kodiak island wildlife tours

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Kodiak Island Expeditions

"The shared experience of a unique adventure is the most lasting gift." 

We specialize in bear viewing and wilderness tours

Bear Viewing and more

Let us show you the best that alaska has to offer.

We offer one of a kind bear viewing tours to Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island. We also specialize in guided outdoor adventures  such as wildlife photography tours, float trips, volcano hikes and alpine hiking trips. Let us help you craft a unique trip of your very own. 

We are located in the town of Kodiak , on the northeast side of Kodiak Island. Kodiak is far from the busy city of Anchorage and the road system tourist destinations, but that's what makes it an authentic Alaskan town. Give us a call or check out the GETTING HERE link for ideas on what to do.

We offer a wide variety of adventures. To find out more, click the link below

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We are located in Kodiak, Alaska. If you're interested in exploring Kodiak Island or Katmai National Park, bear viewing tours or would like to know what other adventures we offer, just give us a call! 

3183 Monashka Bay Road, Alaska 99615, United Statesa

Email: [email protected] Phone: 1 (907) 512-6380

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I had the good fortune of guiding Martin Clunes in his quest to find the Kodiak bear. This was done in summer of 2018 in early June. 

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THE 10 BEST Kodiak Island Tours & Excursions

Kodiak island tours.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fish N' Chips Charters

2. Sea Hawk Air

3. Happy Hooker Charters

4. Kingfisher Aviation

5. Kodiak Connections- Kodiak Walking Tours

6. Saltery Adventures

7. Kodiak Scenic Tours

8. The Kodiak Life Guide Service

9. Kayak Kodiak LLC

10. Head Shakers Kodiak

11. Kodiak Adventures Lodge Fishing Charters

12. Kodiak Survival School

13. Geographic Marine Expeditions (GMX) Katmai Bear Viewing

14. Salmoncrazy Adventures

15. Galley Gourmet

16. Kodiak Island Adventures

17. Reel Extreme Alaska

18. MemoryMakers Tour & Guide Service

19. Kodiak Island Charters

20. Kodiak Combos

21. Kodiak Marine Charters

22. Expedition Kodiak

23. Harvey Flying Service

24. Kodiak Anglers LLC

25. Vertigo

26. Deckload Aviation

27. Discovery Charters

28. AAA Kodiak Tour Company

29. Lucky Nine Charters

30. Kodiak Pursuits

What travelers are saying

• Kingfisher Aviation
• The Kodiak Life Guide Service
• Sea Hawk Air
• Kayak Kodiak LLC
• Kodiak Scenic Tours
• Fish N' Chips Charters
• Happy Hooker Charters
• Saltery Adventures
• Reel Extreme Alaska
• Head Shakers Kodiak

Summer 2015 Photo Gallery

Summer 2016 Photo Gallery

Summer 2017 Photo Gallery

Summer 2018 Photo Gallery

Summer 2019 Photo Gallery

Summer 2020 Photo Gallery

Summer 2023 Photo Gallery

Here's a short video introduction to Munsey's Bear Camp

Copyright 2012 Munsey's Bear Camp

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Incredible Kodiak Island Bear Viewing Tours

Private & small group tours to the world's best destinations, three amazing alaskan vacations to choose from, summer trips to alaska grizzlies & glaciers tour.

Winter Trips To Alaska See The Northern Lights

Summer Trips To Alaska Denali Discovery Adventure

An Adventure On The Emerald Island

Kodiak Island is Alaska’s largest island and the second-largest island in the United States. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, the island’s lush landscape and plethora of outdoor activities make it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also home to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, where Kodiak bear watching tours are a popular activity!

Kodiak Island’s Unique History

The Kodiak area has been inhabited by the Altiiq and Sugpiaq people for more than 7,000 years. However, in the mid-1700s, the island was visited by a Russian explorer. Kodiak then became the first capital of Russian-controlled Alaska and was an important center of the fur trade. Today, a former fur pelt storehouse has been turned into the Kodiak History Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s fascinating history before setting off on a Kodiak bear viewing tour .

How Do I Get To Kodiak Island?

The quickest way to get to Kodiak and Kodiak Island is via a connecting flight through Anchorage. Alaska Airlines operates multiple flights between Anchorage and Kodiak each day. The flight from Anchorage takes about an hour, depending on the weather. This easy connection makes Kodiak Bear tours from Anchorage one of the most popular activities for tourists looking for an out-of-the-ordinary bear-viewing excursion.

If you want to enjoy Alaska’s breathtaking landscape on the way to Kodiak for bear watching tours , take a trip on the state ferry along the Alaska Marine Highway System. You can board the ferry in Homer for this scenic route. However, be aware that this trip will take at least a full day – and sometimes even require you to travel overnight on the ferry!

Bear Watching on Kodiak Island

The 1.9-million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers two-thirds of Kodiak Island. It is home to approximately 3,000 bears, which are known as Kodiak Brown Bears. This refuge provides important habitat for wildlife, both large and small – as well as for the bears that call it home. The refuge has no roads, so Kodiak bear viewing tours are done as day tours with an air charter or flightseeing operator. Alternatively, visitors can plan a multi-day bear viewing excursion from one of the remote wilderness lodges on the island, like the Kodiak Brown Bear Center and Lodge.

The Best Way To See Bears On Kodiak Island

There are many ways to see the bears on Kodiak Island, but the following two Kodiak Island bear viewing tours are our favorite! Keep reading to learn more.

• Six-day photography tour: take a six-day bear viewing tour with professional photographers on Kodiak Island. Spend your days photographing brown bears, marine wildlife, and Kodiak’s incredible scenery. Your tour guides will review your work and offer suggestions for improving the images you capture. This specialized photography tour caters to small group experiences, with a maximum of 12 group members at a time. If you’re looking for hands-on photography instruction as well as incredible bear-watching opportunities, this is the tour for you!
• Kodiak Brown Bear Viewing Center and Lodge – this exquisite lodge, located in the backcountry, is owned by the Altiiq people. For a truly exceptional experience, book a multi-day stay at the lodge and enjoy two bear-viewing excursions a day to the island’s three primary bear-viewing locations. Hike on foot, search for bears via kayak, or travel in style aboard a heated catamaran vessel to marvel at these magnificent creatures in style. The lodge’s luxurious accommodations and experienced guides will make your stay truly exceptional.

Kodiak Bear Tours From Anchorage

If you aren’t planning to stay in Kodiak, you can always book a flightseeing trip to see the bears with an air charter company in Anchorage. The average flightseeing tour is a four-hour trip that includes two hours on the ground to view bears at popular viewing locations. The vast majority of visitors to Kodiak Island view bears this way. It’s also worth noting that the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge has nine public-use cabins available for rental, if you want to stay overnight and have a more primitive experience than a lodge would permit. Don’t forget to include a stop at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in the city of Kodiak before you leave. The visitor center features exhibits that focus on the Kodiak brown bear, along with a film about the refuge, a bookstore, and a friendly staff that can assist with your trip planning.

When Is The Best Time To See Bears On Kodiak Island?

Kodiak Island bear viewing tours are one of the most popular activities in this area of Alaska! The best time to see the brown bears on the island is July, August, and September, when the salmon runs are at their peak . The summer months are the most popular time for flightseeing trips that fly into remote areas on Kodiak Island bear viewing tours or you can book a boat charter that specializes in bear and wildlife viewing to start your adventure! You can even extend your trip to include nearby Katmai National Park, which is just west of Kodiak Island on Alaska’s mainland.

A Bear-y Good Time In Alaska

If bear viewing is on your Alaska bucket list, don’t worry! Kodiak bear watching tours are the perfect way to see bears in their native habitat. Whether you spot them from the seat of a float plane, view them through the lens of your camera, or marvel at them from the heated cabin of a boat, one thing is certain – you won’t forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Simply breathtaking may best describe a peaceful water tour around the Kodiak area. Here there is an abundance of wildlife including Bears, Mountain Goats, deer, Bald Eagles, three different color phases of Fox, Otter, Beaver and Ermine. Shifting your view from land to the sea you will witness an abundance of Sea Otters, Sea Lions, several species of Whales and a multitude of Sea birds including Puffins and Eiders.

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Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge

Welcome. nestled in the heart of the kodiak national wildlife refuge, the kodiak brown bear center & lodge offers an escape for nature lovers from across the globe..

Our group sizes are limited to eight people ensuring each guest experiences the best Alaska has to offer.

After a day of bear viewing, hiking, kayaking or fishing, relax and join our team for a locally sourced, home cooked meal in our lodge and retire to one of our four private guest cabins.

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center is owned by the Alutiiq people, who have inhabited Kodiak Island for over 7,000 years. We invite you to visit our home, and promise unforgettable memories of your time spent in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.

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BEAR VIEWING

The Karluk Watershed has one of the highest concentration of Kodiak brown bears in the world! Learn more about our bear viewing packages and enjoy your own bear experience like no other.

FISHING PACKAGES

Karluk Lake, situated in the heart of Alaska, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience. Known for its abundant sockeye salmon runs, the lake also presents opportunities to angle for the elusive steelhead. Casting your line into the crystal-clear waters of Karluk Lake not only offers the chance for a rewarding catch but also provides a serene connection with the untouched wilderness. Whether you're drawn by the thrill of landing a steelhead or the challenge of catching salmon, Karluk Lake promises an immersive and picturesque fishing adventure against the stunning Alaskan backdrop.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Planning a destination wedding or looking a for unique venue to host a retreat? Learn more about how the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities can make your private event planning a breeze.

Testimonials

"KBBC has the best facilities we have ever experienced. The cabins and new gathering room were beautiful. Our cabin was super private. We had jaw-dropping panoramic views of Karluk Lake and the surrounding mountains from our cabin and it was well-appointed with a coffee pot, good WiFi, etc. We watched countless bears walk along the banks of the Karluk Lake from the spotting scope in the gathering room."

“Between the amazing bears and attentive staff, I can't imagine having a more exceptional experience! It's been a couple of weeks now and I am still reveling in the experience that was hands down one of the best of my life! From the air service crew and pilot to the five staff who took such wonderful care of my travel companion and me, it was PERFECT! AND THE BEARS! Words cannot express how delighted I was to sit and watch these majestic creatures for hours! It could not have been a more perfect experience!”

"KBBC is a top notch lodge in central-west Kodiak island located on an island within Lake Karluk. The region is famous for the high density of kodiak bears that congregate to feed on spawning salmon. People come to Kodiak for the bears, and I saw many bears, but it didn't take long before I realized it was the staff who work at the lodge who made the experience unforgettable. Food was thoughtful and always good. The rooms were luxurious."

"What an AMAZING place! The facilities are FIRST RATE, and the quiet, isolated, intimate bear-viewing can NOT be matched anywhere else. There are no guarantees with the weather (float planes can only fly during the day, no fog, so I highly suggest trip insurance for any delays), but once you're at the KBBC, you'll go out in full waterproof rain gear (provided) for bear viewing (and we got GREAT photos even in the rain!) Seeing these unique bears in their natural feeding areas literally can take your breath away!"

P Bomberger

Kodiak Brown Bear Center

The Alaska "epicenter" for bears

The 1.9m acres of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to this classic Alaskan Native lodge situated on Kodiak Island in the middle of Karluk Lake. Surrounded by water, the wildlife-centered Kodiak Brown Bear Center, showcases one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world, a Native Alutiiq heritage, and guided adventures in this wildlife mecca. With a maximum guest capacity of 8, you have every opportunity to see uninterrupted views of the bears and highest level of service from your hosts.

Exclusive. Inclusive. Respectful.

Arrive anchorage.

Whether you are arriving into Anchorage for the first time during your visit, or returning after visiting other portions of the state, an overnight here is highly recommended and included in your custom itinerary prior to your visit to Kodiak.  If arriving at the airport you will receive a personal greeting followed by a private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage to Kodiak Brown Bear Center

Breakfast is included in your accommodations this morning.  A private transfer will take you to the Anchorage Airport for your scheduled flight to Kodiak. A brief transfer will bring you to the Kodiak floatplane dock where you’ll board a plane for the 45-minute flight to the lodge, located on Karluk Lake and surrounded by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.  Approximately 200 Kodiak brown bears use the salmon-rich waters of the 236-square-mile Karluk Lake drainage, making this area one of the densest populations of bears in the world.  After a safety briefing and lodge orientation, you will still have time for your first guided bear watching adventure prior to dinner.

Choose Your Vantage Point

There are a variety of bear viewing locations from which to choose at Kodiak Brown Bear Center. Your professional KBBC guides will recommend the best options for you based on the time of year and their in-depth knowledge of bear habits and the area. Everyone on the staff at KBBC was either born or raised on Kodiak, or has decades of experience on the Kodiak archipelago with an intimate knowledge of the island, its plants, animals, history, and its unique Native Alutiiq culture.

Add Some Fishing Fun

The steelhead fishing at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center is excellent as the Karluk River is home to one of the largest steelhead runs in Alaska. Or you can choose to fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and silver salmon. The fish are plentiful and the views spectacular!

Hiking, Kayaking, and Learning About Native Alaskan Culture

There is only one way to experience Alaska wildness – get out into it. Over 112,000 acres of land including the entire northern half of Karluk Lake and land adjacent to the Karluk River are owned and managed by the Kodiak-area Regional Native Corporation which owns KBBC.  There are no roads or private cabins on these lands. The Native Alutiiq people believe that these lands are sacred and deserve our utmost respect and care where Kodiak bears can continue living in an untarnished environment as they have for millenia.

Because of this, you can enjoy hiking and kayaking to your heart’s content on guided excursions from the Kodiak Brown Bear Center as well as learn all about Alaskan Native culture and traditions. What could be better?

KBBC to Kodiak and on to Anchorage

You’ll have time this morning for another guided activity before lunch. After lunch, return to Kodiak via float plane, connecting to scheduled air service on to Anchorage. Your private driver/guide will meet you upon return to Anchorage and will provide a transfer.  Enjoy an Anchorage sightseeing tour, overnight in Anchorage, or embark on your next Alaskan adventure.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

Accommodations.

Within a short walking distance of the guest cabins, the main lodge at Kodiak Brown Bear Center is where all meals are served. The lodge is also “command central” and a gathering place for daily lectures and presentations by naturalist guides as well as being a relaxing respite during your stay.

Guest Cabins

Guest cabins include four newly-constructed, deluxe cabins with private bath and high-end interior finishes, including bamboo and tile flooring. The guest cabins are directly at the water’s edge and each has a private outdoor deck, where bears and other wildlife can often be seen. Each cabin has one queen and one double bed.

Getting There

You can only reach the Kodiak Brown Bear Center by a 45-minute float plane ride from Kodiak.

Culinary Highlights

Breakfasts and dinners at Kodiak Brown Bear Center are served ‘family style’ for guests to enjoy each day.  Lunches are planned to accommodate each day’s activities.  Please note that alcoholic beverages are not provided at KBBC but guests are welcome to bring their own.

Activities & Adventures

It’s all about seeing bears at Kodiak Brown Bear Center. As the area is a prime habitat for brown bears and offers some of the best opportunities for bear viewing in Alaska.

Starting at the beginning of August, the bear concentration is at its prime due to salmon runs entering the river systems throughout the region, and increases your chances of seeing the bigger male bears (also called boars). The peak season for KBBC bear viewing is between mid-August to October.

Your highly-trained and experienced wildlife guides will take you to various bear viewing locations via a short boat ride. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these majestic animals. With a maximum of 8 guests at any one viewing area, you’ll immerse yourself into the bear’s environment for observation, study, and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these legendary beasts.

In addition to wildlife viewing, kayaking and hiking are also available, as well as fishing for a variety of salmon and lake trout. Exact species will vary depending on the time of year, but spin gear and tackle are available for your fishing excursions. Guided fly fishing for steelhead trout is available in October.

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View more Alaskan bears with a stay at Redoubt Mountain Lodge in Lake Clark National Park.

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Private & Custom Alaska Wildlife & Brown Bear Viewing Cruise

Alaska Bear & Wildlife Cruise

Alaska wildlife viewing & photography, 6 day, 6 night all-inclusive cruise.

View and photograph Coastal Brown Bear foraging in their natural habitat at close range. The Brown Bear is the largest North American Grizzly. We also frequently see wolves, fox, eagles, sea ducks, and shorebirds. You will also have the opportunity to view Marine Wildlife such as whales, sea otters, puffins, and more while traveling to and from Katmai.

Wildlife Viewing

Get Up Close and Personal

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Photograph Remote & Wild Alaska

Plan Your Adventure

Two ways to cruise: shared or exclusive.

With three staterooms on board, we offer two ways to cruise with Adventure Kodiak which includes both a shared or exclusive experience. Each stateroom accommodates two guests and you can either book one stateroom for a shared experience, or book the entire yacht for an exclusive experience. Maximum of six guests.

The Single Star

58-ft. yacht.

There is no better way to experience the last frontier than a week on our beautiful 58-ft yacht. Avoid the crowds of giant cruise ships and give yourself the opportunity to experience remote Alaska from the deck of our boat Single Star. A home away from home for all guests. Travel in luxury while visiting areas of expansive Alaska wilderness.

Book Now. Remember Forever.

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Local Alaskan Hosts

Experience & hospitality.

Your guides and hosts Mike and Mary bring their 37 years of living in Alaska. Since 1980, they have spent much of that time cruising the water of the Kodiak archipelago and Coastal Katmai National Park. Their experience and local knowledge of the land, water, and wildlife make your week with Adventure Kodiak them an educational and memorable experience. In addition, Mike’s qualifications as a licensed 100-ton captain mean you are in expert hands aboard his boat.

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Kodiak Wildlife Viewing

Our Kodiak wildlife viewing cruises aboard the M/V Sea Breeze include gourmet lunch or appetizers, flowers, and vegetables grown in our Cliff House gardens and a guide with local knowledge of flora and fauna.

Cliff House B&B

Our Kodiak B&B is a perfect waterfront destination. In a quiet neighborhood, the Cliff House Bed & Breakfast looks onto a spruce forest on one side and the channel to Kodiak’s largest boat harbor on the other.

Explore Kodiak Island

Tucked into the northwest corner of Gulf of Alaska, the Kodiak Island Archipelago parallels the Katmai Coast along the Alaska Peninsula for 177 miles. This group of islands embraces almost 5,000 sq. miles.

Connect with Marion Owen

Subscribe to Marion Owen's "Goodness from Kodiak" newsletter and receive your free 4-page booklet of essential photo tips, selected from 25 years of Marion Owen's photography classes.

Marty & Marion Owen

One of the highlights for every trip to Kodiak is the chance to visit with my friends Marty and Marion Owen. They call the dinner-and-wildife-viewing trip a “cruise,” but it’s really something special. The Sea Breeze is a yacht. The dinner is a combination of organic greens from Marion’s garden and fresh seafood from the local waters. The wildlife includes sea lions, eagles, puffins and an occasional orca or humpback whale. My favorite part, though, is hearing Marty and Marion tell stories of their home: the history, the land, the sea and the fascinating people who share their island home. Two thumbs up.”

~Scott McMurren, Alaska travel journalist

Marion Owen's Blog ~ Kodiak, Alaska

More Alaska Nature Photography and Alaska Photography Tips at Marion Owen Blog Site

Customers & friends.

This was a perfect capstone to our visit to Kodiak Island. Marty showed us puffins, otter, sea lions, and black-legged kittywakes on our relaxing 3-hour tour, and Joel served us a gourmet cod dinner with a picture-perfect dessert. This was our most elegant experience on Kodiak.

Marty and Marion hosted one of our most enjoyable evenings ever! Marty cruised his beautiful boat through the Kodiak waters pointing out the plethora of animals, birds and SPECTACULAR views. Then he docked in a small bay and served Marion's gourmet creations. The dips, salads and dinner were fresh from her master garden and the local scallop boat. The rhubarb raspberry pound cake dessert was over the top! If you plan to visit Kodiak, the Gourmet Galley is a MUST DO!

Marion and Marty do a great job of providing a tour of the harbor, pointing out the sea life- sea lions, eagles, otter etc. and then having a delicious meal aboard their boat featuring a lot of local ingredients and thing from their garden. Delightful evening from 6 to 9 with a maximum of 6 people.

Marty and Marion are fabulous hosts. Such a beautiful home and beautiful people. Couldn't have asked for a better place! Everyone should be so lucky to meet these 2 and to visit Kodiak! Thank you Marion and Marty.

This is a wonderful place! Beautiful views, fabulous gardens and wonderful hosts. I am usually leery of B & Bs but this is the total exception. It is a place I hope to return to many times. The Galley Gourmet Tour is also wonderful.

Always great to have our feet under your table. Good food, good company.

Can I give more than 5 stars? Marion and Marty's place is the best Airbnb we have stayed at...and we run our own!! Kind, generous and fun, it is harder to imagine better hosts.

The generosity and grace of host Marion Owen is unparalleled! Marion and Marty have a magical spot on the edge of the channel, with a beautiful flower and vegetable garden and the house filled with 35 years of Marion's incredible photos. Recharge on the deck while watching birds, boats, floatplanes, or take a walk to the beach or town. I grew up in Kodiak and my family is still there, and I will be back to stay at the Cliff House!

We Bathe You in Hospitality

Warm greetings from Kodiak, Alaska’s Emerald Isle. Kodiak is a special place. A little off the beaten path, Kodiak has been listed by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Destinations in the World . When you see the island’s incredible beauty, you’ll understand why. Deep, fiord-like bays, spruce trees draped with moss, puffins, whales…It’s a short list describing why we live here. Then there are the people; a special caring and neighborliness that goes, perhaps, with living on an island.

A visit to Kodiak endears you with bragging rights! We invite you to experience what many people say when they come here: “Wow, this is real Alaska!” If you enjoy hiking, sipping a latte or micro-brew beer, kayaking, bear viewing, gardening (how do you grow  stuff in Alaska, anyway?), discovering local art, reading a good book on the beach, or taking pictures, Kodiak is for you.

As your hosts, we enjoy attending to your needs, hopes and dreams, whether it’s your birthday or your first trip to Alaska. You’ll feel relaxed and renewed because nourishing the body, mind and soul is our number one priority. Nature provides the setting and we bathe you in hospitality.

So please let us know how we can help make your visit extra special.

Cheers to you,

Marion and Marty Owen

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Visit Us in Kodiak

A visit to Kodiak endears you with bragging rights! We invite you to experience what many people say when they come here: “Wow, this is real Alaska!” If you enjoy hiking, sipping a latte or micro-brew beer, kayaking, bear viewing, gardening (how do you grow stuff in Alaska, anyway?), discovering local art, reading a good book on the beach, or taking pictures, Kodiak is for you.

We are longtime residents of Kodiak. Marion is an accomplished photographer and taught photography classes through the University of Alaska for 15 years. She continues to host photography workshops.

Marty was Kodiak's harbormaster for 20 years and his family roots in Kodiak date back to the 1930's. Lots of local knowledge, history and fun stories to share...

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Kodiak Scenic Tours

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​Whales! We specialize in finding and viewing our majestic summer guests; Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Gray Whales, and even Orcas. The boat tour is designed around a whale watching focus.

This is Eco-Tourism folks! You can expect your tour to include comfortable travel and light snacks within Chiniak Bay including nearby Woody Island, Long Island, Spruce Island, and Miller Point looking back towards Fort Abercombrie State Park. The tour lasts 2 hours which offers opportunities to observe a diverse range of sea life as well as the whales, including but not limited to Stellar Sea Lions, Puffin, Otter, Seals, Pygmy Orca Dolphins, Bald Eagles, many many types of bird life (Contact me for Birding Specific Excursions).

The tour may also include (depending on your interest) brief tutorials regarding Kodiak’s dynamic fishing industry and unique WWII history.

$125/person or $650/private charter.  

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KT Tunstall is musician in residence at Kodiak Refuge

Sitting at a cabin window with her guitar and journal, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall watched as a large, blonde-colored bear with three nearly grown cubs swam across the lake toward her. They silently climbed out of the water, shook off on the shore beneath the cabin, and walked off down the rocky beach in search of spawning sockeye salmon. Tunstall excitedly informed nearby refuge staff of the visitors by radio and stepped quietly out on the deck to capture the scene in a video.  

Then, it was back to writing in solitude - with a view of the lake and mountains at the heart of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. 

A musical residency experience with Kodiak and KT Tunstall 

Refuge manager Mike Brady and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge staff welcomed the 5X Platinum and Grammy nominated musician during the fall of 2022 for a one-week artist residency to spark new music and stories. Tunstall has teamed up with nonprofit Sustain Music and Nature and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge to create an original song inspired by the residency. Her song and the accompanying music video, shot at Karluk Lake on the refuge by outdoor adventure videographer Chris Shane, will premiere globally in 2023. 

Refuge staff hosted Tunstall in coordination with regional Alaska Native Corporation, Koniag, Inc., at Camp Island on Karluk Lake for three days. At more than 11 miles long, Karluk Lake is Kodiak Island’s largest lake and is home to abundant salmon runs, legendary Kodiak brown bears, and rich cultural history. The lake can only be reached by a 45-minut floatplane flight over the refuge from the city of Kodiak. The refuge shares stewardship of the lands around Karluk Lake and of Camp Island with Koniag , an important partner and landowner that represents more than 4,400 Alutiiq shareholders.  

Time at Camp Island was the centerpiece of the retreat, a remote opportunity to create personal connections with wildlife, people, and place. The Community Affairs Liaison for the refuge and Koniag, Amy Peterson, facilitated an island-inspired menu and occasional activities at Koniag’s Kodiak Brown Bear Center, also located at Camp Island. 

At Karluk Lake, KT was immersed in nature and surrounded by wildlife. She fished for Dolly Varden char, kayaked, snorkeled with spawning sockeye salmon, and encountered more than a dozen Kodiak brown bears, including a subadult that appeared curious and seemed to spend a few moments listening in as she played guitar outdoors in a cottonwood tree. 

Tunstall also spent time in the community of Kodiak. She met with Alutiiq Museum staff to tour the museum and view archaeological artifacts from the Karluk area, learned about bear ecology and behavior with the Kodiak Refuge bear biologist, toured the refuge research vessel Ursa Major II, and practiced salmon skin sewing and beadwork with Alutiiq artist Kayla McDermott. She visited Main Elementary School as the last activity of her residency, where she spoke with students about music and taught them her award-winning song, Suddenly I See. The class then joined her in singing the Kodiak Refuge Salmon Song about the salmon lifecycle, a favorite at the refuge’s annual summer Salmon Camp.   

The refuge is grateful to the Kodiak community and partners who made this residency a tremendous success, and to KT Tunstall and Sustain Music and Nature for this incredible opportunity to share the refuge and Kodiak with new audiences. Stay tuned for the final music and video, to premiere in 2023!   

More about Songscapes: 

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is the eighth Songscape produced by Sustain Music and Nature , following recent productions with Beebe at Colorado and Utah’s Green River, Ben Sollee at New Jersey’s Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, and Conner Youngblood at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Salt Lake City. It is the organization’s first musical residency in Alaska.  

Sustain’s Songscapes are retreats that create partnerships between land agencies and musicians. Through the hospitality of host environmental organizations, artists are immersed in the beauty and history of our public land heritage. Musicians use this retreat time to create a song inspired by the land and their experiences, and then the song is shared with fans to inspire and encourage others to value public lands and build critical awareness and support for continued conservation and stewardship of wildlife and landscapes. 

Sustain Music and Nature is a U.S. nonprofit that makes music a force for nature. Co-founders Betsy Mortenson and Harrison Goodale accompanied KT Tunstall and Chris Shane during the retreat and will next work on the production, release, and promotion of the music video with Green Hill Music and Primary Wave Music.  

More about the artist in residence, KT Tunstall: 

KT Tunstall's music career launched into the international spotlight with the hit singles “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See”. She quickly became known for her empowered female-rocker style, pioneering looping skills and great storytelling. She’s released seven albums internationally, including a brand-new album released this September.   

She’s also worked passionately for environmental causes throughout her career and has made efforts to neutralize her own carbon footprint, including donating a percentage of her first album sales towards reforestation in Scotland, working with the Environmental Investigation Agency and ‘Reverb’ in the Peruvian Amazon jungle to highlight illegal logging, and spending time in the Arctic on the Cape Farewell expedition to highlight climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change issues. In 2011, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Environmental Science from her University, Royal Holloway in London. 

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