Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer: Address, Phone Number, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Reviews: 4.5/5
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites • History Museums
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About
This environmental education center offers natural history day tours for all ages that range from the boreal forest of the 104 acre Wynn Nature Center on the north side of Kachemak Bay to the south There, in Peterson Bay guests explore tidepools, a rainforest and an archaeology site. Kayaking and overnight Yurt stays may also be added.The experienced hiker can also choose from guided hikes of varying difficulty.At the Homer Harbor, discover the world beneath your feet on a Creatures of the Dock Tour!!Where else can you see a seastar and a moose all in one day... personal, hands-on experience for all!
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4.5
332 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
59
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Mandy M
New York City, NY12 contributions
Jun 2022
My partner booked this tour for her 9 year old daughter who is a naturalist in the making. I was going along for the ride and I'm so happy that I did. The tour was great. Everyone associated with Coastal Studies was fabulous. We learned a lot and had a blast. We got to see a lot of puffins and otters on the boat then went to a satellite location where they had touch tanks to hold starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs and learn about tide pools.
The highlight for me was going to an oyster farm where we learned all about the harvesting process and then could shuck oysters right on the dock (I love oysters).
All in all a great day and tour.
The highlight for me was going to an oyster farm where we learned all about the harvesting process and then could shuck oysters right on the dock (I love oysters).
All in all a great day and tour.
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Curt S
12 contributions
Jun 2022
Very negative towards military, and expansion within Alaska. I think they could do better at presenting historical and scientific facts without letting their political views slant their wording.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James C
3 contributions
Aug 2021
We wanted to avoid the typical tourist venues and connect with nature, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies the perfect place for this. We spent a day at the Peterson Bay field station exploring tidal areas and later hiking through the forest. Our guide, Jenna, was amazing and extremely knowledgeable of the ecosystems and natural history of the location and region. Our family learned so much on this trip and gained a greater appreciation of the natural environment. The next day we did a short self-guided hike at the Wynn Nature Center which was also very enjoyable. The Coastal Studies Center is a great way to experience Alaska while supporting an important organization to help protect the environment. It is a must do trip if you are in the area.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scatterlings Institute
Sausalito, CA46 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
What a fun afternoon hike with Mia and Henry! The reserve is beautiful, and the hike was just the right level of exercise. We learned a lot about the local flora and fauna. Recommended!
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Erin B
New York City, NY95 contributions
Jul 2021
We are a couple in our 30s and we loved this tour! Our guide was an impressive young woman (I think her name is Daisy) who knew so much about Homer's marine life and exactly where to look to find them. There was so much to see: attached to the dock, in the water, under a buoy, ect.! You can touch and hold the specimens before returning them to the water. This tour is short and sweet and a way to learn about the wildlife that is around you which you would normally never see or think about. The range of wildlife is diverse and I learned of creatures that I never knew existed. This is a terrific way to spend a free afternoon - it is centrally located in the harbor so you can easily grab an early dinner or go souvenir shopping afterwards.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
april m
Brownsburg, IN61 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our family did the Creatures Of The Dock Tour and it was awesome. Our guide, Daisy, was very knowledgeable and found so many sea creatures under those docks!! My kids were able to touch everything we found except for one poisonous jelly fish. I highly recommend this for kids ages 6-12.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jean H
4 contributions
Jul 2021
Small place with some good informative displays. Walking trail down to beach as well. Free and has a nice little gift shop.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Valerie S
Westbury, NY10 contributions
Jun 2021
This is a must-do if you are in the Homer area, especially during extreme low tide. While my husband and I were planning for our honeymoon in Alaska, my aunt (an Alaskan teacher) mentioned the Peterson Bay Field Station operated through the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, and said that tidepooling there is worth doing. I agree 100%. We have no regrets, only very positive memories. The truth is that our tidepooling day was one of the biggest highlights of our honeymoon... it was educational and fun!
We did the overnight stay.
We wanted to get the most out of the experience, so we booked early and timed our tour to be during a record -4.5 tide, which would be the lowest of the summer. There was some confusion in the booking because the staff thought we may be annoyed by there being a camp going on while we were there, and they suggested we do it a day or two later. However, we explained we were okay with a camp going on, and that we wanted that particular day in specific due to the tide. They honored this request, and went above and beyond for us. Instead of us being around the campers, they customized our first evening so it was just the two of us with a guide, and the next day we were in a group with only adults (plus one very polite older child who had no association with the camp). They didn't need to do this and I'm sure it created stress on their end, but it is extremely appreciated!
Our guide, Alexa, was extremely knowledgable and pleasant. A true naturalist. She taught us at length about the multiple macroscopic invertebrates of the tidepools. We saw countless sea stars, anemones, crabs, and so forth. And because it was extreme low tide, we even saw some bottom-dwellers. My husband found an opalescent nudibranch which is apparently quite rare to find. We also went to an octopus den and could tell it was home because the water level was going up and down.
This was a very unique experience. I wouldn't suggest it for the typical tourist. However, for those who are very interested in ecology and similar fields, it is an absolute must-do. I also again thank the staff for being so helpful!!
We did the overnight stay.
We wanted to get the most out of the experience, so we booked early and timed our tour to be during a record -4.5 tide, which would be the lowest of the summer. There was some confusion in the booking because the staff thought we may be annoyed by there being a camp going on while we were there, and they suggested we do it a day or two later. However, we explained we were okay with a camp going on, and that we wanted that particular day in specific due to the tide. They honored this request, and went above and beyond for us. Instead of us being around the campers, they customized our first evening so it was just the two of us with a guide, and the next day we were in a group with only adults (plus one very polite older child who had no association with the camp). They didn't need to do this and I'm sure it created stress on their end, but it is extremely appreciated!
Our guide, Alexa, was extremely knowledgable and pleasant. A true naturalist. She taught us at length about the multiple macroscopic invertebrates of the tidepools. We saw countless sea stars, anemones, crabs, and so forth. And because it was extreme low tide, we even saw some bottom-dwellers. My husband found an opalescent nudibranch which is apparently quite rare to find. We also went to an octopus den and could tell it was home because the water level was going up and down.
This was a very unique experience. I wouldn't suggest it for the typical tourist. However, for those who are very interested in ecology and similar fields, it is an absolute must-do. I also again thank the staff for being so helpful!!
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
143gws
Kenosha, WI72 contributions
Jul 2021
This is definitely a must if you have any interest in sea life! Our family learned so much during the Creatures of the Dock Tour. It is suitable for all ages, is only $25 per family, and last a good hour. Our guide shared so much about creatures below the surface. We saw sea pork, so many different kinds of anemone (which are beautiful), crabs, barnacles, huge starfish, and jellyfish. Extremely educational and fun.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SheriffBTJustice
Texas Gulf Coast, TX282 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
A stop here provides great insight into the history of coastal Alaska. Unfortunately the movie offered was still closed due to COVID-19 but we made the best of our time there. If you are a WWII buff, there is great information on the US presence in the Aleutian Islands, including a great video.
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert C
Lake Saint Louis, United States2 contributions
Curious how you got out to the Wynn Center. We're renting an RV and staying on the Spit. Other than the Trolley, it looks like one has to walk to location, drive RV, or take taxi/uber. Is this correct?
Connect2NaturewithUS
Homer, AK8 contributions
Hi Robert,
It is about 8 miles from the end of the Homer Spit to the Wynn Nature Center and about 4 miles from our Headquarters in the heart of Homer. You could take the Trolley to town (it stops right by us) and take a taxi from here or choose to take one from your campground.
We do also offer tours on the Spit at our Yurt at the Homer Harbor! At 1:30 and 4:30 each day we guide a Creatures of the Dock Tour, the way to see, hold and learn about the intertidal creatures that live right under under our feet! Feel free to email any question or just give me a call 907-235-6746
Sara R
Effort, PA89 contributions
How long is the Creatures of the Dock tour?
Connect2NaturewithUS
Homer, AK8 contributions
Hi! The Creatures of the Dock Tours are 'about' an hour! You don't need reservations, just show up a bit before 1:30 or 4:30pm and your naturalist will get you signed up
Suzan R
Concord, CA1 contribution
We are in Homer AK tomorrow and Sat 7/23/16 can we arrange for a nature guided tour to Peterson Cove?
Thank you!
Connect2NaturewithUS
Homer, AK8 contributions
Hi, It's great that you will travel to Homer this year!
We do have space available on Saturday. What that day will look like is: the boat takes you across beautiful Kachemak Bay and to Peterson Bay, where our field station is located. Our naturalists are extremely knowledgeable and enjoy sharing with visitors. They will meet you at the dock and then will take you out to the rocky intertidal areas teeming with life and guide you on your beach explorations. You then can have lunch in our Field Station’s kitchen which has full amenities and in the afternoon you will have the chance to explore lush coastal forest on the trail system that we maintain, find out about the geology of the area demonstrated in prehistoric rock formations, and learn about the cultural history on a visit to an archaeological Native house site.
You may also choose to add kayaking to this day, if so, your kayak guide will meet you at our Peterson Bay Dock at 2pm and you’ll spend the afternoon on the water.
In conjunction with any Peterson Bay Tour, we invite you to spend the night in the Field Station’s yurts! A comfortable camping experience at the edge of the Alaskan wilderness, overnight yurt stays are perfect for families, couples, or friends. Spending the night allows you to truly enjoy best the land of the midnight sun has to offer - walk the beach after dinner, gather round our spacious campfire ring, or watch the sun (eventually) set over the ghost forest. Overnight visitors either extend a Day Tour and then return to Homer the next morning or depart the Homer Harbor at 4:00 p.m. and return at 4:00 p.m. the next day unless otherwise arranged.
Overnight visitors have use of the Field Station kitchen for cooking (electric stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster) and food storage (refrigerator and small freezer compartment). Each yurt has six bunks and camp mattresses, as well as floor space and camp mattresses for two more people, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bags and extra pads, if desired.
The boat returns to Homer at 4 pm after our day tour and at 6pm if you add kayaking. On the boat ride, on the way over or back (dependent on the tides) you will visit Gull Island, a seabird rookery home to thousands of birds including murres, puffins, cormorants and gulls (you will also see lots of eagles).
You can book easily by calling 907-235-6746,
We hope that you will join us.
Let me know if you need any more information on the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies or the Homer area.
RIDI0406
Madison, WI76 contributions
Could someone who has been on the all day (8 hour) Natural History Tour tell me how the day is broken up? How much walking is involved in terms of distances. We have a 10 and 12 year old. Do you think the kids would be bored at all?
Thanks!
Nadine
Connect2NaturewithUS
Homer, AK8 contributions
Hi Nadine,
the kids won't be bored AT ALL!! They probably won't want to leave. What the day looks like:
Meet at the Homer Harbor and board the boat for a ride across Kachemak Bay, spending time around Gull Island, a Seabird Rookery with many thousand birds of many different species as well as marine mammal haul-out so sea lions and otters can be spotted.
When you arrive at Peterson bay, our naturalist will lead beach exploration looking for and learning about all the amazing intertidal life ~ lunch at the Field Station where we have touch tanks and live aquaria and then following lunch - it's time for the trails. ... hiking, wildlife spotting and berry picking!
We provide end of year field trips for kids from throughout the state and camps for kids of all ages. Information and activities are tailored to each guests needs and abilities. Walking distances vary as well according to your abilities.
Give us a call at 907-235-6746
denatravels
New York City, NY12 contributions
How do I reach you from the cruise port?
Connect2NaturewithUS
Homer, AK8 contributions
Hi, This is Melanie from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies - the answers above are correct as well as - if you're going to join us for our Cruise Ship Special Peterson Bay Tour - please take the Cruise Ship Spit Shuttle around the harbor to the stop at the Salty Dawg - your Naturalist Guide for the day will then meet you there and bring you to our Yurt at the Harbor and then down to the boat for travel to our Peterson Bay Field Station (just a short ride across the bay). That same shuttle and check-in at our Yurt is also where we begin our Creatures of the Dock Tours! Super fun, interesting for all ages and affordable!
If you are choosing to stop into our headquarters in town to see all the displays and gift shop as well as learn about all we do and the nature of Kachemak Bay - just take the Shuttle into town and get off at Stop #2. We're right there!
Feel free to get in touch: 907-235-6746 email
Fahad
Seattle, WA161 contributions
Is there a fee for entrance? are there any self guided tours?
Jackie D
Homer, AK36 contributions
This is free, they also have guided tours across the Bay which is by boat, and there is a very reasonable fee for the transportation. Check out their website for happenings on your vacation dates. This is a great place to see, touch and learn about the sea life and history of this area.
Sarah L
Anchorage, AK37 contributions
If we're going May 12th and 13th, are there guided tours available?
Frequently Asked Questions about Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
- Hotels near Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies:
- (0.28 km) Alaska Cozy II Suites
- (0.38 km) Fisherman's Tales B & B
- (1.01 km) Paula's Place B&B
- (0.40 km) Young's Downtown Inn
- (1.23 km) Homer Inn & Spa
- Restaurants near Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies:
- (0.10 km) Latitude 59
- (0.44 km) Boss Hogz Restaurant
- (0.33 km) Subway
- (0.36 km) McDonald's
- (0.55 km) Alibi Bar & Cafe