BLACK BEAR EXPEDITION
Outer Banks Area, North Carolina
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JUNE 15 - 20, 2026
( 6 Days Expedition / 4 Days Wildlife Safari )
4 SPACES AVAILABLE
THE ADVENTURE
Join us for up-close encounters with the largest black bears in the world, right in the heart of North Carolina's stunning Albemarle Peninsula.
Eastern North Carolina is renowned for its impressive population of black bears, the biggest on the planet.
With over 8,000 black bears roaming these areas, this is your chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
Last season, we had over 70 bear encounters in just four days, providing amazing opportunities to photograph and observe the bears at ground level.
Your journey doesn't stop with black bears. Imagine the thrill of searching for one of North America's rarest mammals—the critically endangered red wolf.
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is the last stronghold for these elusive predators, with fewer than 20 left in the wild.
Each day, as you track black bears, you'll also be scanning the horizon for these rare wolves, hoping for a glimpse of their ghostly figures.
Feel the excitement as you encounter wild black bears and, with a bit of luck, catch a glimpse of the endangered red wolves.
Book your adventure today and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime in North Carolina's wild beauty.
Trip cost is $2488 per person
with a $500 deposit required to reserve your space.
- add $400 for single occupancy
PRICE INCLUDES:
4 WILDLIFE DAYS: Spend four days seeking out, observing, and photographing massive black bears and awe-inspiring red wolves.
5-NIGHTS LODGING: Indulge in five nights of comfortable accommodations (Double Occupancy) that provide the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Your round-trip transportation between the airport and hotel is organized for your convenience, eliminating any travel-related stress.
EXPERT PHOTO COACHING: Capture every incredible moment guided by our skilled photo coaches. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, you'll learn techniques to improve your images.
PRIVATE EXPEDITION VEHICLE: Roam the landscapes in your very own private vehicle, offering you unparalleled flexibility to chase those perfect shots.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
airfare, all meals, alcoholic beverages, crew gratuities, trip insurance.
🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE
- Book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.
TRIP ITINERARY
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Day 1
ARRIVAL DAY
We will pick you up from the New Bern Airport (EWN) and travel 2 1/ 2 hours, via private vehicle, to the beautiful coastal town of Manteo, NC.When we arrive, we will check you in to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax and prep cameras and gear for our trip in the early morning.
7PM we will get together to discuss the plans for the week, as well as photography tips for the morning session. -
Day 2 - 5
4 DAYS OF WILDLIFE VIEWING
(AM Session). We leave the hotel early (6:30AM), and spend the early morning hours seeking out bears, and if we are lucky, red wolves, around the Alligator River National Refuge area and the Albemarle Sound. We will spend the next three hours searching for bears.
Between 10-11AM, we will break for lunch and return to our hotel. You can spend the next few hours relaxing, downloading your footage and recharging your camera batteries.
(PM Session). In the afternoon (3PM-ish) we will return to the refuge, seeking out more bears. We will stay until the end of the day. Or if the bears have already departed for the day, we might head to a few spots we have visited in the past, for opportunities for sunset photographs.When we leave the reserve we will find a place to have dinner. Depending on when we leave the reserve will determine the time chosen for dinner. During dinner we can discuss the days images, and work on your camera settings or editing.
Please note; these are long full days, seeking out wildlife. -
Day 6
DEPARTURE DAY
We will depart from the hotel at 7am and drive you to the New Bern airport (EWN) for your journey home. Driving time is about two and a half hours.Please schedule your return flights home for after 12 noon.
“The Outer Banks is home to the critically endangered red wolf.”
In addition to our wildlife excursions, during our downtime, we will visit the Red Wolf Conservation Center to learn about the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve what is left of the the red wolf population.
Understanding the conservation challenges and the actions being taken to safeguard the last remaining red wolves will deepen our appreciation for the importance of preserving their fragile habitat.
By participating in this expedition, you'll become part of the efforts to raise awareness about the plight of the red wolf and support the conservation initiatives aimed at securing their survival.
TRIP REPORTS
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
PAYMENT POLICY
A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.
50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.
100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.
A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.
A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.
Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info.
Please add $40 to cover bank fees.Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
SDM adventures
332 East 15th St.
San Juan, Texas 78589
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.
Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).
Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.
All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.