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Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Refuge

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

USA
4.7
(850 reviews)
2
Tours Available
$0 (visitor center), $50-$200 (tours)
Adult Entry
Half day
Recommended Duration
May-September
Best Time

Overview

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning collection of islands, rocks, and pinnacles stretching from the northern limit of the Gulf of Alaska to the Bering Strait. It's a sanctuary for seabirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife.

It provides critical habitat for millions of seabirds and marine mammals. The refuge is also home to over 40 species of birds, including puffins, murres, and kittiwakes.

Nature Reserve Birdwatching Spot

Location

Address

95 Sterling Highway, Homer, Alaska

Neighborhood: Homer Spit

Coordinates

59.662300, -151.516500

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
tuesday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Admission

Adults
$0 (visitor center), $50-$200 (tours)
Children
$0 (visitor center), $25-$100 (tours)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Calm waters, active wildlife

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
3 hours
Recommended
Half day
Full Experience
Multi-day trip

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Cool to mild

  • • Spring migration
  • • Puffin arrivals

summer

Warm

  • • Long daylight hours
  • • Whale watching

autumn

Cool

  • • Fall migration
  • • Stellar sea lion pupping

winter

Cold

  • • Northern lights
  • • Winter wildlife

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Check weather conditions
  • Book tours in advance
  • Dress in layers

What to Bring

essential

Binoculars Camera Waterproof clothing

recommended

Warm hat and gloves Sunscreen Snacks

seasonal

Swimsuit (summer) Ice cleats (winter)

not allowed

Drones (without permit) Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate to high (depending on activity)

  • • Hypothermia risk
  • • Sun exposure

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit card

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

tours $50-$200
parking $5
food $10-$20

Dress Code

Weather-appropriate clothing, Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, Waterproof boots, Inappropriate clothing for weather

Booking Tips

  • • At least 1-2 months for popular tours
  • • Official website or local tour operators
  • • Varies by tour operator
  • • Book tours in advance

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Alaska Wildlife

Size: 100 MB

Features: Map, Tour information, Wildlife guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Kenai Municipal Airport

Distance: 50 miles

Travel Time: 1.5 hours

car
Varies 1.5 hours
taxi
$100-$150 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 0 miles (located in Homer)

walking
$0 15 min
biking
$0 10 min
car
Varies 5-10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes

Historical Significance: Important for local fishing and cultural heritage

Insider Tips

  • Best whale watching is early morning
  • Local seafood is a must-try
  • Visitor center has great exhibits

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center
  • • Try local seafood
  • • Talk to local fishermen for insider knowledge

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Marmot Island

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture birds in flight

Result: Stunning bird photography

#AlaskaWildlife #Birdwatching

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas
prohibited areas Designated wildlife protection zones
flash photography Not allowed with wildlife
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Permit required
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Homer Spit

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 min

Type: Scenic walkway

Bear Creek Winery

Distance: 5 miles

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Winery

Preston Beach

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 40 min

Type: Beach

Reviews

4.7

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book tours in advance"
  • "Visit early for best wildlife viewing"
  • "Bring warm layers"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

2

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

850

Adult Entry

$0 (visitor center), $50-$200 (tours)

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