Kachemak Bay Marine Wildlife Cruise: Sea Otters & Puffins

Watch sea otters and puffins from the water, then anchor at a nesting colony of 15,000 seabirds.

A guided marine wildlife tour departing Homer Harbor into Kachemak Bay, where a naturalist captain points out sea otters, puffins and other seabirds, with a stop at Gull Island's seabird rookery. The tour runs two hours, includes light snacks and the Kachemak Bay State Park fee, and operates in English or Japanese. Every departure is different: glacier views, humpback whales and extended sea otter sightings depend on what shows up that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kachemak Bay Marine Wildlife Cruise

• Depart Homer Harbor
• Cross Kachemak Bay
• View sea otters and puffins
• Stop at Gull Island Seabird Rookery
• Enjoy glacier and whale views

The experience

The boat leaves Homer Harbor and crosses into Kachemak Bay, a critical habitat where the naturalist guide reads the water and the shoreline for movement. Sea otters surface near the boat; puffins dive and resurface; the guide narrates what you're seeing and why it matters to this ecosystem. Glacier views open up across the water, and on some days humpback whales breach in the distance, but every tour is different, and the captain adjusts the route based on what's active that morning.

The route includes a stop at Gull Island, where 15,000 nesting seabirds crowd the rocks and cliffs. The boat holds position offshore so you watch the colony without disturbing it: terns, eagles, puffins, murres and cormorants all nesting in the same tight space. Light snacks and beverages are served aboard. The Kachemak Bay State Park fee of $6 per person is included in the booking.

The tour runs two hours total. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome. The guide speaks English or Japanese depending on which departure you choose.

What’s included

• Naturalist guide.
• light snacks and beverages.
• Kachemak Bay State Park fee ($6 per person).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bay Excursions

Is this one for you?Pick the two-hour tour if you want sea otters and puffins without committing a full afternoon. The shorter window still reaches Gull Island and catches whatever wildlife is active that day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 kinds of wildlife will I actually see on the Kachemak Bay tour?

Sea otters, puffins and other seabirds are on every tour. Glacier views, humpback whales and extended sea otter sightings depend on what's active in the bay that day. The stop at Gull Island puts you in front of 15,000 nesting seabirds: terns, eagles, murres and cormorants all crowded onto the rocks.

How long is the Kachemak Bay marine wildlife cruise?

The tour runs two hours from departure to return to Homer Harbor.

Does the tour price include the park fee and snacks?

Yes. Light snacks and beverages are served aboard, and the Kachemak Bay State Park fee of $6 per person is included in your booking.

Can I bring an infant or a service animal on the boat?

Infants are required to sit on an adult's lap during the tour. Service animals are allowed aboard.