Accommodations

A Captain's Quarters is ideal for traveling families or friends who want maximum privacy and comfort at a great price. We cater exclusively to one party at a time. Whether you're a party of one or a group of six, you don't share amenities with strangers here. With over 1500 square feet of living space, private amenities include a living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, laundry, entrance, large Oceanside deck, and patio with barbecue grill. In June and July, the evening sun shines on our deck until almost midnight!

Living Room and Kitchen

The living room and kitchen boast a panoramic view of the ocean, making it a great place to gather and share stories of your Kodiak adventures. Claim bragging rights while viewing your videos or digital pictures on an HD big-screen entertainment system. Just outside the door is our banya (Alaska sauna), a perfect place to relax after a hard day of work or play.

Captain's Quarters Suite

This spacious suite is furnished with a California king bed, an office desk, a coffee table, and a TV. The view from the suite can't be beat. Awaken to the sounds of salmon splashing and eagles talking just outside your window. The suite is ideal for an individual or couple who wants the best at a great price.

Crew's Quarters 1

This room and Crews Quarters #2 are only available for larger parties requiring two or more bedrooms. The two twin beds can be adjoined to make a king bed. The view overlooks the Oceanside deck and patio.

Crew's Quarters 2

Equipped with a queen and twin, this room is just off the main living room and has its own entrance and deck, with access to the Oceanside deck, patio, and beach.

We do not serve breakfast but provide complimentary fresh-roasted coffee. See our reservations page for rates and how to book with us.

Activities

There are many exciting things to do while in Kodiak, most of which can be enjoyed right outside your door at A Captain's Quarters. Chances are you'll want to explore further, and we can help you find that "once in a lifetime" experience. We have several activity pages dedicated to hooking you up with some of the most popular things to do.

Main Attractions

Kodiak is called "The Emerald Isle" for its incredible green landscape and spectacular scenery, but it's also famous for its huge Kodiak bears , world-class sport fishing, and whale watching.

Kodiak is also home to one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the nation. Many of the fishing vessels on the TV series "Deadliest Catch" home port in Kodiak. In fact, your host, Lon White, filmed underwater footage for episode 10. Chances are you'll bump into some of the skippers or crew while walking the docks.

Between adventures, you'll want to take time to check out some of the local places of interest in town. Renting a car is a must, especially if you want to explore the many sights and activities along the road system. See our sightseeing section for a list of interesting places.

If kayaking, SCUBA diving, or surfing interest you, check out our water sports page. A well-kept secret is our golf course, appropriately named Bear Valley.

Last but not least, get information about shopping and dining in Kodiak from our shopping and dining sections.

Call or email us for more information about things to do in Kodiak. We want your visit to be the best!

Bear Viewing

Kodiak Brown Bears

Kodiak is best known for its giant Kodiak bears. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect this unique population. Over 3,500 bears live in the archipelago, with many additional brown bears inhabiting the Katmai Coast. The dense population of bears on Kodiak Island provides excellent bear-viewing opportunities. In the past, it was fairly uncommon to see bears on the road system, but with the increasing bear population, sightings are becoming more frequent. The Kodiak bear above was seen swimming about one mile offshore from A Captain's Quarters while we were halibut fishing.

There are many guided opportunities to see bears in the Kodiak Island Archipelago. Most local air taxis offer half-day bear viewing charters. This is sure to be an experience you will never forget, so seriously consider budgeting for a bear viewing trip. Links to our favorite bear viewing charters are listed below.

Common Sense in Bear Country

In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they do deserve your respect and attention. When traveling in a bear country, keep alert and enjoy the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.
Avoid surprising bears at close range; look for signs of bears and make plenty of noise.
Avoid crowding bears; respect their "personal space."
Avoid attracting bears through improper handling of food or garbage.
Plan ahead, stay calm, identify yourself, and don't run.

More Kodiak bear information can be found on the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website.

Sport Fishing

Fishing Kodiak's Road System

The road system's streams and lakes provide great fishing for sockeye, pink, King and silver salmon, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Major waterways include the following streams: Buskin, Pasagshak, Olds, and American Rivers, Roslyn, Salonie, Monashka, Pillar, and Chiniak Creeks. The Saltery and Portage Rivers are accessible by ATV. Several road system beaches offer excellent saltwater fishing opportunities, including the beach at A Captain's Quarters.

The road system streams are easy to fish, with no raging currents or long casts. The rivers are often very clear, generally with riffles alternating with deep pools and gravelly banks. Some streams have abrupt and brushy banks.

Hip boots or neoprene chest waders with felted soles are desirable. Most road system streams are shallow and generally unsuitable rafts, or other personal watercraft, which aren't needed anyway. However, a number of road-accessible lakes, such as Buskin, Kalsin Pond, and Lake Rose Tead, which borders the Pasagshak State Recreation Site, are well suited for small rafts and float tubes.

Fishing regulations on the road system differ slightly from Kodiak's remote areas, so check the regulations before fishing. For current regulations, checkout the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website.

Saltwater Fishing

Charter vessel services are available in Kodiak for visitors interested in saltwater fishing for all species of salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. Halibut is abundant around Kodiak, and sport fishing is excellent from late April through the end of September. Most of the halibut caught are in the 40-pound range, but fish over 150 pounds are not uncommon. Frequently, halibut are caught from shore, especially in late July and August. The beach at A Captain's Quarters produces many halibut annually.

Most charter vessels deliver your catch to Wild Source Seafoods (a local fish processor) for custom processing and packaging. They fillet, vacuum pack, freeze, and store your catch until your departure date, or they can ship it directly to your home. Processing fees are about 3.00 per pound based on the final packaged weight.

Fishing in Remote Kodiak

The remote areas of Kodiak, which include the remainder of the Island outside the road system, provide excellent opportunities for all five species of Pacific salmon as well as Dolly Varden and Steelhead trout. Most visitors are looking for chinook, silver, and red salmon, as well as Steelhead trout. The remote areas are served almost exclusively by small aircraft. Air travel should be arranged in advance with one of the local air charter or guide services.

NOTE: Fishing remote rivers on Kodiak is an incredible experience, but careful planning is a must! Always have contingencies for being stranded due to weather. Bears frequent remote rivers, and no shelter or amenities are available. Remote areas can be very unforgiving for the unprepared. Using a local guide service is recommended unless you are experienced in remote areas.

Fish Responsibly

Always adhere to the fishing regulations applicable to the area. Keep only what you can reasonably use. It's easy to overdo it when the fishing is good. Release fish properly so they are not harmed. Release giant halibut whenever possible. They are critical breeder fish and aren't the best to eat anyway. The 30- 70-pound halibut is the best!

NOTE: A Captain's Quarters guest is welcome to ship bulky fishing gear or other equipment to us in advance of traveling to Kodiak. We will gladly store it until you arrive. Please contact us to make arrangements.

Our Favorite Fishing Charters

Happy Hooker Charters (907) 486-2524

Fish & Chip Charters (907) 539-6135

Kodiak Island Charters (907) 486-5380

From a Captain's Quarters

Several species of whales and other marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, porpoises, and sea otters, are seen in Mill Bay, right in front of A Captain's Quarters. Just a short walk away, Spruce Cape is another excellent whale-viewing location. This easy 1/3-mile trail starts at your doorstep and runs along the shore. The moss-covered spruce forest and wildflower meadows along the way are an added treat. Eagles are abundant!

The Kodiak Fisheries Research Center and Kodiak Wildlife Refuge websites provide excellent information about whales in the Kodiak area. Plan to visit both facilities while you're here.

Our Favorite Whale Watching Charters

Kodiak Scienic Tours (907) 654-9653

Sight Seeing

While out and about in Kodiak, there's lots to see and do. Check out some of these local places of interest:

Around Town

Kodiak Fisheries Research Center: Located on Near Island, the research center aquarium is a must-see.
Kodiak Wildlife Refuge Center: The refuge center is a great source of information about Kodiak wildlife. The displays and wall-sized photos are outstanding. Located on Center St., next to the ferry terminal.
Russian Orthodox Church: A beautiful church ornate with Orthodox icons, located just off Center St. next to the Baronov Museum.
Veniaminov Museum: Located 2 blocks up from the Russian Church.
Kodiak History Museum: One of the oldest structures on the West Coast. The collection includes prehistoric Native artifacts, remnants of Russian colonization, mementos of Alaska's territorial days, and W.W.II exhibits. Located next to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Alutiiq Museum: Home to many unique and priceless native artifacts, located one block from the Russian Church.
Kodiak Island Brewing Company: For locally brewed beers, located at 117 Lower Millbay Rd.
St. Paul and St. Herman Harbors: Downtown waterfront. Home to one of the nation's largest commercial fishing fleets.
Trident Basin Seaplane Base: Located in Trident Basin on Near Island, this is where most of the float planes depart for remote areas of Kodiak.

Out the Road

Fort Abercrombie State Park: Across the bay from A Captain's Quarters, great hiking and whale watching.
Kodiak Military Museum: at Fort Abercrombie.
Buskin River State Park: Located along the Buskin River, this is a great place to fish for salmon.
Coast Guard Base: Women's Bay: Home to the largest Coast Guard base on the West Coast.
Pasagshak River State Park: Take the Pasagshak turn-off at mile 25 of the Chiniak Highway. Dramatic change of scenery and great salmon fishing, whale watching.
Fossil Beach: End of the Pasagshak road, just past the rocket launch facility. Beautiful sand beach with fossil-embedded cliffs.
Kodiak Rocket Launch Complex: Just before Fossil Beach.
Chiniak (road end): A small community at mile 40 of the Chiniak Highway.

SCUBA Diving

Kodiak Island has some of the best diving in Alaska. The marine life is prolific, and the waters can be very clear, especially in the winter. Shore dives along the road system are abundant, but generally require some long surface swims. A small boat or raft can greatly increase the diving opportunities and make it much easier. Some charter operators will cater to divers. For serious divers, consider bringing your own boat or inflatable.

Diving and snorkeling in Mill Bay are easy and full of rocky estuaries. The reefs at Fort Abercrombie are terrific. There's always a good chance you will be visited by Steller sea lions, which is a special treat.

Surfing

Surfing in Kodiak is a well-kept secret, but we have some good surfing beaches. Surf can be found on most days at Fossil and Surfer Beach, about a one-hour drive from town past Pasagshak River State Park. A local favorite is Spruce Cape, just out of A Captain's Quarters.

The water temperature ranges between 45 and 55 degrees in the summer. A wetsuit or dry suit is a must.

Kayak Charters:

Alaska Wilderness Adventures (907) 487-2397

Golf Kodiak

Bear Valley Golf Course is appropriately named and is another well-kept secret in Kodiak. Located about eight miles from town, on Anton Larsen Bay Road, adjacent to Buskin Lake, this 9-hole course is well groomed and has spectacular scenery. Deer, foxes, and other critters frequent the course. The Bears always get to play through. You won't lose a stroke if a fox retrieves your ball and runs away with it. One bold fox was seen dragging off the flag stick on the fourth hole.

Clubs, carts and other necessities can be rented or purchased at the clubhouse. The course is owned and operated by the United States Coast Guard. Military discounts apply. Green fees for civilians are about $30.00 for 18 holes.

NOTE: Bug repellant is a must on warm days and when there's no wind on the course!

Shopping, Goods, & Services

Every Day Needs

Although Kodiak is a remote island in the North Pacific, the availability of supplies and services is good. For your everyday needs, such as food and personal items, Safeway, Walmart, and Cost Savers are well stocked. Cactus Flats is a great option for natural/ organic food and products. Kodiak is one of only three ports in Alaska that has bi-weekly container ship service, ensuring we have fresh food at the market. Prices are slightly higher than in the lower 48.

Sporting Goods

Big Rays Sports Shop has just about everything the serious outdoorsman needs. They are very helpful in providing information about local fishing techniques, tackle, and local regulations. Fishing and hunting licenses are sold at several locations in Kodiak.

Souvenirs & Alaska-Made Crafts

Several shops in the downtown area sell local and other Alaskan-made art, souvenirs, and gifts. The local museums sell some of the best native handcrafted work.

Medical Services

Providence Kodiak Island Hospital is well-staffed and equipped. Five doctor's clinics are available locally for routine medical needs. For special medical needs, contact the hospital or clinic to verify the services available.

Dining in Kodiak

If you get tired of cooking and eating all the fresh seafood you catch or just want a night out in Kodiak, there are several dining options around town.

Restaurants: (casual dining)

Kodiak Hana Restaurant: A great location right on the channel, an excellent sushi bar, steaks, seafood, and pasta for lunch & dinner.
Noodles: Thai- asian, lunch and dinner.
Chart Room Restaurant: In the Best Western Hotel, steak and seafood are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
El Chicano's: Mexican food, lunch, and dinner.
Henry's Great Alaskan Restaurant & Bar: steaks, burgers, pasta, and seafood, lunch and dinner.
Olds River Inn: Located 20 minutes out the Chiniak highway, is a special treat if your out the road. Reservation recomended.
Java Flats: Located in Bells Flats is another special treat. Great sandwiches and specialty coffees.
Kodiak Island Brewing: Checkout our local brewery located downtown. Limited or no food served.
Double Shovel Cider Co.: An Alaskan micro brewery worth the visit. Across the street from Kodiak Island Brewery. No food served.
Several coffee shops are located around town.

Fast Food

McDonald's
Subway
Pizza Pit
Several Foods Truck around town