Kachemak Bay Birding Cruise: Sea Birds & Gull Island
Spot puffins, kittiwakes and murres from the water where they nest
A 3-hour guided birding cruise from Homer Harbor into Kachemak Bay explores Kachemak Bay State Park and stops at Gull Island, a seabird rookery home to over 15,000 nesting birds. Your captain and crew navigate to wherever the birds are most active that season, and guides share expertise on the species you encounter. Light snacks and refreshments are included. The State Park fee is $6 per person.
Step-by-step itinerary
Scenic birding cruise in Kachemak Bay
- Meet captain and crew at Homer Harbor
- Embark from Ramp 2 onto Kachemak Bay
- Visit best birding spots by season
- Stop at Gull Island seabird rookery
- Observe puffins, kittiwakes, murres, and more
- Request special birding stops with crew
The experience
The boat departs from the base of Ramp 2 at Homer Harbor and heads into the open water of Kachemak Bay. Your captain and crew decide where to go based on recent sightings and the season, so the route shifts with what's active. The centerpiece is always Gull Island, a seabird rookery holding over 15,000 nesting birds: tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, common murres, cormorants, murrelets, oystercatchers and more depending on the time of year.
Guides who are passionate about birding share what they know as you watch the birds in their habitat. Whether you're new to birdwatching or you've been tracking species for years, the crew can offer personalized tips on the best times to spot particular birds. If you have a special request (a species you're hoping to see or a particular angle for photography), let them know and they'll do their best to work it in.
Light snacks and refreshments come with the cruise. Service animals are welcome. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour runs 3 hours and suits all fitness levels. Guides speak English and Japanese.
What’s included
- Light snacks and refreshments.
- Kachemak Bay State Park fee ($6 per person).
- knowledgeable guide who shares expertise on the birds and the bay.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Operated by Bay Excursions
Is this one for you?Join a shared boat that follows active nesting sites rather than a fixed route, so you see seasonal species as they're actually present instead of a predetermined itinerary.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Japanese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What birds can I expect to see on the Kachemak Bay birding cruise?
Tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, common murres, cormorants, murrelets and oystercatchers are among the species you could encounter, though which birds are most active depends on the season.
What is Gull Island and why is it the main stop?
Gull Island is a seabird rookery in Kachemak Bay State Park that is home to over 15,000 nesting seabirds, making it the focal point of the cruise where you see the highest concentration of birds.
How does the crew decide where to go on the cruise?
The captain and crew navigate to wherever the birds are most active on the day of your trip, based on recent sightings and the season, so the route changes to match what's happening in the bay.
Can I request to see a specific bird species?
Yes, let the crew know if you're hoping to spot a particular species or have other special requests, and they will do their best to accommodate you based on what is active that time of year.
What is included in the 3-hour cruise?
The cruise includes light snacks and refreshments. The Kachemak Bay State Park fee of $6 per person is separate.
Kachemak Bay Birding Cruise: Sea Birds & Gull Island
3h · EN +1
from US$ 175 per person
5.003 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider