15 Incredible Eco-Tourism Adventures That You Can Have On The Kenai

Credit: Dan Friend

Not only do we have a multitude of exceptional businesses on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground, but the entire state of Alaska is known for having some of the best tourism outfits on the entire planet. You see, what makes these companies truly stand out from the crowd is the fact that they don’t only care about their employees and visitors from all around the world, but they are also wildly passionate about Mother Nature. With care, compassion and concern for our planet both today and in the future, these businesses stand out for their dedication to sustainability. On top of all that “feel good” stuff, each and every one of these businesses offers a truly extraordinary way for visitors from all around the globe to experience the mighty last frontier. To learn more about the program that certifies green tourism businesses in Alaska, click HERE.

Credit: Jae Yoon

1: Alaska Rivers Company – Cooper Landing

As one of the longest established outfitters on the Upper Kenai River, Alaska Rivers Company has a solid reputation of supreme satisfaction. Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely float while soaking in beautiful views of birds and wildlife, or you want to reel in fish from sun up until sun down – they have you covered. Spend your night in a private, peaceful log cabin away from all of the crowds.

Facebook – Alaska Rivers Company

Address: Mile 50, Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing, AK 99572. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

2: Alaska Stillpoint Lodge – Halibut Cove

Located just across the bay from Homer, this beautiful wilderness escape will completely captivate your mind and relax your soul. Enjoy secluded log cabins surrounded by nature with awe-inspiring views overlooking Kachemak Bay. Unlimited outdoor adventures await your active lifestyle, plus you’ll enjoy the delicious cuisine and flavorful cocktails that you’ll get to indulge in come nightfall. Stillpoint Lodge can only be accessed by water taxi or air, enhancing the feel of a private island getaway.

Facebook – Stillpoint Lodge

Address: 46877 Stillpoint Trail, Halibut Cove, AK 99603. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

3: Alaska Travel Adventures – Juneau, Anchorage

Alaska Travel Adventures is basically your one-stop-shop for all types of fun and adventure in the Last Frontier. This travel agency will assist you in planning your dream Alaska vacation, from luxury cruises to independent land excursions (and just about everything in between). From land to sea, they have you covered!

Facebook – Alaska Travel Adventures

Address: 9085 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

4: Alaska Wildland Adventures – Cooper Landing

Alaska Wildland Adventures offers multiple different environmentally responsible, lodge-based, small group travel adventures throughout the Kenai Peninsula and beyond. For over 40 years they have been offering top-notch Alaska vacation packages, adventure tours and wilderness lodge experiences that are guaranteed to create lifelong memories.

Facebook – Alaska Wildland Adventures

For a complete look at their website with many different location addresses, click HERE.

5: Bear Paw Adventure Lodging – Anchor Point

From comfortable Alaskan log-cabin style lodging, to awe-inspiring bear viewing excursions and epic fishing trips. If you are look for one of the most fun and memorable vacations of your life, this option is sure to deliver greatness. Their mission is to provide the finest first-class Alaska hospitality experience to their highly valued and cherished guests.

Facebook – Bear Paw Adventure – Lodging Fishing Bear Viewing, Kenai Peninsula Alaska

Address: 72450 Camai Road, Anchor Point, AK 99556.  Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

6: Chugach Adventures – Girdwood

Offering absolutely epic rafting and canoe trips in the Turnagain Arm area of Alaska’s scenic Seward Byway. Enjoy paddling around icebergs on Spencer Lake or canoeing to your hearts content up the Placer River. This experience is filled with high-energy, knowledgeable guides and non-stop fun.

Facebook – Chugach Adventures

Address: 1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

7: Diamond M Ranch – Kenai

Diamond M Ranch Resort is not only highly involved with the local community, but they are also involved in sustainable agriculture and assuring that they provide a top-notch guest experience. With an award-winning RV Park, beautiful apartment-style suites with views and lots of cabins to choose from – all on an 80 acre working ranch. This third-generation family operation is dedicated to providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to every guest that comes through.

Facebook – Diamond M Ranch Resort

Address: 48500 Diamond M Ranch Road,  Kenai, AK 99611. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

8: Great Alaska Adventures – Sterling & Outlying Areas

What originally began as a sport fishing destination has now become one of Alaska’s oldest and most well-respected lodging operations. Today they continue to offer first-class fishing trips in addition to bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, rafting, mountain biking and plenty of combination adventures to boot. Plus we have a feeling that you’ll never sleep as soundly as you do here!

Facebook – Great Alaska Adventures

Address: 33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

9: Jason’s Guide Service – Cooper Landing

If your summer plans consist of screaming, “FISH ON” then we recommend giving Jason a shout. As an experienced Kenai River fishing guide, he will lead you on fully-guided trips for rainbow trout, dolly varden char, sockeye, silver salmon and more. With over 20 years of experience in the area, he’ll know how to show you the time of your life.

Facebook – Jason’s Guide Service

Address: Mile Marker 48, Cooper Landing, AK 99572. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

10: Kayak Adventures Worldwide – Seward

Get ready to scream, “kaw kaw!” Short for Kayak Adventures Worldwide, of course. Head to Seward to hop on your exclusive eco adventure out into the shores of Resurrection Bay. This small operation has professional, highly knowledgeable guides that will lead you on some of the most jaw-dropping adventures into the Kenai Fjords National Park and beyond.

Facebook – Kayak Adventures Worldwide

Address: 328 3rd Avenue, Seward, AK 99664. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

11: Kenai Fjords Tours – Seward

Time and time again this enchanting excursion that leads through the shores of Resurrection Bay into the glorious Kenai Fjords National Park, has been rated as the top must-do attraction in all of Alaska.  Hop on your scenic day cruise and enjoy a fully guided trip as the highly knowledgeable captain naturalizes the entire journey. Watching glaciers calving, humpback whales breaching and endless wildlife and nature viewing from start to finish. Plus, the yummy lunch and warm cookies will keep you feeling full of energy throughout the entire trip.

Facebook – Kenai Fjords Tours

Address: 1304 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

12: Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge – Fox Island

Head to Seward and go across the bay to the magical destination known as Fox Island, located in the middle of Resurrection Bay. Here you will find the absolutely beautiful Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy a private island experience with comfortable rooms, friendly guest service and delicious dining. You’ll love the peacefulness that this secluded property offers, plus you’re just minutes away from the renowned Kenai Fjords National Park

Facebook – Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

Address: Fox Island / Resurrection Bay, 12 nautical miles southeast of Seward, Seward, AK 99664. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

13: Orca Island Cabins – Humpy Cove

Where glamour meets camping, you’ll find Orca Island Cabins on a perfectly peaceful private island in Humpy Cove. These eco-friendly cabin style yurts offer one of the most wow-worthy summertime ‘glamping’ experiences throughout the entire state of Alaska. Spend the day paddle boarding or kayaking around the shores of Resurrection Bay, or enjoy whale watching, birding, yoga, wildlife viewing, beach combing or just sitting back and soaking in the award-winning views.

Facebook – Orca Island Cabins

Address: Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK 99664. A 45 minute boat ride to Orca Island from Seward begins your adventure in style. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

14: Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures – Seward

This three-hour zipline tour through the Alaskan rainforest canopy offers nothing but fun and laughter from start to finish. The guides are filled with knowledge and non-stop high energy. They will not only work hard to assure that you are safe and comfortable, but they’ll give you that little ‘push off the ledge’ when you’re needing a little extra nudge. This is a family-friendly adventure that everyone will enjoy. Soar through the tree tops and enjoy spectacular wilderness views in the distance. Plus on a clear day, you might even be rewarded with a spectacular glacier view in the distance!

Facebook – Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures

Address: 1304 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

15: Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking – Seward

Hop on a sea kayak and get ready to experience a place of turquoise blue waters, tidewater and hanging glaciers, islands of protected coves and rugged cliffs teeming with whales and puffins under glorious bluebird skies. When you experience this wow-worthy adventure with such wonderful guides, you’ll get way more than just a trip into the notoriously scenic Kenai Fjords National Park. This is one trip that will captivate your heart and make you fall madly in love with The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground on a whole new level.

Facebook – Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking – Seward, Alaska

Address: 1304 B 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664. Plug your GPS in HERE for directions from your current location.

RV, Flightsee, Hospitality; New 2016 Recommendations!

Hey friends! Have you picked up your new 2016 Kenai Peninsula Discovery Guide yet? If not, please reach out to us HERE and let us know if we can send you one. We would love the opportunity to help you plan your 2016 dream vacation to The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground.

Photo Credit: Anurag Singh

With the start of the new year we have some new incredible recommendations to share with our beloved friends and visitors to Alaska’s Playground. Of course, this is just a small list of some newly discovered treasures that range from RV Parks, to Flight-seeing Tours to amazing Hospitality Hot Spots.

Photo from M. Draper Photography on the Kenai River

As you surely already know, we could easily ramble on for hours with hundreds upon hundreds of recommendations for things to do and places to stay on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. But these (listed below in alphabetical order) are just some of our newest finds that we are sure you will love just as much as we do. And if you want some more suggestions, remember that you can reach out to us anytime by visiting our website at http://www.kenaipeninsula.org.

Photo from Kevin Boutwell in Ressurection Bay in Seward, AK

Let’s kick this awesome list off with our friends at AA Seward Air Tours in Seward, Alaska. AA Seward Air Tours offers scenic flights over glaciers, fjords and mountains near Seward, Alaska. If wildlife is what you are after, you are sure to see lots of it on your tour with AA Seward Air Tours. If you are in need of an air taxi to a remote location, AA Seward Air Tours is a great option to call for this service as well.

Photo from AA Seward Air Tours.

The owner, Jim Craig has been flying for well over 12 years and his wife Maria ads greatly to the team with her charming personality and worldly knowledge. Safety and comfort are the primary concerns at AA Seward Air Tours so in addition to offering once in a lifetime memories on their trips, guests can relax and feel at ease knowing that they are in safe hands. If escaping the crowds and enjoying amazing aerial vistas isn’t already on your 2016 bucket list, we certainly recommend putting it on there. And when you do, be sure to keep AA Seward Air Tours in mind when you are in Seward.

Photo from AA Seward Air Tours.

If you are planning on visiting Alaska this spring or summer and are scheduled to fly into Anchorage and then drive down the beautiful Turnagain Arm to visit the Kenai Peninsula via rental vehicle, we recommend Alaska Car and Van Rentals for your first stop transportation needs. Here you will find a wide variety of vehicles including large vans to fit a full group of people or those traveling with pets or lots of extra luggage.

Another option for those flying into Anchorage and visiting The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground via the Turnagain Arm route would be Alaska Motorhome Rentals. This is the perfect option for those wanting to skip checking into hotels every night and want to have a more casual experience while exploring the Kenai Peninsula. If you have never driven a motorhome before, it’s really no problem at all. All of their motorhomes are Class C “cabovers”, simply a home built on a van chassis, and most of their guests tell them that it’s as easy as driving a car. Freedom never felt so good!

If you end up spending a couple nights in Anchorage before heading down to enjoy the rest of your Alaskan vacation on the Kenai Peninsula, we recommend Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park if you are in a motorhome and want to stay within city limits. They offer a variety of activities and amusements at your doorstep. Located just a few blocks from downtown Anchorage, it offers easy access to Alaska’s largest city. In addition to being near Alaska’s top attractions, this RV Park offer a host of conveniences and amenities. You can be assured of clean restrooms and showers, friendly and courteous staff, water and electric hook-ups, laundromat, a local tour reservation center, and more. They also offer bike and carrier rental package to assure that you are outfitted to the tee before heading down to the Kenai Peninsula.

And if you are not in an RV and are simply in Anchorage a couple of nights before driving or flying down to enjoy the rest of your Alaskan vacation on the Kenai Peninsula, we have a few new hotel recommendations this year including the Alex Hotel & Suites, Anchorage Lofts Hotel, Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage and the Puffin Inn. We have some other Anchorage hotel recommendations as well, but these are the newest on our 2016 radar. 😉

Another great way to visit The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground is via our friends with The Magic Bus. Magic Bus was formed in 1996. Since then they have provided transportation services for corporate groups, local families, weddings, visiting sports teams and year-round individual and group visitors to Alaska. They provide transfers to or from the cruise ports of Whittier and Seward, trips North to Talkeetna and Denali National Park, Alyeska Ski resort and services in Anchorage. They offer vehicle sizes that range from their upscale 11 passenger vehicles, the Limobus style 16 seat motorcoaches, multiple 28 seater mid-size motorcoaches and full size 55 passenger motorcoaches. If you want to visit the Kenai Peninsula via roadway but would rather skip the driving and instead enjoy taking in the sights from start to finish, we definitely recommend The Magic Bus for your shuttle and transportation needs.

Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge in Halibut Cove, Alaska is somewhat like a dream come true destination. “Glorious nature. Delicious food. True Alaskan hospitality.” Soak up the Alaskan wilderness at this intimate, timber framed lodge in the village of Halibut Cove, adjoining the Kachemak Bay State Park. Enjoy three gourmet meals a day, and highly personal attention with majestic scenery, miles of beaches, and secluded salt water coves right out the front door. You can’t beat fun for a good time, and your hosts at the Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge are committed to making your time in Halibut Cove just that fun. In fact, if exceeding expectations is something that you fancy,  we have a feeling that this place is sure to do just that.

In addition to an amazing lodge, delicious food and warm hospitality, Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge offers many different Eco Tours and activities. Imagine this… bear viewing, wildlife tours, flight-seeing, kayaking, guided hiking and fishing! The possibilities for fun truly are endless when you visit Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge.

Alaskan Gamefisher in Soldotna, Alaska offers affordable fishing charters and lodging for halibut and salmon fishing in Cook Inlet and freshwater salmon fishing on the Kenai River. They specialize in multi-day packages. All of their package trips include a full day of fishing including Salmon and/or Halibut in both fresh water and saltwater. The boat, crew, fishing equipment and lodging are all included in these packages. They offer 2 types of Charter for you to choose from – Private or Shared. So you get to choose the exact experience that you want, whether it be quiet and secluded or social and full of group fun. 

Another great option for those visiting The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground to get plenty of fishing in is Bottom Line Charters in Ninilchik, Alaska. Bottom Line Charters offers a group of experienced US Coast Guard licensed charter operators who all posses a lifetime passion for fishing. All of their vessels are very comfortable and offer enclosed and heated cabins, toilet facilities and state of the art electronics for safe navigation and maximum fishing potential in Cook Inlet.

Your trip with Bottom Line Charters will include bait, tackle, fish filleting and top quality rods and reels. Most charters run 6 to 8 hours depending on the tide, weather and package options. The waters of Cook Inlet provide world class salmon and halibut fishing. The average halibut weighs 25 pounds with many caught over 100 pounds. Needless to say, you are in for quite the adventure with Bottom Line Charters and you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Central Charters and Tours in Homer, Alaska let’s you experience the beauty and thrill of Alaska first hand. They offer cruises & tours of Kachemak Bay enroute to historic Seldovia. Eco-friendly sailing tours are offered and a brilliant way to experience the natural beauty that Homer and Kachemak has to offer. They also offer fishing trips including full day, half day and double limit options throughout Kackemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet.

Some other amazing options that you can find at Central Charters and Tours include Bear Viewing, Kayaking, Lodging and Retail Gear for all of you outdoor adventures. Conveniently located about halfway down the spit in Homer, be sure to check out Central Charters and Tours for all of your adventure needs.

Dandy Cabins in Homer, Alaska is a great option for those coming to town who want privacy away from the hotels, yet still want to be close to the airport and the infamous Homer Spit. The Dandy Cabins are a small group of cabins available for daily and weekly rentals. For more information you can visit their website directly or visit them on Facebook to see all the great reviews offered by past guests that have stayed at Dandy Cabins.

Driftwood Inn, Charters, and RV park in Homer, Alaska is another fabulous option for your lodging, fishing, wildlife viewing and RV’ing needs. The Driftwood Inn is a charming, historic, hotel, motel, and Inn located in the heart of Old-Town Homer near the beach in Homer, Alaska. Driftwood Charters offers year-round. With a lifetime of fishing and maritime experience in Alaska waters, their captains strive to make your fishing trip an experience of a lifetime. You can enjoy a day on Kachemak Bay or Cook Inlet with experienced fourth and fifth generation Alaska Captains. Catching fish and having fun is their top priority and they will even take time out if we happen upon some of our spectacular sea life. Their mission is to provide you with a safe, comfortable and “fish-filled” adventure.

The Driftwood Inn RV Park is centrally located in downtown Homer on the bluff above Bishops Beach, just one block away from the Homer Visitor’s Center and Chamber of Commerce. Here, their guests enjoy a convenient, intimate setting, mountain views, peaceful walks along the beach, nearby museums, art galleries, restaurants and a coffee shop. Amenities at the RV park include free showers, free wireless internet, coin-operated washers/dryers, free cable tv with the us of a small cable box, fire pits, picnic tables, fish cleaning station and freezer, water/sewer hookups, electricity and a very convenient in-town location.

Grizzly Ridge Cabins & RV in Cooper Landing, Alaska offers 400 feet of Kenai Riverfront property and spectacular views of majestic mountains that are guaranteed to immerse you in the grandeur of The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. You don’t want a cabin or an RV site in the woods, you want one right on the river! And that is exactly what you will get at Grizzly Ridge Cabins & RV in Cooper Landing. Their cabins sleep 4 persons, 4 twin beds. 1 bathroom/shower, deck with picnic table, grill. Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, Full size gas stove/oven, refrigerator, serving ware, cooking utensils, silverware, cookware. Gas grill, fire pit. Located on a bluff overlooking the river, mountain views of Slaughter Ridge and Cooper Mountains.

The RV Park at Grizzly Ridge offers 8 sites, very affordable nightly rates and the most desirable location that you can imagine (right on the river!). They also have a full convenience store, open 7 days a week in the summertime, that offers a huge selection of food, supplies and all of the Alaska merchandise that you will need to bring home to all of your friends and family.

Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward, Alaska is truly a gem located in a central and convenient location. Harbor 360 Hotel, your gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park in the scenic harbor town of Seward, Alaska. Located directly on the waterfront of the Seward Small Boat Harbor, Harbor 360 Hotel offers guests stunning 360 degree views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding Kenai Mountains. Their spacious, comfortable guest rooms feature two queen beds or one king bed. Guests can enjoy views of the harbor while soaking in the hot tub or swimming in Seward’s only hotel pool. Their rooms include free breakfast featuring a variety of hot and cold items so you can get a great start to your day of Alaskan adventures. Open year-round, be sure to keep Harbor 360 Hotel in mind the next time your travels bring you to Seward, Alaska.

Kenai Magic Lodge in Sterling, Alaska offers amazing Alaska fishing and wilderness adventures located in the center of the Kenai Peninsula. They are located directly on the central stretch of the Kenai River. They offer fishing packages that include river fishing for salmon, deep sea fishing for halibut, lingcod and rockfish, and fly-out fishing excursions as well. They also offer adventures that include bear viewing, kayaking, rafting and glacier cruises.

If lodging is what you need, you will find privacy in your very own rustic log cabin. Kenai Magic Lodge is located on the banks of the Kenai River and surrounded by tall evergreen trees. The cozy cabins provide pleasant surroundings to sit back and enjoy your fishing tales with each other. It is always a good idea to keep Kenai Magic Lodge in mind for all of your Kenai Peninsula lodging and fishing needs!

If getting above it all and making memories that are sure to last a lifetime is what you’re after, we have just the thing for you. Seward Helicopter Tours in Seward, Alaska operates during the summer months giving Glacier Dog Sled Rides and Scenic Helicopter Flights. In the winter time they offer winter dog sled tours and rides. Adventures with Seward Helicopter Tours include a Dog Sled Tour on Goodwin Glacier, Bear Glacier Tour, Glacier Landing and Scenic flights over Seward. If you are looking for the ultimate adventure of a lifetime, we couldn’t possibly recommend Seward Helicopter Tours more. It is a must-do when visiting The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground.

If you’ve been to Homer, Alaska and you are as in love with the coastal beauty as we are, we have a treat that is sure to blow your mind. Located just a boats-ride away from Homer is Halibut Cove, Alaska where you will find Stillpoint Lodge. Just a short trip across breathtaking Kachemak Bay, past towering mountain fjords, is this casual yet luxurious resort lodge nestled on the edge of the Alaskan wilderness. It is a quick getaway from Homer and easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Here you will find cozy cabins that surround a beautiful and inviting lodge. Once you go inside you will find the perfect balance of grand architecture, Alaskan artistry, Scandinavian styling, simple, nature-inspired design, and a hint of Zen… with eco-friendly luxuries and amenities
one may not expect to find in such a setting.

Step outside the lodge and into the pristine wilderness of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay. This designated critical habitat area is home to a remarkably high level of biological activity. Witness playful sea otters up-close in their natural habitat as you launch an ocean kayak or stand up paddleboard right from the private dock at Stillpoint Lodge. Experience a variety of opportunities for watching whales and birds, going bear viewing, tide pooling and world-class fishing,  as well as exploring glaciers and mountains.

Last but certainly not least on our list of new 2016 recommendations is Turning Heads Kennels in Seward, Alaska. Offering Dog Sled Tours on the Kenai Peninsula in Seward, Alaska. The folks at Turning Heads Kennels invite you to join their 11th place Iditarod dog sled team in Seward, Alaska for an iconic Alaskan adventure. They offer both summer & winter dog sled tours and are two-time recipients of best overall dog care awards. If you want to learn about the history of dog sledding in Alaska, you will get a top-notch, professional and informative experience with Turning Heads Kennels.

At Turning Heads Kennels, their sled dogs are the heart and soul of what they do. They pride themselves on having, fun, friendly, and highly energetic dogs. Follow the adventures of Iditarod Musher Travis Beals, Iditarod Hopeful Sarah Stokey and their wonderful family of sled dogs by visiting Turning Heads Kennels the next time that you are in Seward, Alaska.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to learn all about these wonderful people and their amazing businesses on and around The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place with so many passionate people that work hard to provide out-of-this-world experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you have never been to our beautiful neck of the woods, or you are someone who visits annually (or multiple times a year), we invite you to check these incredible local businesses. Happy travels, friends!