Plan a CruiseHomer Cruise Port Guide
Your ship will dock at the deep water dock located on Homer Spit Road, approximately 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from downtown Homer. Shuttle services are typically provided from the port to key areas. Homer, the second largest city on the Kenai Peninsula, is nestled on the pristine waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, framed by the Kenai Mountains. Its most distinctive feature is the Homer Spit, a five-mile-long gravel bar formed by a glacier 15,000 years ago. This geographical anomaly is open year-round, though many shops at the far end of the Spit generally close between mid-September and April. The Spit boasts being the furthest western point accessible by road on the North American continent and is renowned for its spectacular wildlife, including large flocks of bald eagles.
Getting Around from the Port
The deep water dock is about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Homer. Shuttles are provided from the port, offering convenient access to the city.
For exploring, Homer offers several options:
- Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley: An all-day pass costs $12 plus tax. This trolley transports passengers between the Homer Spit, the Pratt Museum, visitor centers, old town, galleries, and various restaurants. It includes an entertaining narrative tour, and drivers will make additional stops upon request.
- Taxis: Readily available for direct transport.
- Rental Cars: Three car rental agencies operate in Homer: Hertz, Adventure USA, and Polar. This offers flexibility for independent exploration of the wider area.
- Water Taxis: To reach Kachemak Bay State Park, you'll need to take a water taxi across the bay.
Attractions and Activities
Homer and its surrounding areas offer diverse activities for a day in port:
- Explore the Homer Spit: Take an hour-long walk from the start to the end of this unique five-mile-long landform. You'll likely spot bald eagles, seals, otters, and sea lions. A walk along the beach can be beautiful, but always be mindful of the tide, as access may be limited at high tide. At low tide, explore the tide pools for marine life. Many shops and galleries are located along the Spit, though be aware that many close seasonally from mid-September to April.
- Visit the Pratt Museum: Located off the Spit, this museum offers insights into the natural history of Kachemak Bay and the southern Kenai Peninsula. It's a great way to understand the local ecosystem and culture.
- Discover the Harbor and Old Town: Stroll through galleries showcasing local artists or stop for a drink at the historic Salty Dawg Saloon, which dates back to the late 1800s. The hop-on, hop-off trolley is a convenient way to reach these areas.
- Kachemak Bay State Park Adventure: For nature enthusiasts, consider a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to Kachemak Bay State Park. As the first and largest state park in Alaska, it offers incredible hiking trails, including one leading to a lake with a glacier. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to see mountain goats on cliffs, black bears (especially in spring on the shores), bald eagles soaring above, and marine life such as seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters.
- Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: Homer is famous for halibut fishing during the summer months. In early fall, typically September, the "Fishing Hole" can be teeming with salmon. Beyond fishing, keep an eye out for diverse Alaskan wildlife like moose, black bears, puffins, seabirds, porcupines, porpoises, killer whales, and beluga whales.
Dining & Shopping
The Homer Spit is a central hub for shopping and dining. You'll find numerous galleries featuring local artists and various shops. However, please note that many shops at the end of the Spit are seasonal, generally closing from mid-September and reopening in April. For a historic stop, visit the Salty Dawg Saloon, dating back to the late 1800s. While specific restaurant names aren't provided, the area is known for its fresh seafood, particularly halibut and salmon.
Safety
No specific safety concerns were highlighted for Homer. As with any travel, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking along beaches where tides can change rapidly.
Currency and Language
The official currency in Homer, and throughout the United States, is the United States Dollar (USD, symbol: $). ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small purchases.
Important Notes for International Visitors:
- Sales Tax: Posted prices for goods and services in the U.S. typically do not include sales tax. This tax, which varies by state (generally 2.9% to nearly 10%, with 4-6% being common), will be added to your total at the time of payment.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected for most services. Standard rates include:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (often the primary income for waitstaff). Always check your bill, as a few restaurants may include an automatic service charge.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive drinks, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a minimum of $3-5.
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag if they assist, $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours, or $10-20 per person for longer tours, depending on quality and group size.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for longer stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery (e.g., pizza): $2-5, potentially more for large orders.
Communication: English is the standard language for everyday use. For emergencies, dial 911. The public library offers free internet access, though a donation box is present and a signup waiting list may be in effect. Most stores in Homer are closed on Sundays.