BOBCATS OF CALIFORNIA PHOTO TOUR

come eye to eye with bobcats

4 Days

California, USA

6 Pax

Medium

Bobcat Photo Tour in Northern California

The lynx of California's unique coast

Your bobcat photo tour will bring you to California’s rich and diverse coastline. We will explore two locations in Marin county in northern California, which host some of the highest densities of bobcats in the world. We have seen and photographed bobcats on all of our previously run tours in both locations and know where to look for this elusive lynx species.

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Bobcat in Grasses during out Bobcats of California Photo Tour

PHOTOGRAPH BOBCATS ALONG CALIFORNIA’S COAST

Bobcat during our Bobcat in Grasses during out Bobcats of California Photography Tour

100% SUCCESS RATE FINDING BOBCATS ON ALL OF OUR TOURS

Bobcat hunting during out Bobcats of California Photo Tour

GOOD CHANCE OF SEEING A BOBCAT HUNT

EXPERIENCE CALIFORNIA’S OTHER ANIMALS LIKE COYOTES AND TULE ELK

MARVEL AT CALIFORNIA’S NATURAL BEAUTY

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP WILDLIFE IN YOUR AREA

Why we love this bobcat photo tour

Though bobcats are the most wide spread cat in all of the United States, they are quite elusive. This bobcat safari is the perfect opportunity for any wildlife photographer or wild cat lover to not only see these cats, but to create powerful photographs. Our very small group ensures that when we do see the cats, that the encounter is intimate and meaningful.

We have chosen Northern California as the spot for our bobcat photo tour for one main reason: a high densities of bobcats. It is a beautiful area filled with different habitats including redwood forest, mixed deciduous forest, northern coastal scrub, and oak savanna. Those habitats support high numbers of bobcats, possibly even higher in Marin county where we run the tour because of the low densities of pumas.

When we encounter bobcats it is generally while we are on foot. This immediately puts us at an equal level. The cat can easily decide where it wants to go, and when it wants to do so. Both of our bobcat guides are experts in bobcat behavior and know how not to scare away the cat, but rather be able to watch it behave naturally, possibly even seeing and photographing it hunt a gopher or rabbit, their favorite prey in the area.

You will not only see cats, but you will have the opportunity to learn from wildlife rehabilitation experts, from our partners at WildCare, how to help bobcats and other wildlife in the area. They will address our impact as humans on our surrounding wildlife and how to best live side-by-side.

Bobcats of California photo tour testimonials

“I was thrilled to see and photograph my first-ever bobcat (and second, third, and fourth!) after a lifetime of longing to see one. Sebastian’s knowledge of wild cats is incredible and he taught us where and how to look for them, as well as a lot about their behavior. It was one of the friendliest tours I’ve been on, with lots of laughter and good conversation. I plan to be back again!”

- Carrie Smith

"It was my first time going on Sebastian’s photo tour. I must say, one tour quickly turned into more! I had so much fun. Not only I learned so much about bobcats, and the habitats they live in, i also went home with lots of photography tips. Sebastian is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does; photography, conservation... which really served as a constant inspiration during my time with him. His easy going, humble, and humorous nature gave the tour a really fun and relaxed feel. All in all, I highly recommend those who are curious to explore, and interested in wildlife photography to go on this tour."

- Jia Li

"I am still trying to find the right words for this absolutely breathtaking experience. For many years, my dream had been to see (and photograph) a bobcat in the wild. I love all animals, but bobcats, their beauty, resilience, independence and strength are by far my favorite. In December 2022, I joined Sebastian and the team for a four-day photo expedition, focusing on finding bobcats. The tour greatly exceeded my expectations. From the initial pickup at the airport, to the meet-and-greet at the hotel, to the wonderful dining options and, most importantly to our photo outings, everything was just perfect! Sebastian and Rachel made sure that each tour guest was very well taken care of at any time. During six outings (I missed the last one since I had to fly back early), we encountered a total of 12 bobcats! According to Sebastian, this was a record. Of course not all sightings resulted in a photo opportunity. Sometimes the cat was too far away, sometimes they disappeared into the underbrush before we were ready. But that's to be expected. After all, it is their territory, and we are just guests. Which brings me to another part that I love about this tour: Sebastian, Daniel and Carter have a deep knowledge around local wildlife. They respect the animals greatly. And a percentage of the tour fee goes to a local wildlife rehab center. It's wonderful that I can support conservation while doing something I enjoy so much. At any time, our guides were ready to help us with technical issues or questions around photography. It truly felt like I was spending time with friends who I had known for a long time. The only bad part about this tour was that it came to an end 😉 I can't wait to join Sebastian again for another trip."

- Stefanie Kraus

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Bobcat Hunting

Bobcat Hunting
Juvenile Bobcat Scenting

Juvenile Bobcat Scenting
Bobcat Juvenile in California

Bobcat Juvenile in California
Bobcat Looking Back

Bobcat Looking Back
Bobcat in Grassland

Bobcat in Grassland
Bobcat Silhouetted at Sunset

Bobcat Silhouetted at Sunset

Other wildlife you can see on this tour

Coyote Running

Coyote Running
Turkey Vulture Flying

Turkey Vulture Flying
Tule Elk Bull

Tule Elk Bull
Northern Elephant Seal Bull

Northern Elephant Seal Bull
Mule Deer in Grasses

Mule Deer in Grasses
Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl
Great Blue Heron Hunting

Great Blue Heron Hunting
Ferruginous Hawk in California

Ferruginous Hawk in California
California Quail Male

California Quail Male
Burrowing Owl in California

Burrowing Owl in California

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Target wild cats during our bobcat photo tour

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Bobcats are our main, and really only wild cat target for this tour. The locations we have chosen have been visited by our expert guides for over fifteen years. They know where the cats like to hang out. In terms of identifying a bobcat, their short stumpy tail and long legs are unique in the ecosystem. Coyotes are the closest thing to them, but their gait, and long, fluffy tail give them away as a canid.

Difficulty: Medium

Other possible wild cats during our safari

PUMA (Puma concolor)

Though there are mountain lions in the general area of our bobcat tour, they are incredibly shy and elusive in the area. Neither of our guides have ever seen a puma in this part of California. Despite this, it is never a bad idea to keep looking out for that long tubular tail of the puma. If you want to reliably see pumas, please check out our Pumas of Patagonia tour where their rating is easy!

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Easy: for the duration of the trip we will have multiple encounters with this wild cat species with good photo opportunities

Medium: we expect to see the wild cat and have at least one, but probably multiple encounters, with good photo opportunities

Difficult: for the duration of the trip, our goal will be to have one encounter with good photographic opportunities

Very Difficult: for the duration of the trip we hope to have one encounter with the cat, whether a good photo opportunity or not

Extremely Difficult: it is extremely unlikely to see this cat, so having even a glimpse of this cat is considered success

You are in good hands, we are bobcat experts

Like many of our tours, as far as we know, we are unique in offering photo tours specifically targeting wild bobcats. That in part is understandable as these cats are very elusive despite their wide range. We are however experts of bobcats, having selected the best location at the best time of year to find these cats. Furthermore, we utilize the two best bobcat guides in existence: Sebastian Kennerknecht and Daniel Dietrich.

Sebastian has spent over three thousand hours looking for bobcats and has never led a tour without spotting a cat. He grew up in this area of California and knows it like the back of his hand. He is also a fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, a multiple award winner and is happy to provide photographic tips during the tour.

Daniel Dietrich is also an award winning wildlife photographer living right in bobcat country in Marin county. He has spent thousands and thousands of hours searching and guiding for bobcats and knows how to find these elusive cats. Both Daniel and Sebastian deeply care about ethics of photography and will never jeopardize the well-being of a cat for a photograph.

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Day 1

Fly into San Francisco, USA. Be driven to the hotel in Marin, across the Golden Gate Bridge. Meet your tour guide and settle into the relaxing Acqua hotel. Embark on your first bobcat outing for sunset where you will get to experience the beautiful California landscape for the first time. Once the light is gone, we will drive into Mill Valley to have dinner.

Acqua Hotel

Bobcats of California Photo Tour Participant Laughing

Day 2-3

Sunrise bobcat excursion hiking through perfect bobcat habitat in southern Marin county. The hikes are not strenuous and we walk at a slow pace. Late breakfast with a short rest at the hotel, followed by an afternoon bobcat drive and/or hike at our second location in Point Reyes National Seashore with lunch in the field. Dinner back in Mill Valley.

Acqua Hotel

Day 4

Sunrise and sunset excursions will both be non-strenuous hikes in southern Marin. This day will be our last chance to see and photograph bobcats. The southern Marin location is also very accessible, so though we prefer you catch an evening flight out of San Francisco, no matter what time your departure, it can easily be accommodated.

Acqua Hotel

Itinerary at a glance

4 Days
3 Nights

1 HOTEL

7 CAT EXCURSIONS

Shrubland
Deciduous Forest
Pasture-Land

1 SMALL CAT

GAME DRIVES
WALKING SAFARIS

Simply bobcats itinerary

This itinerary was designed with one goal in mind, to get you eye to eye with wild bobcats. We have chosen the two best locations, the two best guides, and the right time of year to make that happen.

Northern California boasts one of, if not the highest density of bobcats in the world. The productive shrubland habitat provides plenty of prey for this elusive predator. Your two guides, Sebastian Kennerknecht and Daniel Dietrich, have spent over a decade guiding photographers for bobcats in the area.

We have planned this bobcat tour at this time of year, because during the short days in late December the cats are much more likely to be active during the day, since temperatures are not nearly as hot, giving you much higher chances of seeing and photographing them.

Besides providing you the opportunity to see and photograph wild cats, we at Cat Expeditions make your travel experience hassle free. Upon booking, you will be sent a full itinerary that includes what to bring and how to prepare. Once you land in San Francisco, you can focus on enjoying yourself as all the travel logistics are not only taken care off, but optimized to give you the most time to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the northern California coast.

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Acqua Hotel

Located in beautiful Marin county, right along the San Francisco bay’s waters, the Acqua hotel provides perfect comfort close to our bobcat locations.

The forty-nine rooms each have their own private bathrooms, and many of them look out over the calm bay waters. The rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable and provide the perfect place to rest and sleep after a full day of being out looking for bobcats.

The hotel also has roof-top lounge where you can relax and take in the views of Mount Tamalpais and surrounding Marin county.

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Conservation impact of our Bobcats of California photo tour

Like all Cat Expeditions tours, our bobcat photo tour has conservation impact built into it. Bobcats in California face a few different threats. Sometimes they fall victims to vehicles when they try to cross busy roadways. Other times they consume rodenticides that eventually build up inside their systems to the point where they can die from the poison.

WildCare, a Marin based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility deals with both of these threats for bobcats and lots of other wildlife. They care for over four thousand individual animals every year, whether pelicans with broken wings, bobcats with broken legs, or orphaned animals.

We will visit WildCare to during the middle of the day one of our days to experience an ambassador program presentation, see their conservation work, and deliver our donation, which is part of the tour cost, to help them help bobcats and the other native wildlife of northern California.

Conservation at a glance

FUNDING WILDLIFE REHABILITATION

FUNDING BOBCAT ADVOCACY

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Bobcats of California Photo Tour Dates

December 19th - 22nd, 2024 (5 spots available)

December 18th - 21st, 2025 (6 spots available)

Bobcats of California Photo Tour Pricing

Price per person: $5,950

Single room supplement: $750

The price includes:
- all transportation starting in San Francisco
- lodging
- meals (not including alcohol)
- bobcat excursions
- guide services of Sebastian Kennerknecht
- guide services of Daniel Dietrich
- bobcat tracker
- conservation donation to WildCare

The price does not include:
- flights to San Francisco
- tips
- laundry
- insurance

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