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Halibut Cove

The Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay are the end of the road in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula

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Isolated and quaint, Halibut Cove is a small village of 23 permanent residents nestled on the east side of Kachemak Bay.

About Halibut Cove

There are no roads to Halibut Cove – in fact there are no roads in Halibut Cove – but the community is only 12 miles across Kachemak Bay from Homer and the famous Homer Spit, which makes for an interesting side trip for anyone visiting Homer.

Halibut Cove’s peak years date back to 1911 when it supported 42 herring salteries and a population of more than 1,000. After the salteries closed, most residents left and today the community is an enclave of artists, craftsmen, commercial fishermen and the operators of one very fine restaurant. Halibut Cove extends across 12 blocks of boardwalk that skirts the water’s edge and provides a scenic view of the mountainous east side of Kachemak Bay.

Things to do

The Danny J, a commercial ferry, cruises daily to the cove from the Homer Spit. Along the way it swings past Gull Island, home to some 16,000 nesting seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, murres and cormorants. The ferry spends two and half hours in Halibut Cove, which allows plenty of time to explore the art galleries that display paintings, pottery and sculpture from more than a dozen local artists, or to dine at The Saltery, an excellent restaurant featuring fresh-caught local seafood.

To make Halibut Cove an even more interesting side trip, spend the night at a lodge or a rental cabin. A day spent kayaking the protective coves of Kachemak Bay State Park, hiking its many trails or beachcombing along the shore are great ways to experience Halibut Cove and its surrounding area.

Halibut Cove

Halibut Cove lies on the east side of Kachemak Bay, 12 miles across from the town of Homer. There is no road access to Halibut Cove, but the community can be reached by chartered floatplane and commercial ferry from Homer.

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Halibut Cove

Nearby Parks

Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

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Attractions

Birding +

Located halfway between Homer and Halibut Cove is Gull Island, the home of more than 16,000 nesting seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, murres and cormorants during the summer. The water taxi to Halibut cove often swings near Gull Island while several charter boat operators in Homer offer tours to the birding paradise.
Grewingk Glacier +

The most popular attraction of Kachemak Bay State Park is Grewingk Glacier, a short boat ride from Halibut Cove. Viewing the glacier at closer range is a very popular outing that involves an easy, one-way hike of 3.5 miles.
Kayaking +

With dozens protected coves and bays, Kachemak Bay State Park offers numerous opportunities for kayakers. In Halibut Cove, some lodges include use of kayaks with accommodations. Paddlers can also rent kayaks in Homer and bring them over on a water taxi.