2017 Field Trip Information
Field Trip: Tuesday, August 8
Evening Cruise to Halibut Cove—this field trip is FULL but we are taking names for a WAITING LIST
$40/person (dinner extra)
Depart from Homer Harbor; 4:45 pm – 9:00 pm
Meet at the bottom of Ramp 2
Take an evening cruise on the Danny-J ferry across the aqua waters of Kachemak bay to Halibut Cove. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner (seafood is their specialty) at the whimsical Saltry Restaurant with time to explore the boardwalks and art shops before heading home. This is scenic Kachemak Bay at its best, with opportunities to see puffins, sea otters, and possibly whales en route.
We will meet at 4:30 at the bottom of ramp 2 on the Homer Spit for a 5:00 pm departure. Dinner at the Saltry is not included and runs ~$50 per person with one beverage. We will return to the harbor by 9:00 pm. Maximum 29 people.
Field Trips: Wednesday, August 9
1. Natural History Day Tour at the Peterson Bay Field Station—this field trip is FULL but we are taking names for a WAITING LIST
$125/per person
Depart from Homer Harbor; 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Meet at the CACS Yurt on the Spit at the top of ramp 2
Take a boat ride across Kachemak Bay to explore the rich rocky intertidal zone with a naturalist from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies at a -2.4 low tide! The trip over and back includes views of Gull Island, a bustling seabird colony where literally thousands of birds raise their chicks every summer. Following your morning intertidal experience, you will have an opportunity to take a guided hike in a coastal forest ecosystem on the edge of the wilderness, visit a bog, learn the names and lore of coastal plants, see what prehistoric people have left behind at an Alaska Native housesite, and explore marine life more indepth at the Field Station’s aquaria and live tanks. The intertidal zone and forest trails may be uneven, rocky, or slippery. Pack a daypack, water bottle and a sack lunch. Drinking water and complimentary hot beverages available are provided. Space is limited.
2. Morning Kayak Adventure with St. Augustine Kayaking and Tours—Cancelled
$110/person
Depart from Homer Harbor; 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Half day kayak trips are excellent for those short on time or tentative about trying kayaking. Our diverse day trip winds its way through two spectacular bays rich in wildlife. Our professional guides from Homer Kayaking introduce kayaking in a safe, fun, and comfortable manner to thousands. Almost anyone can do kayaking. Space is limited.
Price includes water taxi and all equipment, instruction and guide service for the kayaking portion. No experience is necessary. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle.
3. Afternoon Kayak Adventure with St. Augustine Kayaking and Tours
$110/person
Depart from Homer Harbor; 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Meet at the bottom of Ramp 3 – first float on the left M/V Seabird
Half day AM and PM trips are excellent for those short on time or tentative about trying kayaking. Our diverse day trip winds its way through two spectacular bays rich in wildlife.Our professional guides from Homer Kayaking introduce kayaking in a safe, fun, and comfortable manner to thousands. Almost anyone can do kayaking. Space is limited.
Price includes water taxi and all equipment, instruction and guide service for the kayaking portion. No experience is necessary. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle.
4. On-Board Oceanography Excursion—4 person minimum
$80/person
Depart from Homer Harbor; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Meet at the bottom of Ramp 1
Get a hands-on oceanography experience onboard the M/V Discovery. This 5 hour cruise on Kachemak Bay is basically the same one that the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies offers to hundreds of students during their Spring Environmental Education season. It includes scientific inquiry-based activities that involve small group and whole group explorations. The five hour program focuses on oysters and oyster farming to highlight the productivity of Kachemak Bay. Activities include water sampling, plankton tow and microscope study, ocean acidification, nautical charts and tide books, using remote operated vehicles to explore underwater life and sampling a tasty fresh oyster!
Bring a water bottle and sack lunch.
5. Best of the Bay Boat Tour
$45/person
Depart from Homer Harbor; 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Meet at the bottom of Ramp 2 – first float on the left M/V Discovery
Alaska Coastal Marine Charters provides 3½ hours of amazing wildlife, intense beauty, fascinating information, and a great time for all.
The boat tour takes you over to Gull Island, a renowned seabird rookery that is home to 20,000 nesting birds. We will point out old homesteader cabins, sites of archaeological importance, amazing rock structures and magnificent fjords. On a clear day, three of our magnificent volcanoes in “The Pacific Ring of Fire” dominate the far horizon.
We expect to find abundant wildlife along the way, including sea otters, humpback whales, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and always hope to spot minke and orca (killer) whales.
6. Grewingk Glacier Hike—this field trip is FULL but we are taking names for a WAITING LIST
FREE!
Depart from Homer Harbor; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Meet at the top of Ramp 4
Absolutely free boat trip and guided hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake—compliments of the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and the Kachemak Bay State Park! Pack a lunch, bring your rain gear, bug dope, and camera and join us for this truly memorable hike up to a glacial lake complete with ice burgs and the impressive Grewingk Glacier beyond. The hike is a moderately easy seven miles round-trip, and the trail is well-maintained. Meet at Ramp 4 in the Homer Boat Harbor at 9:00 am. We will return by 4:00 pm. Max. 6 people.
Other things to do in Homer
Saw and Cycle bike rentals—Fat Tire bikes $65 for 24 hours; must returned washed and no riding in saltwater. 6 available
Cycle Logical—Various trip packaged with a guide start at 9:00 – 2:00; $125 per person, 2 person minimum Meet at Bishops Beach. Max 6 people
Inlet Charters—salmon fishing; 10% off of normal $275 per person/per day for salmon fishing (no halibut fishing on Tuesdays) = $250/day + $18.75 tax = $268.75. Depart at 6:30am for up to 8 hours. 4-6 people total. Feeder kings and silvers will be running then.
