Sea to Tree Tour
The edge of Alaskan wilderness…
Explore one of the most biodiverse places in Alaska on this full-day natural history tour at the Peterson Bay Field Station. This small-group excursion allows you to experience Kachemak Bay from the ocean to the forest. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious adventurers, the 7-hour Sea to Tree Tour provides an unforgettable journey through tidepools, coastal forests, and much more.
Situated on the southern shore of Kachemak Bay and accessible by boat from Homer, the Field Station provides access to remote wilderness teeming with wildlife. With a mix of exploration and hands-on learning, it's a perfect way for children, teens, and adults alike to connect with nature. Our naturalists tailor the experience to suit a variety of ages and interests, ensuring everyone leaves with new knowledge and unforgettable memories.
What to Expect
Explore Rocky Tidepools: Guided by our naturalists, you’ll explore rocky tidepools teeming with marine life. From sea stars and sea urchins to colorful anemones and crabs, you’ll discover the hidden lifeforms that thrive in this dynamic environment.
Hike in Coastal Forests: Wander among towering trees, moss-covered ground, and the verdant flora that defines this region. Our knowledgeable guides will explain how this forest differs from others in Alaska and the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and people. This tour requires several miles of hiking on potentially slippery, uneven terrain.
Touch Tanks & Aquaria: Get hands-on with marine life! Our touch tanks and aquaria offer an up-close look at the creatures that inhabit Peterson Bay’s waters. Feel the textures of sea stars, chitons, and other fascinating species, and learn about ongoing environmental monitoring at the Field Station.
Marine Wildlife: Cruise along Kachemak Bay’s islands to visit thriving seabird colonies, and watch for marine mammals as you travel to the Field Station. Observe puffins and other migratory seabirds nesting in the cliffs, and spot otters and seals slipping through the water.
Why You’ll Love It
Guided Excursion: Our knowledgeable naturalists are passionate about Alaska’s ecosystems and dedicated to providing an engaging, informative experience for all ages.
Hands-On Learning: Get up close and personal with local marine life and coastal ecosystems, making this a memorable and educational experience.
Sustainable Adventure: Our tours emphasize conservation, stewardship, and respect for the natural world. By booking a tour with us, you’re supporting our ongoing work to protect these critical ecosystems for generations to come. Learn more.
Semi-Remote Location: Experience Alaska off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and in a ruggedly beautiful natural environment. Guests depart by boat from the Homer Spit and arrive at the edge of Alaskan wilderness.
Plan Your Visit
Key Details:
Tour Duration: Full Day (Approx. 6-8 hours)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Suitable for all fitness levels, but not recommended for those with limited mobility)
What to Bring: Rain gear, waterproof boots and/or hiking boots, lunch, water bottle, camera/binoculars, and a sense of adventure!
Family-Friendly: All ages welcome!
Price
Adults (age 12+): $195
Children (ages 2-11): $125
Senior (ages 65+): $175
Infant (ages 2 and under): $35
Dates
Available June-September.
Departing: 8:00am
Returning: Between 3:00-4:00pm
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This is a full-day tour of the Peterson Bay Field Station and surrounding area. It highlights local wildlife havens, intertidal animals, and the forest ecosystem around the Field Station managed by the Seldovia Native Association. It requires about 3 miles of hiking through potentially slippery, uneven terrain.
Departure location: Ramp 2 at the Homer Harbor. Please meet us at the Coastal Studies Yurt on the Spit at the top of Ramp 2.
Due to the rustic nature of the Field Station and surrounding trails, this excursion is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
The majority of this tour will take place outside. Please dress for the weather, mosquitos, and expect cooler and wetter conditions than forecasted! In case of inclement weather, there is ample covered and indoor space at the Field Station.
Lunch is not provided. Please bring your own food. We also suggest you bring a water bottle, waterproof boots and rain gear, and binoculars and/or a camera.
This location is on the edge of Alaskan wilderness, where cell phone service may be limited or unavailable. Our naturalists carry communication devices to use in case of emergencies
This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests to run. If by some chance you are the only person registered, you will be notified and have the option to cancel or rebook.
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What happens if the weather prevents the tour from running?
It is highly unlikely that Homer’s typical summer weather would prevent a boat from leaving harbor. Even in the rain, the seas are usually calm enough to still experience the tour. Our boat captains are extremely experienced and knowledgable, and we defer to their judgement calls regarding weather and ocean conditions. In the unlikely event a tour cannot run due to weather, you will be notified in advance and given the opportunity to rebook or receive a refund.
Will I see glaciers on the tour?
The primary glacier visible in the Kenai Mountains from Kachemak Bay is Grewingk Glacier. It is a valley glacier which ends in a lake situated a few miles from the shoreline. It is visible from a distance in many parts of Homer. Due to the geography of the bay and our usual route, we cannot cruise the face of the glacier, and it is difficult to see Grewignk on the way to or from Peterson Bay. If weather permits, you may view alpine glaciers and snowpack from the boat in the Kenai Mountains’ Grewingk-Woznazinski Glacial Complex. No glaciers are visible from the Peterson Bay Field Station.
Will I see whales or bears on the tour?
While we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings during the tour, we will be traveling through wildlife hotspots. Our boat captains communicate with other vessels in the area about recent marine wildlife sightings including Humpback whales, Minke whales, Orcas, and other species of note. Our naturalists communicate about any major wildlife sightings on the trails around Peterson Bay for safety reasons only–we will not intentionally seek out bears or other wildlife on this tour.
Will I get seasick?
You will be traveling through the protected waters of Kachemak Bay where the chance of seasickness is generally low. If you are prone to any kind of motion sickness, we recommend taking an over-the-counter motion sickness medication (like Dramamine) prior to the tour.