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and ocean habitats stewarded by the facility’s two
partner organizations—the Alaska Maritime National
Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research
Reserve. Stroll through the exhibit area and investigate
connections among animals, environments, and
people. Learn about local flora and fauna on guided
nature walks over easy trails through wetlands and
forest to beautiful Bishop’s Beach. Walks are free
and incorporate up-to-date science information from
the Center’s active research teams. Gaze out on
beautiful Kachemak Bay through a two-story glass
wall overlooking Bishop’s Beach and Beluga Slough.
At the Islands and Ocean Center, you can also
surround yourself with visually stunning works of art
meant to inspire and teach about the natural treasures
of Alaska’s islands and ocean. Imagine you are on
a beach at low tide as you look at the lobby floor
embedded with 7,000 hand-crafted replicas of shells
Bob’s Trophy Charters and other sea-shore items, while ceramic inter-tidal
photo by:
Bob’s Trophy Charters creatures on the walls of the lobby cling to the “tide-
line.” Enjoy magnificent pieces of marine themed
artwork inside and out, including life-size sculptures,
stained and etched glass, and murals. Find out about
local birding and wildlife viewing opportunities
from the wildlife people at Islands and Ocean. Open
7 days a week in the summer with free admission,
the Center is located at 95 Sterling Highway. Visit
www.islandsandocean.org or call (907) 235-6961 for
current programs, open hours and special events.
The Pratt Museum, sponsored by the Homer
Society of Natural History, is located at 3779 Bartlett
Street. One of the finest museums in Alaska, exhibits
of terrestrial and marine birds and mammals introduce
visitors to the diversity of wildlife and habitats found
in Alaska. Salt water aquariums and a touch tank
feature the creatures of Kachemak Bay. The museum
also hosts displays of native crafts, both contemporary
and ancient. A self-guided tour through the adjacent
botanical garden is a summer must.
Sea kayaking is a great way to get a close-up
look at spectacular coastline and wildlife. Homer’s
Kachemak Bay is one of the best locations in Alaska
to paddle and is considered one of the richest and
most productive marine ecosystems anywhere. Its
waters teem with sea otters, sea lions, porpoise,
seals, whales, bald eagles, puffins, and during May,
one of the largest shorebird migrations in Alaska. Its
calm, protected shoreline is dramatic, with jagged
peaks rising from the water’s edge and many arches
and caves found throughout the bay. Unlike most
kayaking destinations in Alaska, you do not need a
float plane or a long boat charter to get you out to the
wildlife, calm waters or secluded areas.
Homer is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca and you
can find everything you need for your trip in town or
on the Homer Spit. Water taxis will ferry you to every
corner of the bay. In May, make sure to set aside
time for Kachemak Kayak Fest, a popular paddling
celebration complete with kayak classes, demos,
lectures, and even a kayak fashion show.
Winter king salmon feed heavily in Kachemak Bay
and Cook Inlet, then return to Canada and the Pacific
Northwest to spawn. They are by far the best eating
salmon you’ll ever taste, since due to being immature
they haven’t lost any of their high fat content.
Adventurous anglers looking for a unique experience
should try winter king salmon and halibut fishing.
Seldovia
Location: Across the bay from Homer on the
eastern shore of Cook Inlet. Off the road system,
so access is by air, Alaska Marine Highway ferry
and boat; daily flights and ferries available from
Homer. Population: 266. Visitor Information:
www.seldovia.com.

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