Im still waiting to see orca whales! 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. One highlight of every trip is Sea Otter viewing. Youll also receive it by email momentarily. PHOTOS | MAPS | BOOKINGS. Whittier is probably my least favorite and least recommended area to see whales in Alaska. 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. 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. 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 We've received your friend's information. Watch Comical Puffins. Get advice from travelers in our Alaska Travel Club. If you book through VRBO or TripAdvisor or Airbnb, they will add an additional service fee. Gull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. Earn rewards for referring your friends! Welcome aboard the Discovery or Rainbow Connection for an amazing tour of Kachemak Bay and the community of Seldovia. 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. 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. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. A new addition is a newly built Hideaway Cottage tucked amongst the trees within a short walk to downtown. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. We did get to see Dalls porpoises swim with the boat, which was pretty amazing. WebThe Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. "Very reasonably price tour to Seldovia. PUFFIN LADY . 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. Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Eco Tours. 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. The concept behind the Ride Along Tour is that clients can join an existing water taxi trip. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. Homer, AK 99603. Sign up today! Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. The Gull Island rookery is a top attraction of Kachemak Bay. You can also sometimes see shore animals like mountain goats and bears. Private Tour: 2 Hours $730 (up to 6 passengers) Call for availability. WebCome experience the sights of Homer Alaska, see the beauty, and meet the wildlife of Kachemak Bay. 7 days or more in advance: no penalty, full refund or free rescheduling. 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. You can also view some of our guest ratings and comments on these websites. WebDay cruises from Seward and Homer are great ways to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. 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. Explore the historic boardwalk, visitor center, museum, local trails, pick some berries, or just photograph the local beauty. $99 Per Person. We are about a 15-minute drive from downtown Homer, and 10 minutes from the base of the Spit. While I would highly recommend a Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise, either Kenai Fjords Tours mentioned above or Major Marine, those ships do no Kachemak Bay is also home to additional mammals such asHarbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and, occasionally, whales and Steller Sea Lions. 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. WebAlaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. To change or cancel your reservation, please call 888-378-2525 or email us at onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. Puffins and Sea Otters - Review of Bay Excursions, Homer, What is a rookery one might ask? Its only because Ive never seen whales during any of the tours Ive been on. Trip Details: Tours available daily beginning at 7AM. Most years, 8,000 WebAlaskas first state park, located on the south side of Kachemak Bay, showcases a vast range of species, from ocean animals to mountain dwellers. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight. Each trip is a wide ranging survey of sea birds in the bay and we delight in finding the odd and unexpected. Bird Watching Well-known as a bird watching destination, there are ample opportunities to spot horned Kenai Fjords 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. 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. Repeater Layout : Box 151 Homer, Alaska 99603 Toll free: 1-888-2PUFFIN (278-3346) 2puffin@alaska.net. The reality is that each day and each section of the season is different and that wild animals are unpredictable. Many people travel this route when theyre on an Alaskan cruise. In the Bay, marine mammals such as Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! WebThere are a dozen groomed and marked trails throughout the Homer area. The full-size futon in the front room can accommodate up to two extra guests. Get the latest trail guides, travel tips, and more! 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US. 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. Alaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. 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. 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. 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. One really good location to spot beluga whales along Turnagain Arm is actually a place called Beluga Point. Have a question or comment? 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 WebExcellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. The beluga whales will follow the salmon and hooligan runs and your best chances to see them are around high tide. 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. How conservation travel has the power to protect wild places and the wild animals that depend on them. We require a 50% deposit at the time the reservation is made. Mountain Time. Alaskan halibut fishing that is unsurpassed! Click on a tour for more details. The multi-level cabin features a living room with a fireplace and kitchenette with a bedroom on the lower level. Come see beautiful Kachemak bay from the comfort of our 32 Bayweld, the Bella Vita! Wrap yourself in down-to-earth luxury while immersed in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Alaskas Kenai Peninsula. 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. 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. The Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. If you cancel 15 45 days before your stay, the 50% deposit will not be refunded. As it nears summer solstice in June, youre going to see nearly 24 hours of daylight in Anchorage! Skip to content. Last year, it was late August when I first spotted beluga whales as I was driving along Turnagain Arm. We also supply things like: paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo and body wash, hand soap, dish-washing soap and detergent, napkins, basic condiments and spices, an assortment of teas and hot cocoa, basic coffee for brewing, and all necessary cooking utensilsall you should need to bring is your food. I highly recommend whale watching during the months of June and July. Each cabin offers a unique experience from subterranean dens to a two-level log Yurt with decor that blends local charm with modern accents. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce accentuate the interior. One bedroom is equipped with a King bed and has an en suite bathroom with a full tub and shower. Enter your email below to receive our awesome hotel deals right in your inbox! WebWildlife Tours. 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- Captain Karl is a passionate, life long birder and has been guiding our trips for almost a quarter of a century. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. 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. 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. Wealso offer afternoon options depending on the day. 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. Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. Some stretch northwest into rugged hills of 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. For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. They spend the winter far at sea and are rarely seen from land until March. WebThe Puffin Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. vertical-2up, Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari Our tours are not pre-fixed routes. WebOur first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. My favorite place to see whales in Alaska is in Resurrection Bay, which is the body of water that sits outside of Seward. Our Scenic Bay Tour package takes you on a 2 Hour adventure around Kachemak Bay. 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. There is an additional fee of $25 for each additional guest (for a maximum of two). Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. Cook up freshly-caught halibut in your kitchen or on the private BBQ grill, then warm by the fireplace (in selected units). The Twin Puffins. Relax in this rustic, Alaskan cabin with vaulted wood ceilings, custom spruce furniture, and breathtaking scenery through the picture windows. Let us know and we can create a custom charter to accommodateyou. A short film about the conservation challenges facing the wolves of Yellowstone. 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. 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. 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 The kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, basic coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and a full-size microwave oven. If you want to see whales in Homer, drive along the Homer Spit. Do you have any questions about Alaska whale watching? One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. 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! WebTo see puffins, you will have to actually go south from Anchorage to Seward. WebWelcome to Kenai Peninsula Suites - Homer, Alaska Cabin Rentals On Kachemak Bay. Learn about the islands, fjords, and waterways as we cruise toward Seldovia. Photo sessions and cleaning/filleting provided. 8. 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. We will do our best to accommodate any changes. There is an iron and a small ironing board, as well as laundry detergent and dryer sheets. 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. We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. WebGull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. Whale watching in Alaska is one of my favorite summer activities and it should definitely be added on your Alaska bucket list. 2 Hour Scenic Bay Tour. 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. Hear from our travelers and guides while watching exhilarating footage from our worldwide nature adventures. That is exactly why Maple and others suggested a couple of days in Seward since puffins seemed to be a priority for the OP. 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. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Use the form to the right to get in touch with us. Our Marine Wildlife Tours generally depart at 10:00 am. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 Planning a trip to Alaska? When the day winds down, relax in open layouts with custom-designed furniture made from beetle killed spruce trees and large windows with stunning vistas. 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. This is the nearest place to Anchorage that you can see whales. Another benefit of being in Alaska during this time is the amount of daylight. It is a nesting colony for sea birds. 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. 2-6 days in advance: 50% of reservation refunded or free rescheduling. The Marine Wildlife Tour is by far our most popular tour. With tables, padded seats, bunks, galley, head, and complete walk-around for outstanding comfort and sightseeing. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. 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. Amenities of this adorable cabin in the trees include: Kenai Peninsula Suites3685 Sterling Hwy, Homer, Alaska 99603Phone: 907-299-7450Email: office@kenaipeninsulasuites.comhttps://www.kenaipeninsulasuites.com/. Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Its a great activity to do as a family or on your own. Its possible to see humpback whales cruising around Kachemak Bay while standing on the beach. 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. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the weather! PUFFIN LADY CHARTERS P.O. You can also hop on a boat or kayak to try and see whales. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Availability. 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). The Bears Den offer incredible sound-proofed privacy and eco-friendly grass roofs, and sleeps up to four people. This ride was great for wildlife viewing. Let me know in the comments. The F/V PUFFIN LADY is a 50 foot Delta with spacious heated cabin and windows all around. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. Hours Excellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. WebCommon Name: Horned Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula corniculata Distribution: The species is widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. WebHabitat. Copyright 2018 The Twin Puffins - All Rights Reserved. We encourage you to reschedule your reservation, if possible, as opposed to canceling. Vacation Rental Cabin. 1. If you are susceptible to sea sickness, keep in mind that the ocean is typically a lot calmer in the morning, so I recommend choosing an earlier time in the day to go whale watching in Alaska. We're Proud of the Reputation Weve Earned, Copyright 2022 Natural Habitat Adventures . 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. These tours are also great for anyone interested in bird viewing. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce Step out onto the 200-square-foot deck and cook fresh fish on the grill as you savor a stunning sunset over the bay. Earn rewards for referring your friends! 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 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- Bay Excursions offers threetypes of tours;the 2 hour Marine Wildlife Tour, the 3 hour Birding Tour, and Ride Along tours. No matter where you decide to go whale watching in Alaska its going to be very beautiful! Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue, P.O. Sir, Specifically, Seward. Between Cheval Island and 3 Hole Bay Bay. Best. BoatAk Homer, Alaska's most affordable tours with extremely satisfied clients. Douglas volcanoes on the horizon. Reservations are strongly encouraged. We continue through the scenic Eldred Passage, where we frequently find otters, sea ducks, whales, and a variety of other marine life. We have been watching them for years and they still make us smile every trip. Weve received your request. We saw many whales, otters and birds along the way. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email. Welcome to the Mid-July to September This is the time to specifically see beluga whales. Have a specific idea in mind? . 14. The Puffin sleeps up to four people. 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. These expressive and unbelievably cute critters are the focus of the first part of the tour. Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. We could go on but we'd rather be birding. The Harding spills out in all directions in the form of glaciers. You can drive here and park your car while you wait for high tide. Whale Watching In The Morning vs Afternoon. 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. We are passionate about sharing our little corner of the world with eachof our clients and strive to make each trip a unique experience. 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. The second bedroom has two Twin beds that can be combined to make it a King. There are so many different landscapes to see, from the beautiful coastlines and forests to the insane amount of glaciers. This This is an experience youll only find at the Kenai Peninsula Suites in Homer, Alaska. 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. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017. Limited space available. Bears of Brooks Falls: A Photo Pro Expedition It's that easy! Limited space available. 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. Departing everyday with a minimum of three people and a maximum of six. PUFFIN LADY Web2 Hour Scenic Kachemak Bay Tour. 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. 2. Start with my Alaska Travel Guide. 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. Need help planning a trip? If you cancel over 45 days before your reservation your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee. 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). 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. The Otter can sleep up to four, but we recommend no more than two. WebThe Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on January 31, 2023. Learn more. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917. I highly recommend driving this road anyways because its absolutely beautiful. Tours will be limited to a single group at a time for a flat-rate price on top of General Admission. The Wolfs Den sleeps up to four. All equipment provided. 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. For more information and questions, email. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. Click on a tour for more details. HOME BLOG ABOUT WORK WITH ME PRIVACY POLICY RETURN POLICY DISCLOSURE. The horned puffin Whale watching season begins in March and ends in November. At that time of year the Kenai Fjords Tours operates their 6 hour tour This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Mid-March to May This is the time to specifically see gray whales. I don't need names of tour companies, but I am concerned about about actually seeing them. Explore the flagship travel blog of Nat Hab and WWF for conservation news, thrilling wildlife photos and more. We enjoysharing our enthusiasm for birding with our clients whether they are new to the hobby or have been birding for years. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person.