Scenic boat tours departing from Homer, Alaska
Seldovia Wildlife Tour
What to Expect on Your
Seldovia Wildlife Tour
Embark on a full-day adventure across Kachemak Bay with exceptional wildlife viewing, dramatic coastal scenery, and time to explore the charming seaside town of Seldovia. This 6.5-hour tour is a great fit for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience the best of Alaska’s wildlife and local history in one unforgettable day, with our knowledgeable crew sharing stories and insights about Kachemak Bay’s ecosystems, regional history, and marine life as you cruise aboard the Discovery or Rainbow Connection.
Tour Itinerary
Departure from Homer
Check in with your captain, board the boat, and cruise out of Homer Harbor into Kachemak Bay for a day of wildlife exploration.
Gull Island Bird Rookery
Stop at Gull Island, a thriving seabird rookery with thousands of birds like puffins, kittiwakes, cormorants, and guillemots. Bald eagles are common here too.
Cruise Through Eldred Passage
Continue through scenic Eldred Passage, watching for sea otters, sea ducks, and sometimes whales and other marine life. Your crew shares local history and wildlife insights along the way.
Explore Seldovia
Arrive in Seldovia around 1:00 PM for about 2 hours to explore, grab lunch, walk the boardwalk, visit the museum, or enjoy nearby trails.
Return Journey
Depart Seldovia around 3:00–3:30 PM and head back toward Homer, typically arriving around 5:00 PM (wildlife sightings can extend the return).
Book Your Wildlife Tour
65′ Rainbow Connection
Rainbow Connection is our 65′ Hoquiam-built tour boat (1990), offering comfortable, stable cruising out of Homer. Powered by twin diesel John Deeres (1052 HP), she cruises at 13.5 knots (16 mph) with a top speed of 18 knots (21 mph). Rainbow Connection is the primary vessel for Seldovia Tours and Kachemak Bay tours, and is also available for weddings and special events.
6.5 Hour Trip
Departures: 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM daily, starting in late May
Stops: Gull Island Bird Rookery, Eldred Passage, Seldovia
Tour Type: Scenic boat tours departing from Homer, Alaska. Great for families and wildlife lovers!
75′ Discovery
Discovery is our 75′ Delta-built tour boat (1986), designed for comfortable cruising out of Homer. Powered by twin diesel John Deeres (1150 HP), she cruises at 13.5 knots (16 mph) with a top speed of 18 knots (21 mph). Discovery is a primary vessel for Seldovia Tours and Kachemak Bay tours, and is also available for weddings and special events.
6.5 Hour Trip
Departures: 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM daily, starting in late May
Stops: Gull Island Bird Rookery, Eldred Passage, Seldovia
Tour Type: Scenic boat tours departing from Homer, Alaska. Great for families and wildlife lovers!
Why Our Seldovia Wildlife Tour?
- Incredible Wildlife: Watch for sea otters, whales, bald eagles, puffins, cormorants, and other coastal Alaskan wildlife.
- Great for All Ages: A fun, relaxed trip for families, birders, and anyone who loves being on the water.
- Kachemak Bay Scenery: Cruise the stunning waters of Kachemak Bay with sweeping views of mountains, islands, and shoreline.
- Crew Commentary: Learn about local ecology, history, and culture from our knowledgeable crew along the way.
- Time in Seldovia: Enjoy free time in Seldovia to explore town, soak in the vibe, and take in the views.
More Information
You can learn more about this tour on our dedicated tour site at rainbowtours.net, or visit Seldovia town website to plan your activities.
What to Bring
Weather in Kachemak Bay can change quickly, from warm sunshine to cool wind and rain, so please dress for a variety of conditions.
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Warm layers (a waterproof jacket is recommended)
- Hat and gloves
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Seldovia
- Lunch, snacks, and drinks (pack a picnic if you’d like)
- Strollers are welcome and can be handy for little ones
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard
Plenty of onboard storage is available, and you’re welcome to leave extra items on the boat while you explore Seldovia