Homer Alaska

St. Augustine's Kayak and Tours base their guided sea-kayaking trips in the protected waters of Peterson Bay, just 15 minutes from Homer by water taxi. Well-versed in paddling instruction and natural history, these guides love what they do and live the adventures that they run. The area itself offers diverse kayaking for both beginners and experienced paddlers, from open water to narrow channels, from quiet bays to a wild seabird rookery.

Scott Burbank and Susan Armanditch, who run St. Augustine’s, have been involved in eco-tourism since 1983. They travel widely during the off-season, continuing their passion for sea kayaking all around the Americas. Their tours are organized to take best advantage of fair tidal currents and the protected waters of small inner bays. Watch for the harbor seals that make their home in Peterson Bay. Paddle past coastal homesteads and through oyster farms—a chance to take a closer look at mariculture.

There is no substitute for the full-day paddle to absorb the atmosphere of this amazing place. Take in both Peterson and China Poot Bays, paddling in narrow tidal channels, beside bold sea cliffs, and emerging into more open water. You’ll find archways to navigate and beaches to rest on, as well as short stretch hikes to scenic vistas. Weather permitting, you’ll make a visit to Gull Island, where paddlers get up-close views of thousands of seabirds.

Half-day trips, which are offered twice a day, are excellent for those short on time or tentative about kayaking. A typical half-day paddle may explore the quiet beaches and lagoons of outer Peterson Bay; a trip to Halibut Cove makes for another option. Sometimes the calm morning weather allows for a visit to Gull Island. Or if the tides are perfect, you can paddle through both bays.

addle/hike combinations are available in cooperation with trained naturalists of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. During extreme low tides, St. Augustine’s will drop you off at the center (2 minutes by boat) for a guided hike and intertidal beach hike. When tides aren’t so low, you’ll hike into the boreal forest, learning about plant ecology. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day of paddling with St. Augustine’s.

All tours begin with a thorough orientation on skills and safety. After guides go over pros and cons, paddlers will choose between single and double kayaks. Doubles are roomy and more stable; they facilitate conversation between paddlers, and one person can paddle while the other takes pictures. Singles offer more maneuverability and control. Many young children do best in a double kayak. Also, on average, most lack the upper body strength for a full-day tour.