Port Lions is located in Settlers Cove at the north end of Kodiak Island, and like many small island villages in the Kodiak Archipelago, it’s an excellent place for wildlife viewing, birding, fishing, and more.
About Port Lions (Sugpiaq: Masiqsirraq)
Port Lions was created after the tsunami from the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake destroyed the village of Afognak on Afognak Island to the north. Lions Club International assisted greatly in building the new community and relocating Afognak residents who eventually named their village in honor of the service group.
Things to do
From town, a picturesque pedestrian bridge locally known as the Causeway provides foot and bike access across Settler’s Cove. Throughout the summer, the waters around Port Lions are an excellent place to spot whales, including humpbacks, fin whales, and orcas, and other marine wildlife including sea otters, sea lions, and seals. At the right time of year, birders can easily spot hundreds of puffins, eagles, and kittiwakes in the area. Fishing lodges and local charter captains can arrange whale watching and wildlife viewing excursions out of Port Lions.
Most visitors arrive at Port Lions to cast a line into the area’s bountiful waters. The sheltered bays between Kodiak, Afognak, and Raspberry Islands are home to some of the richest fisheries in Alaska. In May and June, trophy king salmon can be caught in the bays and in August, silver salmon begin to appear. Halibut, some topping 300 pounds, can be hooked almost anytime from May through September. Fishing excursions in July often result in a mixed bag of kings, silvers, and halibut. Nearby streams and rivers are also very productive with sockeye salmon in June, pink salmon and Dolly Varden in July, and silver salmon in August.
Fishing lodges in Port Lions provide visitors a wide range of services including comfortable accommodations, meals, and fishing equipment, and can arrange charter fishing adventures into waters between Kodiak, Afognak, and Raspberry Islands.
Kayaks can be carried over on the Alaska Marine Highway and then used to explore the protected waters created by Kizhuyak Bay, Dry Spruce Bay, and Whale and Raspberry Islands.
Port Lions is on the north coast of Kodiak Island, 19 miles from the city of Kodiak. The community is accessible by scheduled and charter air service from Kodiak, and Alaska Marine Highway ferries from May to October.