Port Lions

Nestled in Settlers Cove at the northern tip of Kodiak Island, Port Lions is a charming village offering exellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, fishing, and more. 

ABOUT PORT LIONS (SUGPIAQ: MASIQSIRRAQ)

Port Lions was established after the devastating Good Friday Earthquake and subsequent tsunami destroyed the village of Afognak on Afognak Island. With significant assistance from Lions Club International, the new community was built, and the relocated residents named their village in honor of this generous service organization. Today, this warm, welcoming community is a hidden gem on Kodiak Island that promises adventure and natural beauty. 

THINGS TO DO

A scenic causeway provides foot and bike access across Settlers Cove, while charter boat services offer excursions into nearby coves and bays for wildlife viewing. During the summer, the waters around Port Lions are teeming with marine life, including humpback whales, fin whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and seals. Bird enthusiasts can spot hundreds of puffins, eagles, and kittiwakes at the right time of year.

Most visitors come to Port Lions to cast a line into the area’s bountiful waters. The sheltered bays between Kodiak, Afognak, and Raspberry Islands boast some of Alaska’s richest fisheries. In May and June, trophy king salmon can be caught, while August brings the arrival of silver salmon. Halibut, some weighing over 300 pounds, can be hooked from May through September. July fishing excursions often yield a diverse catch of kings, silvers, and halibut. Nearby streams and rivers are abundant with sockeye salmon in June, pink salmon and Dolly Varden in July, and silver salmon in August. Fishing lodges in Port Lions provide visitors with services including accommodations, meals, and fishing gear, and can arrange charter fishing adventures into waters between Kodiak, Afognak, 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 along with Alaska Marine Highway ferry service from Kodiak and Homer.