Traveling to Kodiak
Kodiak Island is unlike anywhere else in Alaska! Come and explore for yourself.
Kodiak Island is located in the Gulf of Alaska, approximately 250 airmiles southwest of Anchorage. It is seperated from the mainland by the Shelifoff Strait. The island is 3,588 square miles. It is the second largest island in the United States.
Commercial airlines provide several daily flights from Anchorage to Kodiak, a one hour flight. These airline services are provided by Alaska Airlines or Era Aviation. Small bush pilots from Kodiak can also pick you up in Homer, it is a unique way of seeing the Emerald Island. The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System also provide scheduled stops to Kodiak and the village of Port Lions, approximately a ten hour ride.
Traveling to the villages
Each one of the Alutiiq villages has something spectacular that defines them from the others. All the villages, have a dynamic history that we are still learning about today. Traveling to the villages is a unique experience of exploring the authentic Alutiiq villages. Because there are no road systems connecting the villages to the city of Kodiak, your options are to fly on a small local bush plane, or charter a boat. Either one, will give you insight to the natural beauty of the island. Port Lions is the only village the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry provides service to.
Weather & Planning
In the summer months (summer solstice), we have daylight for approximately 20 hours (June) and during the winter (winter solstice) we have sunlight up to eight hours. Winters are very mild and summers are cool and moist. Typically, June is the driest month, and October is the wettest month. Kodiak Island has a maritime climate. We are surrounded by the warm Japanese current. This is the same warm current that provides California with it's soothing weather.
It is always wise to plan an extra 2-3 days for traveling, due to the unpredictable weather conditions. Always be prepared, dressing comfortable/casual, and bring extra layers of warm clothing, some good walking shoes, rain gear and boots, a heavy winter coat in the winter, and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
Resources are from NOAA website, Kodiak Wildlife Refuge website, Alaska State Parks, Picture of Port Lions & Floatplane Taken By Marilyn Nelson, Kodiak, Whale Fin, and Snow on Kodiak Island sign AreTaken By Andy Christofferson.