Living Ocean Tour
Gain a deeper understanding of how species are interconnected in the ocean's food web. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of towering mountains and lush coastlines, this 3-hour boat tour immerses you in one of Alaska’s most vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems.
Departing by boat from the Homer Harbor, guests will embark on a thrilling marine adventure that connects you to the ocean like never before. Experience a day full of wildlife viewing, hands-on science, and delicious local foods. Your onboard naturalist will share fascinating facts about the creatures and ecosystems you’ll encounter.
What to Expect
Seabird Rookeries: Cruise along Kachemak Bay’s islands to visit thriving seabird colonies. Observe puffins, murres, and other migratory seabirds nesting in the cliffs, and discover how they rely on rich ocean environments for food and shelter.
Hands-on Science: Glimpse the world below the waves and conduct a plankton tow. These tiny organisms are the foundation of the entire marine food web. With the help of your onboard naturalist, you’ll collect and examine plankton under the microscope, learning about their importance to Alaska’s marine life.
Local Oyster Farm: Savor the bounty of Alaska’s waters with a visit to a local oyster farm. Taste freshly harvested oysters, learn why these oysters are unique, and talk to farmers about their importance in the food system.
Intertidal Encounters: Have up-close encounters with the diverse intertidal life that thrives in Kachemak Bay’s changing tides. From sea stars to chitons, discover the unique creatures that inhabit our shorelines and the role they play in this wild, rugged environment.
Why You'll Love It
Educational & Engaging: Ideal for nature lovers, families, and those curious about marine life, this tour blends adventure with scientific discovery. Understand the complex web of life that exists in Alaska’s cold waters. Learn about Alaska’s unique marine life, its conservation challenges, and how each species plays a role in the broader ocean food web.
An Unforgettable Alaskan Experience: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush coastal forests, and vast wilderness, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for this unique region, known for its raw beauty and incredible biodiversity.
Start Time: 11:30 AM
Arrival & Check-In (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Arrive at the designated meeting point.
Check-in with the tour guide, complete any waivers, and receive a quick briefing.
Gear distribution: Children's PFDs (personal floatation devices).
Boat Across Kachemak Bay & Experience Gull Island (11:30 AM – 12:15 PM)
Board the boat and receive a safety briefing from the crew.
Travel to Gull Island, watching for oceanic wildlife and mountain views.
Cruise Gull Island, viewing seabird rookeries and marine mammals.
Conduct a plankton tow and receive interpretive information about the creatures and the ecosystm of the Bay.
Otter Rock Oyster Company Tasting (12:15 PM – 1:00 PM)
Disembark at the farm and receive informational talk from oyster farmers.
Sample fresh oysters on the dock, with notes provided by farmers.
View intertidal creatures and receive interpretive information.
Lab Time at the Peterson Bay Field Station (1:15 PM – 2:00 PM)
Travel to the Peterson Bay Field Station.
Briefly tour the facility.
Examine your plankton sample from Gull Island under the microscope, and receive interpretive information.
Return to Base (2:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Regroup on the boat and travel back to the Harbor.
Final chance for photos and questions.
Tour Concludes (2:30 PM)
Return gear.
Wrap-up with your guide.
We suggest you bring:
- A snack
- Water bottle
- Waterproof boots and rain gear
- Binoculars and/or a camera. You’re sure to see something amazing!
- Boat ride across Kachemak Bay to wildlife viewing hotspots
- Oyster tasting and mariculture presentation with Otter Rock Oyster Company
- Guided plankton tow and lab time at the Peterson Bay Field Station
- Transportation to/from the Homer Harbor prior to and after the tour is not included
- Weatherproof gear is not included
- Lunch or refreshments in addition to the oyster tasting are not included
Please check-in for your tour 15-minutes before departure to ensure all party members are present and all waivers are signed.
This is a 3-hour tour of Kachemak Bay, highlighting local marine life, the Peterson Bay Field Station, and local oyster farms.
These boats are smaller than those of you might see on a wildlife cruise in Resurrection Bay. While there is covered seating available on the boat, a good portion of the tour will encourage you to be outside and up close with Kachemak Bay. Please dress for the weather and expect cooler conditions than forecasted!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there indoor space on the boats?
The boats are smaller than other wildlife cruise ships may be. There is room with covered seating, but a good portion of the tour will require you to be outside. As the saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just ill-suited clothing! Expect cooler ocean weather!
What happens if the weather prevents the tour from running?
It is highly unlikely that Homer’s typical summer weather would prevent a boat from leaving harbor. Even in the rain, the seas are usually calm enough to still experience the tour. Our boat captains are extremely experienced and knowledgable, and we defer to their judgement calls regarding weather and ocean conditions. In the unlikely event a tour cannot run due to weather, you will be notified in advance and given the opportunity to rebook or receive a refund.
Will I see glaciers on the tour?
The primary glacier visible in the Kenai Mountains from Kachemak Bay is Grewingk Glacier. It is a valley glacier which ends in a lake situated a few miles from the shoreline. It is visible from a distance in many parts of Homer. Due to the geography of the bay and our usual route, we cannot cruise the face of the glacier, and it is difficult to see Grewignk on the Living Oceans tour. If weather permits, you may view alpine glaciers and snowpack in the Kenai Mountains.
Will I see whales on the tour?
While we cannot guarantee any major wildlife sightings during the tour, we will be traveling through wildlife hotspots. Our captains communicate with other vessels in the area about recent marine wildlife sightings including Humpback whales, Minke whales, Orcas, and other species of note.
Will I get seasick?
You will be touring through the protected waters of Kachemak Bay, where the chance of seasickness is generally low. If you are prone to any kind of motion sickness, we recommend taking an over-the-counter motion sickness medication (like Dramamine) prior to the tour.
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to your departure time and date will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made within 1 week but more than 72 hours prior to your departure time and date will be refunded 50% of the cost of the tour.
Cancellations made with less than 72 hours notice will not be refunded.
