Bay Excursions offers threetypes of tours;the 2 hour Marine Wildlife Tour, the 3 hour Birding Tour, and Ride Along tours. For more information and questions, email. 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). Tours will be limited to a single group at a time for a flat-rate price on top of General Admission. 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. Ive been on multiple whale watching cruises in the area as well as a sailing trip to Thumb Cove with my friends and Ive always seen whales. 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. PHOTOS | MAPS | BOOKINGS. WebOur first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. The larger, main bathroom has an oversized shower and a large vanity for personal items. Most years, 8,000 PUFFIN LADY My favorite place to see whales in Alaska is in Resurrection Bay, which is the body of water that sits outside of Seward. Relax in this rustic, Alaskan cabin with vaulted wood ceilings, custom spruce furniture, and breathtaking scenery through the picture windows. "Very reasonably price tour to Seldovia. Let me know in the comments. The multi-level cabin features a living room with a fireplace and kitchenette with a bedroom on the lower level. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Amenities include: WiFi, flat-screen TV with DVD and Roku player in the front room, a flat-screen with surround sound and DVD player in each bedroom; with a selection of movies and board games to keep you entertained if the weather keeps you indoors. With tables, padded seats, bunks, galley, head, and complete walk-around for outstanding comfort and sightseeing. No matter where you decide to go whale watching in Alaska its going to be very beautiful! This is the time of the year where you can see whales migrating around Alaska. 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. 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. We continue through the scenic Eldred Passage, where we frequently find otters, sea ducks, whales, and a variety of other marine life. Wealso offer afternoon options depending on the day. 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US (907) 229-7952 (call or text) If you prefer, you can book, contact us, or view our calendar at: VRBO- The full-size futon in the front room can accommodate up to two extra guests. 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. For more information and questions, email onlinesales @alaskasealife.org. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. We encourage you to reschedule your reservation, if possible, as opposed to canceling. While you may not be able to see beluga whales or gray whales, there are still humpback whales and killer whales that you can see during this time. Web2 Hour Scenic Kachemak Bay Tour. Skip to content. 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 See rules and fine print here. Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce You can also sometimes see shore animals like mountain goats and bears. We're Proud of the Reputation Weve Earned, Copyright 2022 Natural Habitat Adventures . Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 3. Cook up freshly-caught halibut in your kitchen or on the private BBQ grill, then warm by the fireplace (in selected units). WebA few blocks west, Town Square Park is a popular destination in all seasons: Catch live music and outdoor exercise classes in the summer, and ice skating and holiday lights displays in the winter. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce accentuate the interior. Our many years of experienceallow us make the most of your time on the bay. Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue, P.O. If you want to see whales in Homer, drive along the Homer Spit. WebTo book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. Its only because Ive never seen whales during any of the tours Ive been on. Beluga Point is a popular spot to stop on the Seward Highway and its only a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. Sign up today! One of my favorite places to see beluga whales is while driving along Turnagain Arm. Continue the tour of downtown green spaces at the Centennial Rose Garden, a lush enclave near the western end of the Delaney Park Strip. Get the latest trail guides, travel tips, and more! The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight. WebScientists estimate 200,000 of these giant pinnipeds (the seal family) live in the Chukchi and Bering seas between Alaska and Russia. 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. 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. 2 Hour Scenic Bay Tour. We've received your friend's information. This This is an experience youll only find at the Kenai Peninsula Suites in Homer, Alaska. . We are passionate about sharing our little corner of the world with eachof our clients and strive to make each trip a unique experience. Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. I don't need names of tour companies, but I am concerned about about actually seeing them. Excellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. Bird Watching Well-known as a bird watching destination, there are ample opportunities to spot horned During this time of the year, Alaska is a lot warmer and if youve ever been on a cruise or on a boat you know that being on the water is super cold. If you cancel over 45 days before your reservation your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee. Gull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. The Harding spills out in all directions in the form of glaciers. Alaska has a variety of whales, including humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales (orcas), beluga whales, blue whales, minke whales, bowhead whales, bottlenose whales, fin whales, and sperm whales. We require a 50% deposit at the time the reservation is made. 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. 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. 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- The Gull Island rookery is a top attraction of Kachemak Bay. We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. Homer, AK 99603. Sir, Specifically, Seward. Between Cheval Island and 3 Hole Bay Bay. Best. BoatAk Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017. The concept behind the Ride Along Tour is that clients can join an existing water taxi trip. This trip departs daily at 10:30 a.m. from the Homer Small Boat Harbor. The Marine Wildlife Tour is by far our most popular tour. Private Tour: 2 Hours $730 (up to 6 passengers) Call for availability. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! This ride was great for wildlife viewing. Hours 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. Our most common are the glaucous-winged gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, pigeon guillemots, pelagic and red-faced cormorants, tufted and horned puffins, as well as the common murres. Come see beautiful Kachemak bay from the comfort of our 32 Bayweld, the Bella Vita! These expressive and unbelievably cute critters are the focus of the first part of the tour. Each summer, birds who spend the rest of their lives at sea, converge on offshore rocks or islands to produce their next generation of offspring. I specifically booked an orca whale cruise one time, but unfortunately we didnt see any whales at all that day. Sign up today! 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. Marine Wildlife, SpecializedBirding and Ride Along. 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. 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 WebCommon Name: Horned Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula corniculata Distribution: The species is widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. 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. WebWelcome to Kenai Peninsula Suites - Homer, Alaska Cabin Rentals On 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. These tours are also great for anyone interested in bird viewing. 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. Birding Tour We did get to see Dalls porpoises swim with the boat, which was pretty amazing. One highlight of every trip is Sea Otter viewing. Whale watching season begins in March and ends in November. We will do our best to accommodate any changes. Alaska is huge and there are plenty of areas to see whales. The Otter can sleep up to four, but we recommend no more than two. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! Kenai Fjords Some stretch northwest into rugged hills of Limited space available. Our first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. WebCome experience the sights of Homer Alaska, see the beauty, and meet the wildlife of Kachemak Bay. It is a nesting colony for sea birds. Reservations are strongly encouraged. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email. You can drive here and park your car while you wait for high tide. Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. Start with my Alaska Travel Guide. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the weather! Guests enter the subterranean den from above using the circular staircase into an open living area with beautiful wood furnishings and a Kitchenette. Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. 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. Use the form to the right to get in touch with us. The most common whales to see in Alaska are humpback whales, killer whales, gray whales, and beluga whales. 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US. Instead, our captains keep track of the seals, porpoises, sea otters, and other marine wildlife and birds that call Kachemak Bay and We will be in Sitka next May and would like to do a tour that includes seeing puffins. Each trip is a wide ranging survey of sea birds in the bay and we delight in finding the odd and unexpected. You can also hop on a boat or kayak to try and see whales. It's that easy! Alaskan halibut fishing that is unsurpassed! Menu. 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. 7 days or more in advance: no penalty, full refund or free rescheduling. Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Eco Tours. Kachemak Bay is also home to additional mammals such asHarbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and, occasionally, whales and Steller Sea Lions. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Kenai Peninsula Suites features five rustic memorable cabins spread out over five beautiful acres overlooking Kachemak Bay offering you unobstructed views of mountains, coastline and volcanos in Homer, Alaska. The open floor plan features a den with beamed ceilings, a gas fireplace, a kitchenette and private bath. PUFFIN LADY . 14. 4287 Homer Spit Rd, #2, Homer, AK 99603-8033. For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a 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. Click on a tour for more details. Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. 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. Click on a tour for more details. 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. 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. Whether you book an early morning cruise, a midday cruise, or something later in the evening, youll still have plenty of chances to see whales. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. 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. 8. Homer, Alaska. The horned puffin Our tours are not pre-fixed routes. HOME BLOG ABOUT WORK WITH ME PRIVACY POLICY RETURN POLICY DISCLOSURE. Let us know and we can create a custom charter to accommodateyou. Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! The puffins we see from the tour boats are ready for the breeding season. It is easy to imply that we see everything on every trip but our philosophy is that it is best to deliver a realistic and honest description of our trips. Enter the den from above using the circular staircase into a half-moon shaped, open living area. Captain Karl is a passionate, life long birder and has been guiding our trips for almost a quarter of a century. Whale Watching In The Morning vs Afternoon. There is rarely a dull day on the baycome along and see for yourself During the course ofa normal day we go many unique places and see lots of interesting things. We also see frequent bald eagles and a large variety of other seabirds. I did a search but couldn't find the exact info I'm looking for. Twin Puffins Need help planning a trip? A short film about the conservation challenges facing the wolves of Yellowstone. How conservation travel has the power to protect wild places and the wild animals that depend on them. Earn rewards for referring your friends! It really doesnt matter what time of the day you go whale watching because whales are active throughout the day. That is about a 3 hour drive one way. Whittier is probably my least favorite and least recommended area to see whales in Alaska. Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Earn rewards for referring your friends! Alaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. 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! 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. 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. 2. Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. WebAlaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. 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). Puffins and Sea Otters - Review of Bay Excursions, Homer, We have been watching them for years and they still make us smile every trip. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. Less than 48 hours in advance: no refund or rescheduling. Mid-March to May This is the time to specifically see gray whales. Hear from our travelers and guides while watching exhilarating footage from our worldwide nature adventures. The cabin has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, fully-equipped kitchen and dining area. Wrap yourself in down-to-earth luxury while immersed in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Alaskas Kenai Peninsula. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. The tour has two basic elements (further detailsbelow); marine mammal viewing and visiting the Gull Island seabird nesting colony. Learn more. Enter your email below to receive our awesome hotel deals right in your inbox! WebWildlife Tours. They spend the winter far at sea and are rarely seen from land until March. WebTwo species of puffins nest in Kenai Fjords National Park, the horned and the tufted. 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 Our Marine Wildlife Tours generally depart at 10:00 am. Another benefit of being in Alaska during this time is the amount of daylight. Watch Comical Puffins. WebThe Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on January 31, 2023. At that time of year the Kenai Fjords Tours operates their 6 hour tour 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. Douglas volcanoes on the horizon. There is an additional fee of $25 for each additional guest (for a maximum of two). 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. Each bathroom has a heat/light/vent, and its own hair dryer. WebThere are a dozen groomed and marked trails throughout the Homer area. As it nears summer solstice in June, youre going to see nearly 24 hours of daylight in Anchorage! Whale watching in Alaska is one of my favorite summer activities and it should definitely be added on your Alaska bucket list. Im still waiting to see orca whales! 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 All equipment provided. 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. The F/V PUFFIN LADY is a 50 foot Delta with spacious heated cabin and windows all around. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. 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. WebDay cruises from Seward and Homer are great ways to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. 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. 2-6 days in advance: 50% of reservation refunded or free rescheduling. Hey MM#1, Sorry. No, I do not know. I have seen them in late Sept. Far fewer numbers for sure. Dependent on feed. Best BoatAk Menu. Have a question or comment? The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. Step out onto the 200-square-foot deck and cook fresh fish on the grill as you savor a stunning sunset over the bay. In the summertime, Atlantic puffins live among rocky bluffs in northern Europe and the North Atlantic. We enjoysharing our enthusiasm for birding with our clients whether they are new to the hobby or have been birding for years. Our most common are the glaucous-winged gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, pigeon guillemots, pelagic and red-faced cormorants, tufted and horned puffins, as well as the common murres. 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 Reservations are strongly encouraged. If you book through VRBO or TripAdvisor or Airbnb, they will add an additional service fee. Planning a trip to Alaska? 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. 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. Click here to Learn more about Main and after hours line. It's that easy! The tours are mainly focused on seeing glaciers, which are incredible to see regardless! Vacation Rental Cabin. The Eagles Nest has a private entrance with a staircase that leads into the spacious, open design. 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. A one sentence summary ofthe tour could be"We look at cute Sea Otters,awesome puffins and other cool stuff in a beautiful place". 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. I highly recommend whale watching during the months of June and July. Availability. Learn how your comment data is processed.