The tour travels the Bay, giving you insight into one of Alaska’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. It provides information on its wildlife, history, local climate, geology, and the marine diversity found in the Bay. We learn of the Native people, the Russian Fur Rush, and archaeological sites found in the Bay. Throughout the tour, stops are made to view marine mammals such as Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, and sea birds.

Geographic Stops

First Stop: Gull Island


Step into the heart of a thriving seabird rookery, where up to 20,000 birds make their summer home. Gull Island is alive with the energy of 8,000 to 10,000 Black-legged Kittiwakes, alongside Common Murres, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants, and both Horned and Tufted Puffins. The air hums with their calls, and the sight of thousands of birds lifting off in unison is unforgettable. Keep your eyes on the water too—sea otters, harbor seals, and the occasional harbor porpoise often make an appearance.

As we depart Gull Island, we’ll begin scanning the water for more marine life. Sea otters are commonly seen enroute to our next destination, Peterson Bay.

Second Stop: Peterson Bay


Our journey continues to Peterson Bay, where the wild beauty of Alaska meets the quiet rhythm of coastal life. Here, we’ll visit a local oyster farm and glimpse how these shellfish are sustainably cultivated in the bay’s clean, cold waters. This area is also rich with wildlife; watch for bald eagles soaring overhead, sea otters, and harbor seals along the shoreline. On the water, we’ll be watching for Pigeon Guillemots, Marbled Murrelets, and Harlequin Ducks. Along the cliffs and treetops, observe flying and feeding of Violet-green Swallows and Belted Kingfishers.

Third Destination: Sadie Cove


Next, we enter the striking landscape of Sadie Cove—one of the best examples of a sill fjord within Kachemak Bay State Park. With its steep, rugged terrain and limited development, the cove offers breathtaking scenery and a deep sense of solitude. This area is a haven for wildlife: bald eagles are abundant in the Spring and Fall months and a few present year-round, with numerous nests tucked into the surrounding cliffs. In May, keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats below the lower cliffs and along the mountain ridges along the summer months. Early spring, black bears may be spotted foraging along the shoreline. This is where we’ll pause, cut the engines, and soak in the silence—one of the quietest, most peaceful spots in the Bay. We'll enjoy a break here with hot or cold drinks and muffins.

Fourth Destination: Hesketh Island

Our last destination brings us to Hesketh Island, a perfect location for a brief geology stop. Here, we’ll discuss the major rock formations throughout Kachemak Bay and explore how natural features like the dramatic sea arches at Gull Island and Halibut Cove formed over time. The island’s cliffs are also a favorite perch for Bald Eagles, who often scan the upper reaches of Tutka Bay for salmon. This is one of the few places in the Bay where we frequently spot small flocks of Pigeon Guillemots, both along the rocky shoreline and out on the water. We'll round out our journey by cruising past the reefs at the island’s tip, where it’s common to see rafts of sea otters—often mothers with pups—resting in the kelp. From here, we return to the Homer Harbor, closing out the tour with one last look at the wonders of Kachemak Bay.

Activities Overview:

Wildlife Viewing
Discover the vibrant marine life of Kachemak Bay as we encounter sea otters resting in kelp beds, Harbor seals lounging on rocky shores, and—if we’re lucky—the fleeting presence of shy Harbor porpoises. Each wildlife sighting offers a chance to learn about the unique behaviors, adaptations, and ecosystems that make this coastal region so rich and diverse.

Seabird Rookery Observation
At Gull Island, you’ll be immersed in the energy of one of Alaska’s most active seabird rookeries. Home to thousands of nesting birds, the island teems with Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Murres, Pelagic Cormorants, and colorful species like Horned and Tufted Puffins. Watch in awe as these birds call, care for their young, and take off in coordinated flocks—an authentic sensory experience.

Human History & Cultural Heritage
Throughout the tour, we’ll also explore the deep human history of Kachemak Bay, from the Native peoples who first inhabited this coastline, the Russian Fur Rush and the purchase of Alaska. You’ll hear stories connected to archaeological sites, early settlements, and the enduring cultural ties that have shaped life in this region for centuries.

What’s Included:

• 7x50 Waterproof Marine Binoculars: Enhance your viewing experience with high-quality optics.

• Comprehensive Interpretive Guides: Gain insights from expertly crafted guides detailing the flora, fauna, and history of the regions visited.

• Hot & Cold Drinks and Locally-Made Muffins

Join us for a small group tour that not only highlights the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay but also brings you closer to the unique stories woven into the landscape. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a budding photographer, or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the bay, this tour promises memorable moments and breathtaking scenery.

Tour Details:

• Duration: 5 Hours

• Price: $325 per adult (12+), $150 per child (ages 5-11)

• Minimum Participants: 2 persons required for the tour.

• Maximum Participants: 6 persons per tour.