BLACK BEAR EXPEDITION

Outer Banks Area, North Carolina
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JUNE 23 - 28, 2025

( 6 Days Expedition / 4 Days Wildlife Safari )
4 SPACES AVAILABLE


THE ADVENTURE

Join us for an up-close and very personal encounter with the North Carolina black bears.

The biggest black bears in the world!

The Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina is known for its large concentrations of black bears.

There is an estimated 8,000 plus bears in the area we are visiting.

Here you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph the bears close up and at ground level.

and we see a lot of bears.

During our four days this past season, we had over 70 bear encounters.

So you will get plenty of opportunities for images and videos while you are out here.

You will also have a chance to search for one of the rarest mammals in North America - the critically endangered red wolf.

The region surrounding Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is the last stronghold for these extremely rare wolves.

Sadly, there are only 20 red wolves left in the wild.

Imagine coming face to face with one of the rarest and most endangered mammals on the continent.

Everyday while we are out looking for bears, we will also be scanning for these wolves.

So join us and experience the thrill of encountering wild black bears and hopefully red wolves in the heart of North Carolina's wilderness.


Trip cost is $2280 per person

with a $500 deposit required to reserve your space.
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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.


🔥 Ready to Make Memories? Take Your Next Step!



🌟 Act Now and Reserve Your Spot!

Don't miss your chance to join us on an unforgettable wildlife photography adventure. Secure your place today and get ready to capture the magic of North Carolina's black bears and red wolves.

OR…

🤔 Got Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you need more information or simply want to discuss the experiences that await you, we're just a click away. Let's chat and ensure you have all the details you need.

OR…

📞 Request a Call Back:

Curiosity piqued? We're excited to hear from you! Provide your details and preferred time, and we'll reach out to answer your questions and guide you towards making an informed choice.



TRIP ITINERARY


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Day 1
TRAVEL 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 we run out of light (8PM is sunset). Or if the bears have already departed for the day, we will head to a few spots we have visited in the past, for opportunities for pretty 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.


North Carolina Wildlife…


“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.

This is your chance to connect with the delicate balance of nature and play an active role in preserving the future of these magnificent animals.


TRIP REPORTS
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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.