| A Day on the Water |
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
Kenneth Grahame |
Kodiak has a nice variety of fishing vessels to choose from: fiberglass to aluminum to catamarans. With Global Positioning Systems (GPS), it won’t take long for the captains to find what everyone is waiting for – the first mateyelling Fish On!
 Deep sea sport fishing – half day __ $265
For those of you with limited schedules, our custom half-day charters are the perfect fit. Because of the summer light extends into the evening hours and weather finicky prevails, this 4-Hour charter may depart in the morning, mid-day or late afternoon.
The captain will explain the tides, weather and fish available at the time of your departure. Once the captain knows what the guest’s preferences are, he will chart the course and when the limit out on the first choice, the chase will be on for the others!
There is a 2-3 person minimum to go out on a half-day charter. That’s not to say someone else has already signed up – so call us and we will put you on the next available half-day charter.
Light snacks and beverages will be included. All the boats offer a restroom and heated cabin. The price includes fishing equipment, tackle and bait. Prepare for the colder temperatures on the water and wear all-weather gear and waterproof shoes or boats.
 Deep-sea sport fishing - full day $310
Catching the early morning tides, the captains like to depart between 7 and 8 AM. Every captain has his own special fishing hole, so sit back, wake up with hot coffee and enjoy the ride. Breathtaking view of the nearby islands, sea lions and otters, puffin and perhaps a pod of whales. Can you see Hawaii from here?
The captain and his mate will set out the individual rods for their guests. There are different kinds of fishing rods to use when fishing. For halibut, referred to as the ‘bottom fish’, it’s a stand-up, 30-80 pound test rod with 300-400 yards of line. For king salmon, the trolling rod is used with 30-50 pound test line. Once in position, the guests stand vigil to hook a ‘barn-door’ size halibut or king salmon weighing in at 20-40 pounds.
All the boats offer a restroom and a heated cabin. The captain provides snacks, lunch and beverages on a full day charter. The price includes fishing equipment, tackle and bait. It is recommended the anglers wear all-weather gear, warm and water-proof boots. If however, you need last-minute gear, Kodiak Adventures has all-weather gear and boots for rental should you forget something. Come down to the Tour Desk for a selection.
Evening on the Water
 Dinner Cuisine and Harbor Cruise $149
Our summer days last long into the evening making it a perfect way to combine a harbor cruise and world-class cuisine by a renown chef, in her own right! View the marine wildlife (sea lions, sea otters, whales, puffins and eagles) from the deck of a classic 42-foot Grand Banks-style yacht. Then settle into a quiet bay of a nearby island for a fresh, locally caught seafood entrée, organic greens grown by the chef and specially made for you – dessert! The captain pulls anchor and sets sail in search of the migrating whales before heading back to St. Paul Harbor.
The yacht can accommodate 6 guests so everyone will have an opportunity to grab the best seat on the boat – bow, stern or on the top deck with the captain as he navigates the waters off Kodiak Island and points out history and nautical lore.
This 3.5 hours cruisin’ cuisine begins at 6:00 and return to the harbor around 9:30 pm. Casual all-weather clothing and comfortable shoes is acceptable. And don’t forget the camera!
Fly and Spin Fishing
 Off the road fresh water and streams fishing $225 – 249
When you fall in a river, you are no longer a fisherman, you are a swimmer.
Off the 100-mile road system are several fresh water lakes and streams to spin or fly fish. Novice as well as die-hard anglers will agree the fishing is the best for Dolly Varden all summer long; rainbow trout, steelhead, silver, red, and pink salmon when in season July and August. Don’t be surprised if you are joined by roaming buffalo, wild horses or an occasional brown bear.
Your personal fishing guide will use their transportation to the favorite fishing hole for a full day at fishing, hiking and exploration. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced fly angler, the fly fishing guide provides instructions for casting, tying and developing the skills and techniques.
Like a golfer with his own set of clubs and the bowler with his ball, the fishing rods and lures to a fly fisherman are highly specialized and are carried along in a protected case. Every charter company offers something different: fishing equipment, tackle and apparel as part of the tour package or as a rental service. Kodiak Adventures will confirm what is offered or needed before you start packing. If however you need last-minute gear, Kodiak Adventures has all-weather gear for rental should you forget something. Come down to the Reservation Desk for a selection.
Lunch and beverages are provided. A restroom is no further than the closest secluded tree.
 .
ATV Excursions
 ATV Excursion: fly fishing and scenic excursion $275 - 310
Over hills and through the creeks, the journey is part of the excursion.
This full-day outing is chock-full of adventure. So sit back, hold on and enjoy the wondrous scenery of Kodiak Island along with a few creatures - brown bears, deer, goats, elk, buffalo, eagles and ducks – who may be cross your path at any given moment. The guide will find enough things to do with the group (a size of no more than 8) whether it is sightseeing, fly fishing or being a spectator. Have the camera ready!
There are several tour operators who offer all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours. Their equipment is not, however, the same. One may offer a single driver only (no passengers), another may offer a single driver with companion on the back seat, and a third company offers a double-seater vehicle built like a golf cart however more durable for the rough terrain.
All the tour operators require the driver to be at least 18 years of age and possess a driver’s license. Everyone will go through a safety and driving instruction before starting in the morning. This will be an early-to-rise morning as the guides often gather around 7:30 am for an 8 to 10-hour day and up to
40+ miles round trip on the ATV trails. In the morning, guests must be prepared to drive 20 miles down Chiniak Highway to the starting point at American River junction, as the tour companies do not provide transportation.
If you are after fish, Dolly Vardens lead off the season starting a strong showing in June. By July, rainbow trout, steelhead, various species of salmon begin to tempt the angler at casting the fly rod or spinner reel into the waters in hopes to pull back a trophy. August – the streams are teaming with silvers and pinks. The guide will work with those needing instruction and by the end of the day will have everyone from a novice up on a level confidence and be ‘at one’ with the surroundings and the catch-of-the-day.
Here’s how it works: when Kodiak Adventures confirms the booking, the tour operator will provides a list of things he provides with the excursion, such as waders, fishing tackle and equipment. Some operators rents the equipment for a nominal rental fee. Once the Tour Desk knows who you booked with, a What-to-Pack List will be provided. Everyone should be prepared to bring warm all-weather gear, water-proof boots and warm socks when not in the waders. This is a muddy day, so do not plan towear your best designer wilderness outfit!
Island City-Tour
4-Hour Island City-Tour __ ___$116
Whether you arrive by ferry or air, there is an Island City-Tour that departs every morning at 9:00 AM or mid-afternoon. This comprehensive tour is a great way to see and learn about Kodiak, note the whereabouts of the museums, restaurants and gift stores and, whatever your interest, head back at your leisure and spend more time browsing.
A drive through downtown showcases cannery row and the commercial fish canneries, St. Paul’s Harbor, and The Mall for unique gift stores and restaurants. Then it is up the hill to Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral and seminary, history of the various museums: Alutiiq Museum, the Baranov Museum, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Drive over the Near Island Bridge to the Fisheries Research Center and Touch Tank and view the St. Herman’s Harbor. Through the neighborhood of Mission Road and Rezanof Street, the guide then enters Ft. Abercrombie State Historical Park. Here is an opportunity to view the military’s presence during World War II as it remains a legacy amongst the moss-covered Sitka spruce trees and beautifully kept recreational park (hiking, birding, tide pooling, and camping). Weather permitting, no tour would be complete without a stop at a vista point.
Museum Pass – Included in your Island City-Tour ticket is a Museum Pass. At the time you book the tour, you will be given a choice from 3 museums and if time permits after your Island City-Tour, ask the tour guide to drop you off at the front door. Otherwise, head back to the museum at another time and enjoy it at your leisure. You will pick up the Museum Pass at the Kodiak Adventures Reservation Desk upon your arrival into Kodiak.
 1) “Cama’i ~ Hello” from the Alutiiq Museum preserves and shares the traditions of Kodiak Island’s first settlers, the Alutiiq people. This state-of-the-art facility features a display gallery, storage for sensitive artifacts, and a research laboratory. Exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and contemporary art explore Alutiiq heritage, and illustrate how traditions continue in the twenty first century. This summer, the museum will feature Giinaquq: Like a Face- an exhibition of rare ceremonial masks collected from Kodiak Alutiiq communities in 1872. The exhibition is collaboration with Chateaux Musée of Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, who cares for the masks today. The museum has a wonderful gift shop showcasing native handcrafted art, jewelry and apparel.
 2) This summer, the Baranov Museum is celebrating their 200th year with special events throughout the spring and summer. The oldest Russian-era (1784-1867) structure remaining in Alaska is the three-story log building known as the Erskine House, named after Wilbur J. Erskine who purchased the house in 1911.The original name for the building – Baranov - is related to its historic use, the first administrative center of the Russian empire in North America, the Russian-American Company.
Since 1954, the Kodiak Historical Society has collected approximately 2,100 objects of Kodiak’s natural and cultural heritage, along with approximately 22,000 archived photographs and documents for display in the museum. The museum has a wonderful gift shop with authentic art and crafts made in Russia.
3) Kodiak Military History Museum is located at Miller Point inside Ft. Abercrombie State Historical Park. Open Saturday and Sunday only 1 to 4 PM or by appointment (reserve two weeks in advance).
 Started in 1999, the museum maintains a central repository/archive to preserve and exhibit military related records, photographs, documents, technology and equipment. The museum is housed in an ammunition bunker at Miller Point.
We encourage you to go to each of the museum’s websites for further information, exhibit schedules, events planned for the summer. In the case of the Kodiak Military History Museum there is a comprehensive website offering personal stories, photographs and graphic details submitted by those who fought in the Aleutian Islands-Kodiak Island campaigns.
Trek the Hills on Bikes
Bicycle Rental $45 for a 24-hour period
Maintained in good condition, the Hardrock bicycle offers durability and utility whether on a city street or the toughest trails. Price includes a helmet, pad lock and city map. A trail guidebook is available for $9.00. The guidebook is useful for hiking trails or mountain trails. Ft. Abercrombie, Near Island, and Pillar Mountain are a few of the trails suitable for bicycles and hiking.
Bear Viewing and Flight Seeing Tours
 Bear Viewing and Flightseeing Tours Several operators offer different packages. The prices of those packages are listed below. The charter is conducted with a knowledgable guide.
Myth: Kodiak brown bears wander the streets of Kodiak.
Fact: Kodiak brown bears can be observed wandering along the streams, hiking trails and mountain terrain that can begin 5 to 10 miles outside the city limits, however not downtown Kodiak. Precautions must be made when seeking out the bears and there are enough “how to” guide books to study before attempting to view them on your own.
Air service companies have taken the caution on viewing bears on your own off your worry list and set up flightseeing bear viewing tours designed to view the Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the season (as early as May), the sows are out of hibernation with their new cubs and a thrill to watch through the summer as ‘life’s lessons’ of survival begin early.
Amount |
Hours |
Description |
$ 265 |
1 hour |
Starting July 4th weekend through August, this exclusive, 1-hour Scenic Floatplane flight will include flying over Afognak Island to view the village of Afognak (washed out in the 1964 tidal wave) and the Danger Bay logging camp.
Experience the thrill of landing in Kitoi Bay teaming with pink salmon returning to spawn. Hatchery crew laying out net pens while commercial fishermen begin to yield a harvest. Wherever there are salmon, there are brown bears, and they are easily viewed from the deck of the floatplane.
Return to Trident Basin by way of Monk’s Lagoon and the former monastery for Father Herman (1757-1836). He was canonized as Saint Herman by the Orthodox Church in 1970. |
$265 |
1 hour |
This 1-hour scenic flight over Kodiak Island or Afognak Island, to view the wildlife (mountain goats, brown bears and Sitka blacktail deer and elk), native villages, fishing set net sites, whales and scenic mountain ranges and mainland can be seen is spectacular.
|
$360 |
2.5 hours |
The 2½ hour flight offers an exhilarating scenery of the island via a floatplane. View the wildlife of Kodiak including goats, elk, possibly brown bears. Fly over the commercial fishing operation, set nets sites, native villages and old Afognak Village. Marine life may include sea lions, otters, whales and birds always make it a popular photo opportunity. A water landing at a remote beach midway through the trip is a highlight; light snacks provided during the break.
|
$495 |
4 hours |
Beginning in May and June, and as late as August and September, Katmai National Park is a popular viewing area for Kodiak brown bears. A 60-minute flight across Shelikof Straits to the mainland of Alaska to the Park. Whales in migration may be seen this time of year in the Straits. The pilot finds a cluster of bears (from the air) then touches down in one of the many bays. Wade ashore and have up to 2-hours on the ground to get up close and personal with the bears as they dig for clams, enjoy freshly grown vegetation and enrich their diet with salmon coming in the spawn. Depending on the air service companies, a light snacks and beverages or a full lunch is provided on the return flight. The nearest restroom is the closet secluded rock nearby.
|
$489 |
4 hours |
Come July, the air service companies fly 30-minutes to the southeast side of the island to Frazer Lake to view the brown bears. Enroute, the pilot points out goats and deer along with wilderness lodges and the legacy of the fishing industries’ now closed canneries. Once the floatplane touches down on the lake, there is a three-quarter mile walk (semi-rough terrain) to the fish weirs and ladder installed by the Department of Fish and Game (to monitor the salmon coming in to spawn.) Guests have an opportunity to sit on a bluff overlooking the weir and have a view of the river and perhaps a fly fisherman working his craft. Naturally, the brown bears, sows and her cubs gather for their breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests will be on the ground for about 2 hours. A restroom is provided in the form of an outhouse. Depending on the air service company, light snacks and beverages or a full lunch is provided on the return flight.
|
Kayak Kingdom through a Kaleidoscope
The waters surrounding Kodiak Island is a treasure chest of marine and wildlife ready to be explored from the low advantage point of a kayak. Hoping to cross the path of whales (humpback, fin, gray, orca) sea otters, Steller sea lions, and dozens of species of pelagic birds in their natural habitat would be one of a highlight of any kayakers’ day. Not to mention the scenic mystic of the morning fog or misty rain offers a backdrop for photographers to capture the memorable landscape and cloud formations. The brilliance of a sunshiny day is always welcomed!
Experienced naturalist guides assess the weather and tides to determine the best location to launch the kayaks into the bay. Snacks and beverages provided on a half day charter, a lunch on a full-day excursion.
|
|
City-Islands loop - paddle in and amongst the boats in the St. Paul and St. Herman harbors, docks and canneries; pass by Gull and Uski Islands, then alongside Near Island before returning to your starting point. The charter is ideal for a quick overview of the city and its marine wildlife of Steller sea lions, sea otters, eagles and assorted sightings of birds.
|
$183 |
8 hours |
Nearby bays - launch the crafts at nearby Mill Bay, Ft. Abercrombie State Historical Park or Mission Bay - not very far from the downtown yet remote enough to feel the serenity and passion of Mothers’ natural habitat. The crowning achievement of this charter would be to make it to Woody Island and back.
|
$183 |
8 hours |
Drive and Paddle - from downtown on the Chiniak Highway - Anton Larsen Bay (45 minute drive), Women’s Bay (30 minute drive) or Middle Bay (45 minutes) offer excellent shallow waters to assemble and depart from – each pristine wilderness, sheltered waters and unusual geology. Depending on the ‘conditions’ of the day and skill level of the guests, this could be a half or full day charter.
|
$265 |
8 hours |
Boat and float for 8 Hours. Departs out of the downtown harbor, the boat captain start early in the morning and head out to Long Island as it stand sentinel with high cliffs and secluded bays. Launched off the backside of the boat, the kayakers and naturalist guide will discover the marine wildlife in its fullest glory, spring flowers lasting into summer and remnants of World War II legacy of abandoned bunkers, cannons and moss-covered observation posts. Besides Long Island there are also Icon Bay, Eider Island, Neva Cove. |
Overnight expeditions are available. There are 2-day and 3-day trips that all have the same thing in common – paddle, view and admire the beauty of the Alaska islands from the prospective of a participant and protector of Mother Earth wonderment. For more information and prices, just ask at the Kodiak Reservation Tour Desk.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket or windbreaker, hiking boots or sneakers, wool socks, synthetic fabrics clothing wear, energy bars. Techie stuff: binoculars, camera (with zoom lens) and film, video camera, and batteries. Medications: seasickness medication and/or personal medication. Things to leave behind: cotton clothing, jeans, kitchen sink.
top |
