Homer
|
Homer
Fishing
Lodging
Kayaking
Water Taxi
Bear Viewing
Cruise Tours
Whale Watching
Air Service
Ground Transportation
Getting to Homer
Miscellaneous Activities
|
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 INC
STRAP INTO THE CHAIR AND FIGHT YOUR FISH
Halibut ~ Salmon ~ Ling Cod ~ Rockfish
Enjoy
the Alaskan Fishing Experience aboard this 41 foot Sportfisher. All
bait and tackle provided. Fighting chairs, heated cabin, galley and head.
Fishing license required and available for purchase. HANDICAPPED AND
ELDERLY accommodated. Overnighters and Combination Charters targeting more
than one species are available at an additional cost. Charters
limited to 6 people. Special savings for
whole boat ASK FOR SFC
GO OUT FOR SALMON AND/OR HALIBUT
Welcome
aboard the Sea Otter, a 26 foot custom made boat, with heated cabin and full
bathroom facilities. Specializing in Salmon and Halibut, you can troll for
salmon, even in the winter. Captain Norm Anderson will sail approximately 275
days a year. The Sea Otter has a 2,000 lb fish hold, so there's plenty of room
for your largest catch! Top of the line, custom made rods with Shiman
reels, and bait are provided, and filleting is provided, if desired.
Processing can be arranged. Fishing trips usually sail by 6am, and return
to dock at about 4pm. Guests need to provide fishing licenses and tags, and a
lunch. Full boat, maximum 6
people: special savings! Winter rates available. ASK FOR NSW
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 CMC
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 HKC |
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 gem
of 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 SWW
|
Bear Viewing |
SPEND THE DAY OR OVERNIGHT WITH THE BEARS
This
is a fly-in, full-service facility specializing in 1-7 day sport fishing and
photography excursions, with a 12 person capacity, and has developed a safe and
successful program of introducing visitors to the habitat of BROWN BEARS, at all
times preserving the free-ranging nature of their movements. You'll be
afforded an awe-inspiring opportunity to view and photograph these massive,
powerful creatures. Day trips include flight across the Bay, (from
either Homer or Soldotna) landing on the beach, riding on 4 wheelers to the lodge
and the bears. Overnighter includes (besides the bear viewing) lodging, dinner,
a boat
visit to nearby sea-bird rookeries at about the price of the day trip bear
viewing and a night at a motel- what a BARGAIN! Items to bring include layered
clothing, hip boots, raincoat, camera/film, sunglasses,
bug repellent. Minimum walking needed. ASK
FOR SSC
VISITOR'S
FEEDBACK-"These bears
wanted to fish with me," says Robert C. He sent us this picture he took
while he was bear viewing at the SSC Lodge (above) Summer 2003
SEE THE BEARS WITH A NATURALIST
Alaska
Brown Bear Viewing is what these folks do, and they do it very well!
You'll fly aboard a Dehavilland Otter floatplane, based on Beluga Lake in Homer
on your way to see up close and personal, the mighty Alaskan Brown Bear. This
couple lives Brown
Bears, he is the pilot and she is the naturalist. Not only do you view the
bears, but learn about them and their habitat. Experience your own
"Discovery Channel" program on the Alaskan Brown Bear. Trip lasts from
about 9 am to late afternoon or early evening You'll
also enjoy the scenery on the approximately 1 hour flight, and then spend the
rest of the day viewing these magnificent creatures. Requires ability to walk
1-2 miles. ASK FOR EAS.
|
|
Return to top |
|
Cruise
Tours |
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 RBT
|
|
Whale
Watching
|
"THAR SHE
BLOWS!"
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. Whale
Watching Tour - This full day cruise of Kachemak Bay lasts from 9am to 6pm
and includes a quick stop in Seldovia, and 5 hrs of whale watching. ASK FOR RBT
|
|
Air
Service
|
FLY THE LIMOUSINE OF THE AIR
Fly
in a fully restored 1929 Travel Air S6000B with its big mahogany framed
picture windows, wicker seats and luxurious broadcloth interior. Choose scenic
flights from Icefields, Glaciers & Islands, Glaciers only, OR Lake drop-offs
for hikers, OR Sweetheart Flights for special occasions. Up to 6 passengers. ASK
FOR KBF
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 MHX
|
|
Return to top
|
|
|
Miscellaneous
Activities
|
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 THA.
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 AW4
|
Return to top
|
|
Ground
Transportation |
NEED A LOCAL CAR RENTAL?
Locally owned and operated, this local Car Rental takes pride in it's
personal service. This family-run business offers clean, quality cars,
competitive prices, and airport and Homer pickups and drop-offs. ASK FOR
AAC
FREEDOM IS A BICYCLE IN ALASKA
Rent
Mountain Bikes, Comfort Bikes, Kids Bikes, even Tag Along Bikes. Off road, Spit
Trail, or across the bay, these are the folks to help you on your way. All
rentals are current models and include a helmet and bike lock. Daily, weekly
rates, minimum 5 hours. These folks also carry clothing and gear for your biking
pleasure. Set yourself free in Homer, just ask for HSC !
|
|
Getting
to Homer
|
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".
|
|
Return to top |
SHUTTLE/BUS SERVICE ANC-SEW-HOM
Yes, even in this rural part of Alaska, we have a small bus service that can
get you Homer to Anchorage to Seward, for those who don't want to rent a car, or
do a tour. This company is a nice option for just "roamin"
around the Kenai Peninsula. They also carry Freight and Parcels. Ask
about HSL HOMER is also accessible from
Anchorage by car/highway (about 220 miles South ) and by commercial
airline (about a 45-60 minute trip). |
|