Tutka Bay Lodge

Tutka Bay Lodge sits at the entrance to a splendidly rugged seven-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 the 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, six 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; 6:30pm wine and cheese tastings with cheese flown in weekly from Murray’s Cheese Shop in Manhattan, followed by 7:00pm 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). Research native art, archaeology, birds, marine biology, ecology, bears and plants in the lodge’s Alaskana library. Join the chefs in the kitchen for a cooking demonstration and learn the secrets of Tutka Bay Lodge cuisine. 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 and flightseeing.

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 six-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 cabins:

Oyster Catcher Cabin

This rustic cabin is privately set apart and offers an expansive view of Tutka Bay, forests and mountains. Two bedrooms with private bathroom, large deck area and covered porch offer areas to sit in the sun. A separate upstairs area with a private entrance includes one bedroom, private bath, sitting room, large balcony and a fabulous view of Tutka Bay.

Eagle’s Nest Cabin

The Eagle’s Nest is a romantic, private haven situated on a knoll and sleeps five (two downstairs, three upstairs). The main floor includes a large open room with huge windows, sitting area, sleeping area and bathroom. The upper floor 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. The main floor has a combined sleeping and sitting area with a spacious bathroom. The upper floor 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 accommodates two people on the main floor and two people upstairs. The main floor has a sitting room, large bathroom and private bedroom. The upper floor has a private bedroom with stairway access.

Loon Guest Suite

The Loon Guest Suite is the most accessible cabin, located close to the main lodge with 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 Loon features two bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and an adjoining common area.