Katmai Water Taxi Services, is a transportation service only. Once you disembark the boat you are self guided at Brooks Camp and surrounding areas. It will be your responsibility to check in at the Brooks Camp Visitors Center to participate in the bear viewing orientation class hosted by Katmai National Park staff. Once your seats are booked they are non refundable regardless of reason. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please see answers to your most common questions by clicking on the BOOK NOW TAB!Pease read the BOOK NOW page carefully before you book your seats.
Katmai Water Taxi Service
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Includes shuttle from the King Salmon Airport (AKN), The Sockeye Saloon shuttle stop, or approved lodging within King Salmon
KATMAI WATER TAXI: Explore Katmai National Park
Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park is a bucket list location for many. Like most of the places in Alaska, Brooks Falls was once only accessible by float plane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Float Plane Vs. Water Taxi Pros and Cons:
You can choose whichever mode of transportation best suits your needs. Both the Water Taxi and the Float Plane are options available for your travel into Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls. Here are a few cons to using the Float Plane over the Water Taxi.
Cost / You will pay more to take a float plane to Brooks Camp / Brooks Falls.
Weather / Float Planes are very restrictive with fog, wind etc. Often flights are delayed and cancelled due to weather that will not affect the water taxi schedule. The water taxi is not generally inhibited by fog! Although the Water Taxi experiences fewer delays and cancelations, it is not invincible to extreme adverse weather conditions! **We will delay or cancel any trip if the conditions deem unsafe for our passengers and crew. Travel insurance is a smart purchase when traveling in remote areas of Alaska!
Access / Float Planes are very difficult to access for handicapped and elderly guests, and those with mobility issues.
Comfort / Float Planes are very small and have tight quarters. Guests often are shoulder to shoulder. Katmai Water Taxi is a large enclosed transport with climate controlled comfortable, spacious seating.
Bear Jams / At Brooks the bear’s are in control. Bear jams in the past were a very common occurrence! However, due to the newly constructed walk ways at Brooks Camp, bear jams have been minimized, from commonly happening, to rare occurrences!
Limited Departure and Pick Up / The Float Plane’s generally only run until 7PM and are in high demand for anglers to fly into remote locations. Katmai Water Taxi is dedicated for the transportation of guests from Lake Camp to Brooks Camp with far more departure and pick up options. *Extended departure and return times are subject to change throughout the season. Most affected times are the earliest departures and latest returns due to light conditions.
Weight and Freight / Float Planes have a very limited weight and balance capabilities. Often bags must be left behind for follow up freight runs, and guests are limited to a back pack. Katmai Water Taxi has a great deal more capability for taking bags, and freight. Your luggage and gear will travel with you!
We frequently have bears who wander through the embarkation areas, as well as Moose and other Alaska wildlife. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep children in sight and supervised at all times, inside and outside the water taxi. All passengers including all children are required to stay in their seats, and to follow all crew member instructions.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No refunds will be made for late arrivals and early departures, or for cancellations due to adverse weather or acts of god. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We accept all major credit cards.