Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce accentuate the interior. No matter where you decide to go whale watching in Alaska its going to be very beautiful! The puffins we see from the tour boats are ready for the breeding season. Its possible to see humpback whales cruising around Kachemak Bay while standing on the beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While I would highly recommend a Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise, either Kenai Fjords Tours mentioned above or Major Marine, those ships do no Repeater Layout : The Bears Den offer incredible sound-proofed privacy and eco-friendly grass roofs, and sleeps up to four people. Birding Tour PHOTOS | MAPS | BOOKINGS. Menu. Excellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. WebAs many as 20,000 seabirds build nests in the craggy rock faces and cliffs of Gull Island, on the south side of Kachemak Bay about three miles from the Homer Spit. Continue the tour of downtown green spaces at the Centennial Rose Garden, a lush enclave near the western end of the Delaney Park Strip. Each portion of the season offers unique opportunities so if you are interested in specific species feel free to contact us and we canoffer our suggestions for the best times to look for them. Mid-July to September This is the time to specifically see beluga whales. Start with my Alaska Travel Guide. Twin Puffins It's that easy! WebHabitat. There is an iron and a small ironing board, as well as laundry detergent and dryer sheets. "Very reasonably price tour to Seldovia. There are three popular ways to see whales while in Alaska: There are plenty of opportunities to see whales from the shore, but hopping on a day tour is a great way to see whales in Alaska. WebTo see puffins, you will have to actually go south from Anchorage to Seward. The Eagles Nest has a private entrance with a staircase that leads into the spacious, open design. See more of wild Alaska on a wide-ranging small-group adventure including the bears ofBrooks Falls, marine life of Kenai Fjords, a glacier landing on Denali, and the scenic Alaska Railroad to Seward. One really good location to spot beluga whales along Turnagain Arm is actually a place called Beluga Point. WebTheres so much to see and do in Kenai Fjords National Park, including seeing puffins, which are different from that of the Atlantic breeds off the shores of Alaska.Kenai Fjords National If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. That is about a 3 hour drive one way. Earn rewards for referring your friends! Enter your email below to receive our awesome hotel deals right in your inbox! Availability. Here are a few places many people visit to see whales in Alaska: One of the most common areas to see whales is along the Inside Passage. Our guarantee to our clientsis to keep a keen eye out so that we can find the unique, wonderful and unexpected in each and every trip. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Kenai Fjords In addition to our experience, our smaller, custom built vessels allow us to subtly approach wildlife and then take the time to watch it in its natural setting. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the weather! We take the time to join them as they go about the tasks of of their day which primarily consist ofeating copious amounts of food and napping (sometimes we feel a little envious). Use the form to the right to get in touch with us. You can also sometimes see shore animals like mountain goats and bears. Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Wealso offer afternoon options depending on the day. The Twin Puffins. See rules and fine print here. One of the best things about whale watching in Alaska is the abundance of other marine life that you can see (depending on where you are in Alaska). You can drive here and park your car while you wait for high tide. So, going when its warmer on the water is really nice and a lot more enjoyable than being there when its super cold and you have to wear tons of layers while youre on the boat. WebGull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. The concept behind the Ride Along Tour is that clients can join an existing water taxi trip. Skip to content. Obviously, every ride along is different but we always make a point to track down some Sea Ottersalong the way and will visit Gull Island if the routing permits. Im still waiting to see orca whales! Its only because Ive never seen whales during any of the tours Ive been on. The OP said "enabling our 10 days self-drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks to catch up our continue trip to Kaktovik for our Polar bear viewing", so Welcome aboard the Discovery or Rainbow Connection for an amazing tour of Kachemak Bay and the community of Seldovia. We arrive in Seldovia around 1:00 p.m. Once in Seldovia, you have time to enjoy one of the many restaurants, or you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. WebThe Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. The Harding spills out in all directions in the form of glaciers. WebIn Kenai Fjords National Park, over half of the landmass is covered by the enormous Harding Icefield, a thousand-foot block of ice that dates back to the last Ice Age. vertical-2up, Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari Let me know in the comments. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. WebHomer, AK 99603 . WebThere are a dozen groomed and marked trails throughout the Homer area. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. WebTo book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. They spend the winter far at sea and are rarely seen from land until March. You can also view some of our guest ratings and comments on these websites. I did a search but couldn't find the exact info I'm looking for. I highly recommend driving this road anyways because its absolutely beautiful. 8. 4287 Homer Spit Rd, #2, Homer, AK 99603-8033. 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. WebDay cruises from Seward and Homer are great ways to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Many people travel this route when theyre on an Alaskan cruise. Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. 7 days or more in advance: no penalty, full refund or free rescheduling. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. Trip Details: Tours available daily beginning at 7AM. The tour has two basic elements (further detailsbelow); marine mammal viewing and visiting the Gull Island seabird nesting colony. Click here to Learn more about wildlife tours, Click here to Learn more about bear viewing, Click here to Learn more about rental cars, Click here to Learn more about online gift shop, Click here to email centralcharters@gmail.com, Click here to view location 4241 Homer Spit Road Whale watching in Alaska is one of my favorite summer activities and it should definitely be added on your Alaska bucket list. The tours are mainly focused on seeing glaciers, which are incredible to see regardless! We will do our best to accommodate any changes. Less than 48 hours in advance: no refund or rescheduling. To change or cancel your reservation, please call 888-378-2525 or email us at onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. This This is an experience youll only find at the Kenai Peninsula Suites in Homer, Alaska. The Eagles Nest sleeps up to four people and includes the following amenities: This cozy cabin is secluded in the wooded area of the resort offering a peaceful escape that blends into the natural surroundings. Bay Excursions offers threetypes of tours;the 2 hour Marine Wildlife Tour, the 3 hour Birding Tour, and Ride Along tours. The Marine Wildlife Tour is by far our most popular tour. Have a question or comment? Enter the den from above using the circular staircase into a half-moon shaped, open living area. This is a convenient location to Homer, yet you feel secluded; with great views of the Kachemak Bay, the Homer Spit, and the Kenai Mountains across the Bay. Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. I highly recommend whale watching during the months of June and July. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight. Click on a tour for more details. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab gift card you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. Whether you are a professional photographer or simply want a custom tour with a boat to yourself we are happy to work with you to meet your needs. This trip departs daily at 10:30 a.m. from the Homer Small Boat Harbor. GrandPaHongKong, To see puffins, you will have to actually go south from Anchorage to Seward. That is about a 3 hour drive one way. At that time of Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. The Puffin sleeps up to four people. Also, we can often find a trip which will allow us to accommodate special requests such as taking a quick cruise through the community of Halibut Cove. The second bedroom has two Twin beds that can be combined to make it a King. A one sentence summary ofthe tour could be"We look at cute Sea Otters,awesome puffins and other cool stuff in a beautiful place". WebWelcome to Kenai Peninsula Suites - Homer, Alaska Cabin Rentals On Kachemak Bay. I can only go by what Kenai Fjords Tours told me. They said they go by the islands where the Puffins are. Still even that is no guarantee. There is Have a question or comment? Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! The Otter can sleep up to four, but we recommend no more than two. Gull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. We enjoysharing our enthusiasm for birding with our clients whether they are new to the hobby or have been birding for years. The horned puffin Alaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. Let us know and we can create a custom charter to accommodateyou. There is a one-time $90 cleaning fee as well as a 3% sales tax that is based on on the total amount of the rental. Welcome to the WebExcellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. A new addition is a newly built Hideaway Cottage tucked amongst the trees within a short walk to downtown. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce Homer, Alaska 907-299-7450. Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue, P.O. That is exactly why Maple and others suggested a couple of days in Seward since puffins seemed to be a priority for the OP. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017. Earn rewards for referring your friends! The F/V PUFFIN LADY is a 50 foot Delta with spacious heated cabin and windows all around. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It really doesnt matter what time of the day you go whale watching because whales are active throughout the day. Puffins and Sea Otters - Review of Bay Excursions, Homer, Take in breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and snow-topped mountains from the 200-square-foot covered deck with hand-made chairs and a BBQ grill. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. Homer, AK 99603. Limited space available. The full-size futon in the front room can accommodate up to two extra guests. Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. Watch Comical Puffins. Youll also receive it by email momentarily. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. Each trip is a wide ranging survey of sea birds in the bay and we delight in finding the odd and unexpected. Have a specific idea in mind? If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details, /know-before-you-go/alaska-northern-adventures/alaska/wildlife-guide/puffin/. Box 1329 , Seward, AK 99664, Phone: (907) 224-6300 Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 Fax: (907) 224-6320, Legal Name: Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science, 501 (c)(3) Tax ID: 92-0132479 Privacy Policy. Most years, 8,000 3-night minimum stay (rentals of less than 3 nights are, available upon approval if scheduling allows), A base rate of $275 per night includes up to four guests. Amenities of this spacious underground cabin include: Nestled above the resort, the Eagles Nest boasts 180-degree views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. BoatAk, do you know when in September Puffins head out to sea? Here is general info for Seward: https://www.travelalaska.com/Things-To-Do/Wildlife- Your guide for every tour will be one ofBay Excursions two longtime, localcaptains, Karl and Gareth, who have guided these exact trips for 25+ and 15+ years respectively. It nests on coastlines and offshore islands from British Columbia (where they are rare) to Alaska, and southwest to the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril Islands. Our Scenic Bay Tour package takes you on a 2 Hour adventure around Kachemak Bay. In this guide, Im sharing everything you need to know about Alaska whale watching, including the best time and place to see whales in Alaska. Limited space available. Marine Wildlife, SpecializedBirding and Ride Along. Its possible to spot whales from the shoreline but nothing compares to the experiences you have seeing whales as you get to go further out in Resurrection Bay. The reality is that each day and each section of the season is different and that wild animals are unpredictable. Our first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. Click here to view it now. WebOur first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. 2-6 days in advance: 50% of reservation refunded or free rescheduling. We've received your friend's information. Alaskan halibut fishing that is unsurpassed! Hunt for Kittlitz's Murrelets,Aleutian Terns and more Kachemak Bay is home to many unique and wonderful sea birds and our company specialty is sharing them with our clients. WebThe Puffin Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. If you book through VRBO or TripAdvisor or Airbnb, they will add an additional service fee. Sit on the front porch, watch a brilliant sunset, and see the snow-capped Augustine and Mt. Amenities of this 980-square-foot Yurt include: Built into the grassy bluff, this modern underground cabin offers a covered porch and amazing views of Kachemak Bay. 2. What is a rookery one might ask? Click here to Learn more about Main and after hours line. 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US. If you want to see whales in Homer, drive along the Homer Spit. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! If you prefer, you can book, contact us, or view our calendar at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g31009-d4038987. Come see beautiful Kachemak bay from the comfort of our 32 Bayweld, the Bella Vita! Sir, Specifically, Seward. Between Cheval Island and 3 Hole Bay Bay. Best. BoatAk We are about a 15-minute drive from downtown Homer, and 10 minutes from the base of the Spit. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. Wrap yourself in down-to-earth luxury while immersed in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Alaskas Kenai Peninsula. WebWildlife Tours. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email. The kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, basic coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and a full-size microwave oven. Amenities of this 480-square-foot subterranean cabin include: These 480-square-foot underground luxury cabins offer incredible privacy, sound proofing, and eco-friendly grass roofs. Guests enter the subterranean den from above using the circular staircase into an open living area with beautiful wood furnishings and a Kitchenette. WebThe Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on January 31, 2023. This a great way to see the widest array of locations in the bay as well as to get a feel for everyday operations in semi-rural Alaska. Vacation Rental Cabin. Photo sessions and cleaning/filleting provided. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. We saw many whales, otters and birds along the way. In the Bay, marine mammals such as Exactly - the OP can decide based on the info here. But the chances greatly increase when a person takes a PRIVATE tour. Then their priorities are We depart Seldovia at 4:00 p.m. with a scheduled return time around 5:15 p.m. We are frequently delayed by whales or other awesome marine life along the way. As it nears summer solstice in June, youre going to see nearly 24 hours of daylight in Anchorage! French doors open onto the partially-covered deck where you'll find a table and chairs, BBQ grill and a place to just relax and enjoy the view. Last year, it was late August when I first spotted beluga whales as I was driving along Turnagain Arm. 14. This ride was great for wildlife viewing. 2 Hour Scenic Bay Tour. Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly a hundred nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the spectacular places we visit and their wild inhabitants. This is the nearest place to Anchorage that you can see whales. In the summertime, Atlantic puffins live among rocky bluffs in northern Europe and the North Atlantic. One of my favorite places to see beluga whales is while driving along Turnagain Arm. All equipment provided. Whale Watching In The Morning vs Afternoon. For more information and questions, email onlinesales @alaskasealife.org. Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. How conservation travel has the power to protect wild places and the wild animals that depend on them. Help us save paper! Box 151 Homer, Alaska 99603 Toll free: 1-888-2PUFFIN (278-3346) 2puffin@alaska.net. We did get to see Dalls porpoises swim with the boat, which was pretty amazing. Another benefit of being in Alaska during this time is the amount of daylight. We are passionate about sharing our little corner of the world with eachof our clients and strive to make each trip a unique experience. With tables, padded seats, bunks, galley, head, and complete walk-around for outstanding comfort and sightseeing. Explore the flagship travel blog of Nat Hab and WWF for conservation news, thrilling wildlife photos and more. WebLocated within Denaina Enena, on the traditional homelands of the Denaina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city combines wild Alaska beauty, convenient urban comforts, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture. Kachemak Bay is also home to additional mammals such asHarbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and, occasionally, whales and Steller Sea Lions. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab gift card you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. Our tours are not pre-fixed routes. One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. It is a nesting colony for sea birds. You have a chance to see sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, bald eagles, and tons of other shorebirds. Homer, Alaska's most affordable tours with extremely satisfied clients. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Each cabin offers a unique experience from subterranean dens to a two-level log Yurt with decor that blends local charm with modern accents. Relax on the 200-square-foot porch, nestled in the trees, watching the eagles fly by, the fire blazing in the pit and sunsets that place a golden glow over everything in sight. This gives you more time in the day to take a cruise or a boat tour in the morning and still have plenty of time to go hiking or explore during the night. Instead, our captains keep track of the seals, porpoises, sea otters, and other marine wildlife and birds that call Kachemak Bay and There is an additional fee of $25 for each additional guest (for a maximum of two). Photograph Katmai's famous brown bears once Brooks Lodge closes and visitors disappearwe fly by private floatplane to watch them fatten up on the salmon that remain! Private Tour: 2 Hours $730 (up to 6 passengers) Call for availability. Reservations are strongly encouraged. If you do not show up for your reservation or you cancel less than 15 days before, the balance will be charged to your card. We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. Planning a trip to Alaska? Our Marine Wildlife Tours generally depart at 10:00 am. Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Eco Tours. Some stretch northwest into rugged hills of Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Reservations are strongly encouraged. There is a laundry closet that has a full-size washer/dryer so you don't need to worry about bringing your things to a laundromat. Bears of Brooks Falls: A Photo Pro Expedition The remaining balance is due at check-in. Captain Karl is a passionate, life long birder and has been guiding our trips for almost a quarter of a century. WebCommon Name: Horned Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula corniculata Distribution: The species is widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. The beluga whales will follow the salmon and hooligan runs and your best chances to see them are around high tide. Explore the historic boardwalk, visitor center, museum, local trails, pick some berries, or just photograph the local beauty. . Learn more. The Wolfs Den sleeps up to four. For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. PUFFIN LADY CHARTERS P.O. Fish the world renowned waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. Douglas volcanoes on the horizon. If you cancel over 45 days before your reservation your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee. Need help planning a trip? Weve received your request. $99 Per Person. WebScientists estimate 200,000 of these giant pinnipeds (the seal family) live in the Chukchi and Bering seas between Alaska and Russia.