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A Traveler’s Guide To Kodiak Island

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Looking for a tranquil and serene spot to spend your next holiday, or perhaps you’re after your next photo adventure to shoot unique wildlife and breathtaking natural landscape?

Whether you’re an intrepid traveler, an adventurer, a passionate wildlife photographer, or a mix of them all, a trip to Kodiak Island in America’s Last Frontier won’t disappoint! 

Kodiak Island is a region of unspoiled beauty, providing nature lovers with a window into Alaska’s raw wilderness. Deserted beaches, rugged peaks and virgin forests offer a unique spectacle to visitors.

Often referred to as the Emerald isle due to its magnificent green coat over the summer months, it is home to over 3,000 giant Kodiak bears which thrive in this secluded region.

Dreamy, isn’t it?

So, without further ado, read our Traveler’s Guide To Kodiak Island. . . 

How To Get To Kodiak Island ?

There are two main ways to get to Kodiak Island

The quickest way is to fly there through Anchorage. The flight takes approximately one hour. Alaska Airlines and Ravn Air are the main airlines operating this route several times a day.

The first flight to Kodiak airport lands at 7am, making it the perfect time to experience the spectacular sunrise over the beautiful island.

If you have more time and would like to enjoy the scenic route (highly recommended and very much well worth it) for a chance to spot some wildlife, drive from Anchorage down to Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. Pass Turnagain Arm, Whitter and pop into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center while on your way. The road is one of the best driving roads in the entire US and well worth the 4+hour drive. 

Once in Homer, you’ll be able to hop onto the ferry and reach the enchanting island after a 12-hour boat ride. You’ll find more information about the ferry schedule and routes on the TravelAlaska website.

Where To Stay In Homer, Alaska?

Stop in Homer on your way to Kodiak

If you need a place to rest after the long drive and before hopping onto the ferry for your Kodiak Island adventure, we’ve got just what you need. 

Nestled along the cliff’s edge, and only minutes from Homer’s downtown, the Baycrest Lodge is a relaxing oasis for all travelers. 

Each guest home comes with a private outdoor hot tub so you can take a relaxing soak and enjoy unobstructed views of the enchanting Kachemak Bay. 

With towering snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, the privacy and high end amenities offered at Baycrest Lodge makes them one of Alaska’s most exclusive accommodations. 

What’s more, each upscale unit features local fine craftsmanship and a rustic feel for an immersive Alaskan experience.

Baycrest Lodge Homer
Where To Stay In Homer

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What To Do On Kodiak Island?

Action packed fun on Kodiak Island awaits

Often touted as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the second biggest island in the USA after Hawaii is an Eden for nature lovers and offers a myriad of things to do.

Visit The Alutiiq Museum

The island is the ancestral land of the Koniaga people, who long lived by hunting, fishing and farming. Some of their descendants still live on the island to this day. 

So, for a chance to learn more about the indigenous people of the island, head to the Alutiiq Museum. There, you’ll see the numerous photograph collections depicting daily life in the community over the years.

Kodiak Maritime Museum

Kodiak’s harbor history goes back 200 years. The ocean plays a huge role in the history of the island. That’s why a trip to the Kodiak Maritime Museum (or KMM) is the perfect way to better understand Alaska’s maritime history and the influence of fishing on the development of Kodiak Island. 

Exploring the museum will allow you to learn more about the local fishing methods, fish species and the wide diversity of people involved in the fishing industry.

Go Fishing

Kodiak Island is well-known for its world-class fishing. So, why not embark on a fishing tour with locals to learn all about the best fishing spots on Kodiak Island and catch a fish or two?

Some of the fish species you might catch while at sea include salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and halibut.

And while waiting for the fish to bite, you might even catch a glimpse of humpbacks, killer whales, otters or minkes splashing around in the glistening water surrounding the island!

One of the best fishing tours is run by Captain Dave from Fish N’ Chips Charters.

Spot Kodiak Bears

Ever dreamt of bear viewing in Alaska?

The island is home to the famous Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, known to shelter many endemic species such as the Kodiak king crab or the Kodiak bear. The Kodiak bear is precisely why many nature lovers visit the island. 

Never heard of Kodiak bears before?

That’s probably because they’re endemic to Kodiak Island and have been isolated from other bears for over 12,000 years! A subspecies of the brown bear, they’re the second largest bear in the world. And while enjoying a pristine habitat, they roam the island freely, making it likely for photographers and nature lovers to get a sighting.

The best time to spot these animals is between July and September, our photography workshops and tours start in mid-July.

Alaska Photography Workshop in Kodiak Island

Embark On a Whale-Watching Tour

Another activity that attracts tourists from all around the world on this little paradise on Earth is whale watching. That’s because the island is located on a migration path, making it a prime location to observe these majestic creatures.

In addition to fin, humpback, minke and sei whales, orca whales have also been spotted in the area many times.

You can either opt for a whale watching tour for a chance to observe these giants from up close, or walk to Fort Abercrombie State Park and Miller Point.

Where To Eat and Drink On Kodiak Island?

And if you’re hungry after all the adventure, here are a few recommendations that will be sure to delight your taste buds.

  • Kodiak Hana: perfect for people who love sushi and other Japanese delicacies. 
  • Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant: this pub-style restaurant brims with local artifacts and Kodiak artworks. The menu is diverse and ranges from salads and soups to burgers and steaks.
  • Kodiak Brewery: this is the ideal spot to enjoy a fresh local beer before dinner.
  • The Chart Room: this is one of the most upscale dining experiences you’ll find on the island. This is the best place to enjoy Alaskan crab but the menu is broad, also featuring salads, pasta, seafood, steaks and a few indulgent desserts 😉

Want To Learn How To Photograph The Unique Wildlife on Kodiak Island?

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime photo adventure, we’ve got exactly what you need!

There’s something magical about photographing Alaska’s raw wilderness and its incredible wildlife. And after years of traveling to the Last Frontier to photograph this breathtaking wonder, we’ve decided to show other amateur and professional photographers this incredible region of and its hidden treasures.

From snapping endemic crabs and red foxes, to brown bears and river otters, our Kodiak Island workshop will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure.

Kodiak Photography Workshop

Our multi-day photography guided tour package includes:

  • A 2 day bear-viewing tour (flyouts included)
  • A 1 day boat tour to snap the local marine life
  • A stay at one of the most exclusive lodges in Alaska
  • An all- inclusive food and drinks
  • Fly fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking

So, if you’re after a true Alaskan adventure with experienced photographers and want to capture amazing images of the wildlife and natural beauty of this mesmerizing land, don’t hesitate to book our photography guided tour.

Alternatively you can also contact us directly if you have any questions about our wildlife photography workshop in Alaska.

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