Aleutian Islands Alaska - Alaska travel and tours with Homer Travel & Tours

Aleutian Islands/Unalaska

The Aleutian Islands are a chain of rugged, volcanic islands curving c.1,200 mi (1,900 km) west from the tip of the Alaska Peninsula and approaching Russia's Komandorski Islands, separate the Bering Sea from the Pacific Ocean. The Aleutians actually comprise four main groups: Fox Islands, nearest to the mainland, which include Unimak, Unalaska, Umnak, and Akutan; The Andreanof Islands, consisting of Amlia, Atka, Adak, Kanaga, and Tanaga; The Rat Islands, comprised of Amchitka and Kiska; and The Near Islands, which are the smallest and westernmost group, and include Agattu and Attu. There are few good harbors in the chain, and numerous reefs make navigation treacherous. Mt. Shishaldin, on the island of Unimak, is one of several active volcanos. The islands experience relatively moderate temperatures, which causes heavy rains and constant fog. The Islands are almost treeless, abut have a luxuriant growth of grasses, bushes, and sedges. Most of the islands are within the Aleutian National Wildlife Reserve. Sheep and reindeer are raised, and hunting and fishing are the main occupations of the Aleut population. Research stations and military bases are located on the islands and the island of Amchitka has been used for underground nuclear tests. As of 1990, the islands had a population of approximately 9,478, most of whom live on Unalaska.

Unalaska overlooks Iliuliuk Bay and Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Chain and lies 800 air miles from Anchorage. More than 1,000 Aleuts lived in 24 settlements on Unalaska and Amaknak Islands in 1759, and the island then became a Russian trading port for the fur seal industry in 1768. The Russian Orthodox Church was nearly destroyed by evacuating U.S. Army troops during World War ll, but still stands today, is the oldest Russian Orthodox cruciform-style church in North America, and is currently listed among the 12 most endangered national historic landmarks. Unalaska is culturally diverse due to fish processing activities, but is primarily non-Native, and subsistence activities remain important to the community. The island's economy is based on commercial fishing, fish processing, and fleet services such as fuel, repairs and maintenance, trade and transportation, and Unalaska has a budding tourist industry receiving over 6,000 visitors on eight cruise ships in 1997. Daily scheduled flights serve the community at the State-owned airport and a seaplane base is also available. The State Ferry operates bi-monthly from Kodiak between May and October. January temperatures range from 25 to 35; summers range from 43 to 53. Average annual precipitation is 57.7 inches.

Have a Remote Adventure...With Style

Whether your day takes you out into the icy waters of the Bering Sea, across the flank of Makushin Volcano, or through a labyrinth of exotic seabird colonies, you can always come home here. Unwind in the lounge by the fire, dine in the acclaimed Chart Room restaurant, and enjoy well-appointed accommodations...as you prepare for the next day's adventure. Guestrooms are available with your choice of one king or two queen beds. Each large Alaska-sized guest room is equipped with a full bath, voice mail, built-in hair dryer, extra vanity and sink, cable television and HBO, in-room coffee maker, and a desk with modem access. The two suites additionally feature wet bars and refrigerators. Accessible rooms are also available With over one hundred guestrooms and suites, this Hotel offers the latest in-room amenities and expansive views of the surrounding mountains and waterways. Throughout the common areas and guestrooms, the works of local and regional artists capture Alaska's landscape and depict its rich culture and heritage. For those wishing to pamper themselves, the hotel's friendly staff would be happy to arrange appointments with one of the hotel's massage therapists. Ask us about TGA.

Try the Whiskered Auklet Tour and More

Whiskered Auklet Drawing IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH TO SEE THIS BIRD, YOU'RE RIGHT! Together with your guide, you'll explore the rocky cliffs and rip tides of the Baby Islands - the nesting site of the whiskered auklet. You may also spot tufted and horned puffins, various albatross, petrels, jaegers, and other seabirds. Possible marine mammal sightings include: harbor seal, sea otter, Stellar sea lions, Dall's porpoise, and fin, humpback, orca, and pilot whales. Also available, other Birding, Ferry & Fly, and Sport Fishing tour packages. Call us for details and arrangements.

Aleutian Islands / Unalaska