Creatures of the Dock Tour
What to Expect
Hands-On Exploration: Get up close and personal with the creatures living under and around the docks. Experience the sights and sounds of one of Alaska’s prominent fishing industry ports.
Educational & Engaging: Led by a knowledgeable naturalist who makes learning fun and interactive. Hear fascinating facts about the biology, behavior, and role each creature plays in the harbor's ecosystem.
Intertidal Creatures: See a myriad of marine life like crabs, barnacles, mussels, sea stars, anemones, tunicates, and so much more! You’ll learn how these creatures adapt to the changing tides, survive in harsh environments, and contribute to the health of the harbor waters.
Why You'll Love It
Perfect for All Ages: Family-friendly, safe, and perfect for photos! Whether you're a beginner or a nature enthusiast, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the creatures that call the harbor home.
Great for Nature Lovers: Discover the hidden gems of Alaskan intertidal ecosystems. Each step you take reveals something new!
Step onto the dock and dive into an unexpected world of Alaskan wildlife! On our Creatures of the Dock Tour, a trained naturalist will guide you through an immersive exploration of marine invertebrate life living on and around the Homer Harbor docks. Join us on this 1-hour walking tour to go tide-pooling no matter the tide!
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Creatures of the Dock Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the intertidal zone, all in a fun and family-friendly environment. Perfect for all ages, this hands-on experience is designed to inspire curiosity about the incredible creatures that thrive right under our feet.
$45 Family Price for groups of 4-6 people!
Discount applied at checkout.
Start Time: 1:00 & 3:00PM
Arrival & Check-In (5-10 minutes)
Arrive at the designated meeting point.
Check-in with the tour guide, complete any waivers, and receive a quick briefing.
Gear distribution: Beach Bling and PFDs (for children)
Explore the Docks (50-60 minutes)
Start your tour on the docks.
Get up close and personal with the creatures living under and around the docks.
Stops for photos, and interpretive information about the creatures and the ecosystm of the Harbor.
Return to Base (5 minutes)
Regroup and walk back to the Yurt.
Final chance for photos and questions.
Tour Concludes
Return gear.
Wrap-up with your guide.
Water-resistent close-toed shoes – Footwear suitable for wet conditions in a working harbor.
Camera or GoPro – For capturing memories (optional, but fun!).
Binoculars – For getting a closer look at some creatures (also optional, but fun!).
Light jacket or raincoat – In case of cooler weather, wind, or rain. It is Coastal Alaska!
Check-in at the Yurt on the Spit (4308 Homer Spit Rd) 5 minutes prior to your tour start time. Ensure all participants in your group have completed the necessary waiver.
This is a walking tour of the Homer Harbor. While there are ramps that provide access to the docks themselves, their angle changes depending on the tide. As such, this tour may be challenging for those with limited mobility. The docks may be slippery and wet, and there may be obstacles or debris consistent with the other businesses operations in the vicinity. The Homer Harbor is a working harbor, and a main port for Alaskan fishing industries. There might be an abundance of noise, unfamiliar smells, and other activities during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at our Yurt on the Spit, which is located at the Harbor at the top of Ramp 2. There is ample parking in the vicinity. The Yurt is tucked behind Mako’s Water Taxi and True North Kayak Adventures, right next to Spit Licks Ice Cream.
Where does the tour go?
The tour will explore the docks of the Homer Harbor. You’ll be walking around different boats and slips, while a naturalist provides information about the sea life in the Harbor. The distance a tour travels is roughly a 1/2 mile.
Will the tour still run if the weather is bad?
It is highly unlikely that Homer’s typical summer weather would prevent us from walking. We likely will encounter some rain and slick surfaces, but we will still go out in the rain. As the old saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just ill-suited clothing! We recommend you wear rain gear and waterproof boots.
Do we need boots?
If it’s raining, we recommend them. The docks might be slippery or a little wet, but generally closed-toed shoes will be fine.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice or no-shows to bookings will not be refunded and the booked party will be responsible for the entire cost of the tour.
Cancellations made with more than 24 hours notice will be fully refunded.
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has a two-person minimum for all guided tours. If by chance you are the only person booked on a tour, our staff will contact you the day before your booking to inform you. At that point you may request a refund or transfer your booking to a different tour day/time. If multiple parties are booked for the same tour, and by chance you are the only person that shows up for the tour, the tour will not run and you will be refunded the cost of your booking.
