Alaska Marine Wildlife & Glacier Hikes with Bay Excursions

Homer, Alaska, sitting on the edge of Kachemak Bay where the Kenai Peninsula dips into the Gulf of Alaska, offers an unparalleled gateway to both marine wildlife encounters and alpine adventure. Bay Excursions has carved out a local reputation for its expert-led Marine Wildlife Tours and Glacier Lake Hikes, delivering immersive experiences that tap directly into southern Alaska’s rugged wilds without losing accessibility.

On the water, their Marine Wildlife Tour opens a window into the dynamic marine ecosystem. Captained by Rex Rempel, a longtime local with birding expertise and unmatched familiarity with the bay’s seasonal shifts, guests can expect to meet sea otters, harbor seals, and pods of orca or humpback whales depending on the season. The calm waters of Kachemak Bay frame dramatic peaks and glacial fjords, offering close, respectful wildlife viewing while minimizing environmental impact.

The Glacier Lake Hike branches inland from Homer’s coast, climbing to pristine, ice-carved tarns surrounded by steep ridges shaped by millennia of glaciation. These hikes weave through dense stands of sitka spruce and alder, offering the chance to spot bald eagles or mountain goats. The trails balance challenge with stunning payoff—whether hiking clear alpine routes or pausing at crystal-clear waters tinted by glacial flour.

Bay Excursions’ blend of marine and mountain adventures uniquely positions them within Alaska’s outdoor scene. Their hands-on knowledge emphasizes safety, local ecology, and authentic interaction with the landscape, helping visitors gain a grounded understanding of the region’s natural rhythms. For travelers drawn to active, educational trips that highlight both sea and summit, Bay Excursions is a standout operator in Homer.

Whether watching whales breach against fjord walls or tracing glacier-fed streams below snow-dusted peaks, these experiences underscore Alaska’s wild heart in vivid detail, accessible from a friendly hub community that still feels deeply connected to the land and sea it relies upon.