Tame Alaska’s cold seas and craggy shoreline while looking for wildlife on one of these three fun kayaking tours from Homer.
(Photo: Fareharbor.com)
South of Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, lies the mighty Kenai Peninsula, with its lofty mountains, elegant fjords and sheltered bays. One of the latter is Kachemak Bay, protected largely by the spit of land emanating from the mainland and now containing much of Homer’s best attractions. Among them are outdoor activities such kayaking tours, which explore this fascinating coastline. Here are three of the best kayaking tours available, based on factors such as value for money, health and safety, and itinerary. Please note that none of these tours runs in the winter months.
Eagle’s Nest Half-Day Kayak Trip
If you’re limited on time or prefer to keep the paddling to half a day, then this four-hour trip with True North Kayak is ideal for getting an opportunity to explore the coastline around Homer. You’ll head out across the bay to the dramatic rocky shores of Yukon Island to a spot known as Eagle’s Nest. Be on the lookout for real eagles, along with seals, sea otters and even the occasional sighting of larger marine life, such as whales. These tours run daily from early May to early September. From $140 per person.
(Photo: Truenorthkayak.com)
Full-day Guided Kayaking Tour
For the more intrepid kayaker, a full-day tour will take you to places beyond the ordinary reaches of humanity. Homer lies at the end of a long road in Alaska, and there is very little access available to Kachemak Bay State Park at all, making it a superb place to encounter pure wilderness. Your tour will begin with a ferry trip across the sea from Homer to Tutka Bay, a rugged fjord. From here you will have seven hours to kayak along the sheltered and dramatic shorelines. From $200 per person.
Eldred Passage Overnight Kayak Trip
If you truly want to get immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, with a guide on hand to keep you on the right track, this two-day kayaking tour from Homer is the ultimate exploration of the area. Begin by exploring the inlets and fjords around Yukon Island, where sea ducks and otters live, with the chance to also spot sea lions and porpoises. The next day, head deeper into the coves, where steep mountains descend dramatically down to the water’s edge. This tour is available only on advanced request. From $425 per person.