Silversea Luxury Cruises A Homer, Alaska

Experience the abundant natural beauty and wildlife of Kachemak Bay and Gull Island during this two-hour excursion aboard the sightseeing vessel, Northern Star.

Depart the pier for the brief walk to Homer Harbour. Upon arrival, embark a chartered boat and begin your narrated cruise across Kachemak Bay. Your boat is enclosed, and features large windows for your viewing pleasure.

During the cruise, pass by the Homer Spit and view the Gull Island bird rookery. Along the way, you may also spot sea otters, an occasional whale and other sea creatures that inhabit this beautiful bay. On the approach to Gull Island, site of one of Alaska's largest marine bird sanctuaries, you can take close-up photos of the thousands of seabirds that nest here, and listen to informative commentary provided by the tour guide. At the conclusion of your sightseeing cruise, return to Homer Harbour and walk back to the pier on-foot.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility however must be aware that the harbour ramps may be steep depending on the tide. This tour is not recommended for guests prone to seasickness and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, flat, closed-toe boat shoes and a camera are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Depart the pier aboard a fishing vessel for the approximately 30-minute to one-hour ride from Homer Harbour to the fishing grounds. En route, look for the sea otters, dolphins and whales that frequent these waters. Upon arrival at the fishing grounds, your crew helps you fill out the necessary paperwork, and provide safety and fishing instructions.

Fishing gear, filleting, licenses and a sack lunch are provided. For an additional fee, arrangements can be made to have your catch frozen, vacuum-packed and shipped home once you have returned from your cruise. At the conclusion of your fishing excursion, commence the ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing, at times over inclines and slippery surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and weatherproof jacket from the ship. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Alaska's southern Kenai Peninsula and Kachemak Bay from an eagle's point of view.

This helicopter flight-seeing excursion offers spectacular panoramic views of the magnificent glaciers and snow fields, mountains, forests, and beautiful coastline of Kachemak Bay State Wildness Park. These 400,000 acres are home to moose, black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves.

Look for otter, seal and whale as you fly over the bay and observe Gull Island, a seasonal home to over 15,000 pair of nesting seabirds. Take in the fantastic views of villages, oyster farms, beautiful harbors and the second largest spit in the world. Land next to the glacier in the State Park just outside of the wilderness area and walk about and explore the frozen terrain, dip your hand in the frigid turquoise pools at the base of this "River of Ice," Grewink Glacier, or just embrace the brisk raw Alaskan wilderness while enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne or apple cider.

Our expert guide offers insight to the wildlife, geology and history of the local area.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 200 feet (60 metres). Guests able to walk on the glacier do so at their own discretion; the surface is uneven and snowy/icy terrain. This tour is suitable for guest with limited mobility. Those who utilise a wheelchair are required to remain onboard the helicopter during the glacier landing stop. Operation of this tour is weather dependent and it may be cancelled on short notice. The total flight time is approximately 30-45 minutes, with 30 minutes on the glacier. These times will vary depending on weather and glacial conditions. Due to weight and balance limitations, seating is at the pilot's discretion. For security purposes, no bags are allowed on the flight; they may be left at a storage area at the heliport. Dress warmly in layers and bring a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Guests must sign a waiver to participate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Due to the limited capacity and high demand for this tour, it is non-refundable unless cancelled by 12:00 p.m. on the day after embarkation.

Depart the pier for a scenic sightseeing drive through Homer. Your route takes you down the Homer Spit, which extends from idyllic Homer to the sea, and passes by commercial fisheries, the landmark Salty Dawg Saloon and the 'Fishing Hole'. From here, proceed down Pioneer Avenue. Along the way, a stop is made at the Pratt Museum.

Pratt Museum

In 2005, the Pratt Museum was recognised as a National Award Winner for being one of the top three museums in the United States. Your guided visit focuses on the cultures, art and science of Kachemak Bay, and begins with an art show presented by regional artists. A visit is then made to see the saltwater aquariums, botanical gardens, homesteader's cabin, and other interactive displays depicting the people and lands of the region.

Norman Lowell Gallery

Next, proceed for the brief ride to the Norman Lowell Gallery. During your visit, view a collection of world-class art depicting Alaskan landscapes and unique collectibles. Your tour continues lwith a stop at the Baycrest Overview for pictures of beautiful Kachemak Bay and the Homer Spit, Cook Inlet and the Augustine Volcano.

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitors Centre

This facility houses fascinating exhibits detailing the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses some 2,500 islands along the Alaskan coast. Following your visit, you may opt to return directly to the pier, or remain in town for independent shopping and exploration, and return to the ship via shuttle bus.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 50 feet (15.24 metres) and with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Depending on the number of participants, this tour will be operated via school buses or mini-coaches. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.

Depart the pier for the boat-ride across Kachemak Bay to Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and commence your guided 5-mile hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Along the way, your guide identifies and allows you to taste edible vegetation, points out the stages of reforestation along the glacial moraine and provides you with a wealth of information you would not obtain walking this trail on your own. A lunch box is included.

The trail crosses flat terrain, passes through stands of cottonwoods and spruce, and continues across the dry outwash plain of the Grewingk Glacier before concluding at the broad, open beaches of Grewingk Glacier Lake. This trail offers superb views and photo opportunities of the glacier and its surrounding peaks, along with icebergs floating in the lake.

Following your interpretive hike, embark your boat for the approximately 30-minute ride back to Homer Harbour. Upon arrival, you may return directly to the ship or browse the shops and galleries on the Homer Spit before returning to the ship via shuttle bus.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 5 miles, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing, light raingear and flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a camera, and binoculars from the ship. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Operation of this tour is subject to favourable weather conditions.

Explore the abundant waters of Kachemak Bay State Park in a unique new way during this picturesque kayaking excursion.

Depart the pier via water taxi for the approximately 30-minute ride across Kachemak Bay to Otter Cove. Upon arrival, meet your guide, receive your safety and kayaking instructions, and be outfitted with a kayak, lifejacket and spray skirt before commencing the kayaking portion of your tour.

After leaving the beach, paddle among the sea otters in the pristine waters of Otter Cove, Sadie Cove, Tutka Bay and Yukon Island. Along the way, you may spot sea birds, porpoises and other sea life. Stops are made along the way to observe the colorful invertebrates in the clear water tide pools, walk on the beach and enjoy a boxed lunch.

At the conclusion of your kayaking journey, return to Otter Cove and embark a water taxi for the approximately 30-minute ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the water taxi. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks in groups of up to 3 or 4 kayaks. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Participants must be a minimum of 8 years of age and children must be able to paddle. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing, light raingear and boat shoes, and bring sun protection, a camera, and binoculars from the ship. All kayaking and safety equipment are provided. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation on this tour is subject to favourable weather conditions.