Tutka Bay Lodge

Tutka Bay Lodge sits at the entrance to a splendidly rugged nine-mile fjord at the southern end of Kachemak Bay near Homer, Alaska. The Tutka Bay area is home to rugged coastlines, deep fjords, dramatic mountains, quiet beaches, old-growth Sitka spruce forests and amazing tidal fluctuations. Access to this four-star, family-owned and operated lodge is by floatplane from Anchorage or a 25-minute water taxi south across the bay from Homer with opportunities to spot various shore and water birds, sea otters and even orca and humpback whales along the way.

Tutka Bay Lodge Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Tutka Bay Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare Tutka Bay Lodge with other wilderness lodging and Alaska land tours.

Choose the Tutka Bay Lodge for an immersive, remote experience only accessible by floatplane. Tutka Bay Lodge’s Alaskan feel and warm hospitality ensure guests enjoy their living quarters as much as their daily activities.

Amenities

Situated on an 11-acre property, the Tutka Bay main lodge, five private guest cabins and boat house are all connected by a boardwalk. The large deck offers seating as well as an area for helicopter landings. The dock is ready for fishermen at any hour. Extra amenities include the handcrafted, wood-fired banya (sauna); open-air hot tub on the deck; and complimentary massage.

Dining

Fresh, local salmon is brought to the dock each week by neighboring fishermen and nearby oyster farms. The chef and staff prepare and serve meals in the main lodge, utilizing fresh, local and Alaskan cuisine. A typical day includes 8:00am breakfast; 1:00pm lunch, or guests may ask for a packed lunch to take on excursions; afternoon wine and cheese tastings with cheese flown in weekly, followed by dinner. Coffee and snacks are always available throughout the day at the coffee bar.

Activities

Explore, fish, learn and relax at Tutka Bay Lodge—the possibilities are endless. Every activity includes the possibility of seeing wildlife like bald eagles, orca and humpback whales, otters, loons and much more. Fish for greenling, cod and catfish right from the lodge’s dock. Dig for steamer clams and pluck mussels from the rocks for that evening’s feast (the staff will happily show you how to prepare your catch). Join the chefs to forage for edibles or meet in the kitchen for a cooking demonstration and learn the secrets of Tutka Bay Lodge cuisine.

Research native art, archaeology, birds, marine biology, ecology, bears and plants in the lodge’s Alaskana library. Take a self-guided tour along a two-mile trail through old-growth forest, kayak or rowboat in the cove, go berry picking, partake in morning yoga, walk quietly along the beach or sunbathe on the deck. Optional activities may incur additional fees, including deep-sea salmon or halibut fishing; bear viewing; flightseeing; a wildlife cruise; a culinary tour; and wellness offerings such as sound and forest bathing, tea making, Reiki and more.

Sustainability

The owner’s of Tutka Bay Lodge, the Dixon’s, care deeply about Alaska’s environment, which is reflected in the small footprint of their five guest lodges. Their focus on local, homegrown and foraged menu items; cooking fresh catches by guests and composting leftovers to nourish their herb and vegetable gardens; as well as maintaining strong relationships with their neighbors, crew and staff show their dedication to sustainability.

Tutka Bay Lodge Accommodations

Situated on an 11-acre property, Tutka Bay Lodge has five private, comfortable and enticing accommodation options:

Oyster Catcher Cabin

This rustic cabin sleeps 2-4 guests and is privately set apart with an expansive view of Tutka Bay, forests and mountains. Two bedrooms each offer one king or two twin beds and a private bathroom. The large deck area and covered porch offer areas to sit in the sun. The Oyster Catcher Cabin is typically booked together with the Crow’s Nest.

Crow’s Nest (Oyster Catcher Cabin)

Located above the Oyster Catcher Cabin, the Crow’s Nest is a separate upstairs suite with a private entrance. The Crow’s Nest (600 square feet) sleeps 2-3 guests via one bedroom with one king or three twin beds, plus a private bathroom, large balcony, wet bar and a spacious sitting room. Located close to the main lodge, this chalet offers a private balcony and ocean views. The building is perched on pilings above the Little Tutka Bay lagoon, which empties when the tide is low and fills with crystal clear water and fish at high tide. The Crow’s Nest is typically booked together with the Oyster Catcher Cabin.

Eagle’s Nest Cabin

The Eagle’s Nest is a romantic, two-floor open cabin situated on a knoll and sleeps 2-5 guests (two downstairs, three upstairs). The main floor (600 square feet) offers one king or two twin beds and includes a large open room with huge windows, sitting area, wet bar, sleeping area and bathroom. The upper floor (280 square feet) offers one king or three twin beds plus a private bathroom and is an open half loft accessed by spiral staircase. The Eagle’s Nest offers sweeping panoramic ocean and mountain views and has a wood-burning stove.

Kittiwake Cabin

The Kittiwake is a cozy cottage located on the sweeping main deck and sleeps 2-5 guests. The main floor (480 square feet) has a combined sleeping and sitting area with one king or two twin beds, a wet bar and a spacious bathroom. The upper floor (also 480 square feet) has one large bedroom accessed by a spiral staircase and three twin beds or one king.

Steller’s Jay Guest Cabin

Situated on the main deck with a private porch and views of Tutka Bay, the Steller’s Jay Cabin accommodates 2-4 guests (2 people on the main floor and 2 people upstairs). The main floor (576 square feet) has a sitting room, large bathroom and private bedroom with one king or two twin beds. The upper floor has a private bedroom of the same size (also one king or two twin beds) with stairway access.