Homer
Homer
Fishing
Lodging
Kayaking
Water Taxi
Whale Watching
Air Service
Getting to Homer
Miscellaneous Activities
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Homer is situated
at the end of the Kenai Peninsula, overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai
Mountains, Homer offers something for everyone. A seaside community, with
a year-round population of about 4400, and another 12,000 beyond city limits,
Homer offers amenities such as a hospital, police and fire departments,
medical clinics, pharmacies, a senior citizens center, and a college
campus. You name it, you can do it here. Fish for salmon and world
class halibut, awe at eons old glaciers, spend time kayaking in pristine waters,
take an adventure tour, go brown bear viewing, see whales, go beachcombing and
clamming, take a hike, go big game hunting, browse our galleries...whew! Are you out of breath,
yet? An
unusual feature of this unique little town is the Homer Spit, a narrow finger of
land that juts over 4 miles out into Kachemak Bay. Here you'll find
the harbor, with over 700 charter and commercial boat operators year round,
often swelling to over 1500 in the summer. And you don't even have to
leave town to see wildlife - often seen on the roadside are moose, black bear,
and porcupine. While down at the harbor, you'll probably see puffins and other
sea birds, sea otters harbor seals, and lots of eagles. Look out into the
bay and don't be surprised
to see a porpoise, and a whale or two! You can find a tour to take you
just about anywhere to see just about anything. Flight seeing, horseback
riding and sailing are other options. In May, there is the Kachemak Bay
Shorebird Festival, a 3-day event that offers avid birders a chance to view up
to 25 species of shorebirds. If you're into halibut fishing, don't forget
to get your Halibut Derby Ticket before you go hauling in that barn-door sized
fish. The 2006 happy Derby Jackpot winner was awarded $43,612.00 for his 341.8 lb halibut! Please remember, fishing licenses are required for any
fishing, even clamming.
Traveler's
Feedback: "On my next trip to Alaska, I
would like to spend more time in Homer... I would definitely spend 3 or 4
nights in Homer and include fishing, whale watching and, of course,
another horse ride. " Katie from CA- Summer 2003 |
Fishing Charters |
Fish Halibut/Salmon or a combo trip
with a captain who
has a love for the water and more than 20 years of fishing experience on local
waters from Kachemak Bay to the outer Gulf Coast. Although Halibut is the main
target, at the right time of the year you could have some of the best salmon,
rockfish and lingcod fishing! Come aboard the “F/V Ida Nina a comfortable 32’
pacemaker, equipped with twin diesel engines, full electronic and heated cabin
in the Halibut fishing capital of the world and try your luck. All fishing gear,
bait, tackle and filleting provided. Ask for Ida Nina Charters
SEASICKNESS? GO ON A CATAMARAN
Join
Captain Mike aboard the Wildcat, a combination of catamaran and trimaran, for a fun filled day on
the waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. Cook Inlet is noted for some of
the largest (and tastiest) halibut in the world and hooking one of these
monsters of the deep will be the thrill of a lifetime! Captain Mike will fish up
to 12 if it is more than one group and will take up to 18 if it is all one
group. So consider getting a group together and taking the whole boat!
In addition to great fishing, you will also be able to view outstanding
wildlife, playful sea otters, colorful
puffins, porpoises and maybe even whales. Guests will be treated to a full day
of quality fishing aboard a clean, comfortable and fully equipped boat and will
need an Alaskan Fishing License for halibut fishing even in ocean waters.
Licenses are available on the "Wildcat" prior to leaving on your fishing trip. ASK FOR Captain Mike’s Charters
Geared up for Family Fun
Climb
aboard the family friendly 32' Denali Rose. Captain Matt has over 30 years
boating and fishing experience, and is a Coast Guard approved licensed skipper.
The Denali Rose is
equipped with all the fishing gear, clean cabin and head, and a full galley
offering coffee and tea. On top of all that fish filleting and cleaning is
FREE!! Captain Matt is offering custom trips for halibut or salmon fishing
(full day and over night trips), sightseeing, and unguided hunts. Prices
vary depending on trip. Ask for full boat rate. ASK FOR Hockema Charters |
Kayaking |
COMMUNE WITH NATURE WITH A KAYAK ECO TOUR
Kayaking,
fishing, marine wildlife observation, intertidal beach exploration - whatever
you'd like to try, these people can show you a wonderful time. If you'd like to
spend the day kayaking, you'll first start with an orientation to basic kayaking
skills. Your hosts will make sure you feel comfortable with your
abilities, and provide you with all the necessary equipment, then paddle along
with you as you glide silently past islands, through inlets, and watch otters,
porpoises and possibly whales play. No prior kayaking experience is
required. Double kayaks are also available. ASK FOR SAT |
Water Taxi |
YOUR BRIDGE TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAY
Where ever you need to go in Kachemak Bay, Gordon and Matt
can take you. Including
Homer Spit, Halibut Cove Lagoon, China Poot Bay, Sadie Cove, Glacier Spit, Humpy
Creek, Gull Island, and Tutka Bay. Hiking opportunities abound across the
bay at Kachemak Bay
State Park. This gemof Alaska's state park system offers well-maintained trail systems and camping
opportunities as well as a number of public use cabins. Both Captains have
been licensed for at least five years.
Ask for Smoke Wagon Water Taxi
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Whale
Watching |
SPEND THE DAY IN RUSTIC SELDOVIA
Join
Capt. Jack Montgomery, aboard the 65' M/V Rainbow Connection and experience
Kachemak Bay. You'll be comfortable aboard this vessel, with it's warm
cabin and snack bar with full beverage service. She also boasts a
fully-automated roll control system for a smooth cruise. The Seldovia
Shuttle leaves Homer about 9am and returns about 6pm. In Seldovia,
pick up your walking tour map at the harbormaster's office and spend your day exploring this historic little town and surrounding area. Hike, fish,
camp, mountain bike, kayak, even stay a few days to explore, and shop.
One way trips also available. ASK FOR Rainbow Tours
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Air
Service
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TOUCH A GLACIER !!
Only
a few travelers can share this thrill, and eagle's eye view of nature's
"River of Ice" with its blue crevasses and miles of snow fields.
The helicopter will land on a glacier and you will be able to set foot on virgin
snow and explore the terrain. Total tour is about 1 hour, with 30 minutes of it
spent on the glacier. They provide boots and rain gear. ASK
FOR Maritime Helicopters
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Miscellaneous
Activities
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SEE HOMER ON HORSEBACK
You'll meet your guide, Mark, and trailer to
the end of the road, where you'll meet your horse and ride down switchbacks to the beach, and up the
Fox River Flats, for a half day trip. You'll enjoy the gorgeous
view of Kachemak Bay, and the Kenai Mountains with it's glaciers, from the backs
of these gentle Alaskan horses. The full day trip will take you either
into the high country and the Anchor River Headwaters, or to the head of
Kachemak Bay, where you'll see the tide flats and rivers of Fox River Valley.
Half day trips ( four hours), Full day trips Outfitted pack trips are also available. Guests should bring comfortable riding clothes and footwear, and may want to
bring sunglasses, rainwear, hats or safety helmets, bug spray and sunscreen.
Saddle bags provided for water bottles, canteens or trail snacks. Don't
forget your camera! ASK FOR Trails End Horse Adventures.
BACK COUNTRY FUN ON 4 WHEELERS
Enjoy
Homer's unique beauty on a 4 wheel ATV. These machines are easy to drive
and require no previous experience. Choose from a 4 or 6 hour moose spotting
tour Overnight Camp Trip
and Clam Digging Trip also available. Rain gear, helmets,
4 wheelers and beverages are provided...and, oh, yes! Lots of
adventure! Guests will need to dress comfortably with warm clothes, long
pants, boots, glasses (no contacts, please), and/or sunglasses. You'll
also certainly want to bring your camera or video camera and lots of extra film!.
Guests must be 16 years or older to drive. Handicapped options
available. Seniors, 20% discount. ASK FOR Alaska 4-Wheeler Adventures |
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Getting
to Homer
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COME/ GO ON
THE Alaska Marine Highway
Cruise to/from Homer on the M/V Tustumena, through the region known as
the "Ring of Fire", a string of volcanos along the Pacific Rim,
sweeping for more than 1500 miles from Cook Inlet toward Asia. You
can take you and your car to KODIAK 3x a week from May until the end of
September. You can also connect with the INSIDE PASSAGE ferry at
SEWARD or VALDEZ. Want more adventure? Hop on the once a month service from
Homer clear out to DUTCH HARBOR. The Tustumena runs year around,
with less frequency during the winter months. The Tustumena is 296 feet
long, with capcity for 36 vehicles and operates at a service speed of 13.5
knots. It carries 210 passengers and has 8 four berth, and 18 two
berth cabins. Passenger services include a dining room, cocktail lounge,
solarium and forward observation lounge.
Call us and let us teach you all
the secrets on how Alaskans travel on the ALASKA "FERRY". |
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