2. 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. 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. Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. The Eagles Nest has a private entrance with a staircase that leads into the spacious, open design. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. Click here to view it now. WebCommon Name: Horned Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula corniculata Distribution: The species is widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. The F/V PUFFIN LADY is a 50 foot Delta with spacious heated cabin and windows all around. We will be in Sitka next May and would like to do a tour that includes seeing puffins. WebThe Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. 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. We have been watching them for years and they still make us smile every trip. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. WebScientists estimate 200,000 of these giant pinnipeds (the seal family) live in the Chukchi and Bering seas between Alaska and Russia. Have a question or comment? WebOur first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. In the Bay, marine mammals such as The concept behind the Ride Along Tour is that clients can join an existing water taxi trip. 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 These expressive and unbelievably cute critters are the focus of the first part of the tour. Its a great activity to do as a family or on your own. Hear from our travelers and guides while watching exhilarating footage from our worldwide nature adventures. WebWildlife Tours. Whittier is probably my least favorite and least recommended area to see whales in Alaska. And I wonder if the very early spring you guys are having will affect nesting times? BoatAk, if you or any of the other Seward locals have a chance WebGull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. Marine Wildlife, SpecializedBirding and Ride Along. These tours are also great for anyone interested in bird viewing. The kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, basic coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and a full-size microwave oven. Box 151 Homer, Alaska 99603 Toll free: 1-888-2PUFFIN (278-3346) 2puffin@alaska.net. Fish the world renowned waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. If you cancel over 45 days before your reservation your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee. Menu. We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. 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. 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. 8. 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. Homer, AK 99603. 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- Reservations are strongly encouraged. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. See rules and fine print here. You can also sometimes see shore animals like mountain goats and bears. Limited space available. One of my favorite places to see beluga whales is while driving along Turnagain Arm. Click on a tour for more details. Whale watching season begins in March and ends in November. Bears of Brooks Falls: A Photo Pro Expedition This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. We encourage you to reschedule your reservation, if possible, as opposed to canceling. Bird Watching Well-known as a bird watching destination, there are ample opportunities to spot horned I highly recommend whale watching during the months of June and July. Help us save paper! Many people travel this route when theyre on an Alaskan cruise. Most years, 8,000 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. 3. One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. 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. The beluga whales will follow the salmon and hooligan runs and your best chances to see them are around high tide. That is about a 3 hour drive one way. We could go on but we'd rather be birding. Limited space available. One highlight of every trip is Sea Otter viewing. 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. The horned puffin Tours will be limited to a single group at a time for a flat-rate price on top of General Admission. We've received your friend's information. I don't need names of tour companies, but I am concerned about about actually seeing them. Mid-March to May This is the time to specifically see gray whales. Let us know and we can create a custom charter to accommodateyou. Kachemak Bay is also home to additional mammals such asHarbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and, occasionally, whales and Steller Sea Lions. 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). It's that easy! 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 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. Gull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. The larger, main bathroom has an oversized shower and a large vanity for personal items. 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 Puffin sleeps up to four people. Each cabin offers a unique experience from subterranean dens to a two-level log Yurt with decor that blends local charm with modern accents. Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue, P.O. Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Eco Tours. Captain Karl is a passionate, life long birder and has been guiding our trips for almost a quarter of a century. Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Whale Watching In The Morning vs Afternoon. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details, /know-before-you-go/alaska-northern-adventures/alaska/wildlife-guide/puffin/. All cancellations will be confirmed by phone or email. 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. Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. PUFFIN LADY CHARTERS P.O. Weve received your request. A short film about the conservation challenges facing the wolves of Yellowstone. The puffins we see from the tour boats are ready for the breeding season. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. The Marine Wildlife Tour is by far our most popular tour. Learn about the islands, fjords, and waterways as we cruise toward Seldovia. Homer, Alaska 907-299-7450. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. 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. This is the time of the year where you can see whales migrating around Alaska. The cabin has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, fully-equipped kitchen and dining area. 14. There is an iron and a small ironing board, as well as laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Start with my Alaska Travel Guide. This This is an experience youll only find at the Kenai Peninsula Suites in Homer, Alaska. Mountain Time. Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. Photo sessions and cleaning/filleting provided. This ride was great for wildlife viewing. My favorite place to see whales in Alaska is in Resurrection Bay, which is the body of water that sits outside of Seward. Alaskan halibut fishing that is unsurpassed! 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 Wolfs Den sleeps up to four. Menu. It really doesnt matter what time of the day you go whale watching because whales are active throughout the day. Sign up today! Each trip is a wide ranging survey of sea birds in the bay and we delight in finding the odd and unexpected. Let me know in the comments. Its possible to see humpback whales cruising around Kachemak Bay while standing on the beach. While I would highly recommend a Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise, either Kenai Fjords Tours mentioned above or Major Marine, those ships do no WebCome experience the sights of Homer Alaska, see the beauty, and meet the wildlife of Kachemak Bay. Continue the tour of downtown green spaces at the Centennial Rose Garden, a lush enclave near the western end of the Delaney Park Strip. Need help planning a trip? 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. We also see frequent bald eagles and a large variety of other seabirds. Alaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. 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. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. Our Scenic Bay Tour package takes you on a 2 Hour adventure around Kachemak Bay. Learn how your comment data is processed. . 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. 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. The Twin Puffins. 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. Youll also receive it by email momentarily. 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). Our Marine Wildlife Tours generally depart at 10:00 am. Get the latest trail guides, travel tips, and more! Sit on the front porch, watch a brilliant sunset, and see the snow-capped Augustine and Mt. 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. WebTwo species of puffins nest in Kenai Fjords National Park, the horned and the tufted. The Gull Island rookery is a top attraction of Kachemak Bay. I highly recommend driving this road anyways because its absolutely beautiful. Im still waiting to see orca whales! Vacation Rental Cabin. 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. 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. We did get to see Dalls porpoises swim with the boat, which was pretty amazing. Hours 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. Mid-July to September This is the time to specifically see beluga whales. 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. 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. Planning a trip to Alaska? Each bathroom has a heat/light/vent, and its own hair dryer. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. We're Proud of the Reputation Weve Earned, Copyright 2022 Natural Habitat Adventures . It's that easy! PUFFIN LADY 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. Departing everyday with a minimum of three people and a maximum of six. I specifically booked an orca whale cruise one time, but unfortunately we didnt see any whales at all that day. At that time of year the Kenai Fjords Tours operates their 6 hour tour 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 The second bedroom has two Twin beds that can be combined to make it a King. The tours are mainly focused on seeing glaciers, which are incredible to see regardless! Sir, Specifically, Seward. Between Cheval Island and 3 Hole Bay Bay. Best. BoatAk Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce accentuate the interior. Click on a tour for more details. $99 Per Person. Availability. 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. 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. We saw many whales, otters and birds along the way. Some stretch northwest into rugged hills of If you want to see whales in Homer, drive along the Homer Spit. For more information and questions, email onlinesales @alaskasealife.org. Get advice from travelers in our Alaska Travel Club. Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. 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. Use the form to the right to get in touch with us. Private Tour: 2 Hours $730 (up to 6 passengers) Call for availability. Birding Tour If you prefer, you can book, contact us, or view our calendar at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g31009-d4038987. Its only because Ive never seen whales during any of the tours Ive been on. WebDay cruises from Seward and Homer are great ways to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. We continue through the scenic Eldred Passage, where we frequently find otters, sea ducks, whales, and a variety of other marine life. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. The Harding spills out in all directions in the form of glaciers. 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 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 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. That is exactly why Maple and others suggested a couple of days in Seward since puffins seemed to be a priority for the OP. Our many years of experienceallow us make the most of your time on the bay. vertical-2up, Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari They spend the winter far at sea and are rarely seen from land until March. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! Web2 Hour Scenic Kachemak Bay Tour. How conservation travel has the power to protect wild places and the wild animals that depend on them. 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. Puffins and Sea Otters - Review of Bay Excursions, Homer, Homer, Alaska. For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. 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! 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. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! 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 WebExcellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. Reservations are strongly encouraged. WebWelcome to Kenai Peninsula Suites - Homer, Alaska Cabin Rentals On Kachemak Bay. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. 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 trip departs daily at 10:30 a.m. from the Homer Small Boat Harbor. Instead, our captains keep track of the seals, porpoises, sea otters, and other marine wildlife and birds that call Kachemak Bay and 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. Trip Details: Tours available daily beginning at 7AM. Have a question or comment? Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! 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. WebThe Puffin Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a Sign up today! You have a chance to see sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, bald eagles, and tons of other shorebirds. We enjoysharing our enthusiasm for birding with our clients whether they are new to the hobby or have been birding for years. Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Click here to Learn more about Main and after hours line. Enter the den from above using the circular staircase into a half-moon shaped, open living area. One bedroom is equipped with a King bed and has an en suite bathroom with a full tub and shower. 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. Whale watching in Alaska is one of my favorite summer activities and it should definitely be added on your Alaska bucket list. WebThere are a dozen groomed and marked trails throughout the Homer area. You can also hop on a boat or kayak to try and see whales. 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. The Bears Den offer incredible sound-proofed privacy and eco-friendly grass roofs, and sleeps up to four people. A one sentence summary ofthe tour could be"We look at cute Sea Otters,awesome puffins and other cool stuff in a beautiful place". The most common whales to see in Alaska are humpback whales, killer whales, gray whales, and beluga whales. We require a 50% deposit at the time the reservation is made. One really good location to spot beluga whales along Turnagain Arm is actually a place called Beluga Point. WebHomer, AK 99603 . 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. 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.