After seeing this site, I was compelled to write about a company in my own backyard here in Homer, Alaska, called True North Kayak. I moved to Homer in 1990 from Scottsdale, Arizona and it took me a bit of time to get acclimated to Alaska (I moved here with 100 pair of high heels, they're all flower planters now...) but every year for vacation, I endeavered to try something new in the state, since it had so much to offer that was unfamiliar to me. In 1993, I decided to go out into Kachemak Bay kayaking with True North and it was a trip that changed my perspective on living here. I had never done any kayaking before, much less sea kayaking but after taking the boat over to the island that is base camp for True North, I received enough instruction to feel comfortable getting into the kayak. Our guide did an incredible job of being right there giving advice but once our comfort level increased, he knew when to fall back a little and allow us to enjoy time alone. We hugged the shore of the island we paddled around, seeing birds, otters, starfish, plant life, seals and the excitement of propelling our kayaks through the water. Around noon, the guide picked out a sunny sandy beach where we would have lunch, all while identifying flora and fauna, pointing out eagle nests and filling us in on the geology of our lunchspot. And what a lunch! Since lunch was included in the price I just assumed it would be a sweaty salami sandwich but no, it was a gourmet picnic. And we needed it at that point, even though kayaking seems effortless, it built an appetite. We eventually got into our kayaks to finish the afternoon and get back to base camp for the boat ride back to Homer. We paddled slowly as we approached the end, not wanting to end the magical day but little did we know what was in store for us. We got back on the water taxi to head to Homer and the day had been perfect. But as our boat headed out we saw an orca whale at 12 o'clock! Unbelievable! It was huge and stately, glimmering black and white when above the surface. We were amazed and as we stood there soaking it all in, we realized we were in a pod of orcas, a whole family, along with a calf. They eventually swam ahead of us and we spent the rest of the trip back to Homer trying to catch our breath. Since that time, I have continued to go out with True North Kayak at least once a summer. My skills have gotten better as the guide always has helpful ways to advance one's capabilities, and I have never, ever gone out and not learned something new about the area I have lived in now for 17 years. I feel more comfortable being with experts on the ocean, and every trip has expanded my awareness of Kachemak Bay and kayaking in general. The lunches continue to be a gastronomical delight. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend True North Kayak to anyone with any skill level who has an interest in going sea kayaking. Over the years I have watched them accommodate all spectrums of the population and infuse each and every one of them with a newfound, or reignited, love of kayaking.

My family had a wonderful camping trip in Kachemak Bay for 3 days. The scenery was unbelievable around the islands where True North has their base camp. Then we spent two nights and two days in the fjords. Campsites were beachside with some great meals. The first night the guide made Salmon with a white wine sauce. We hit the lowest tides of the year and were able to explore the tide pools of the area learning plenty about the sea stars, sea anemones and hermit crabs. It was one of the best trips we've done in years.

We loved our kayaking experience with True North. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and our guide was patient and laid back.

We were water taxied out to Yukon Island, which is filled with calm waters and gorgeous views of mountains, trees, and beautiful rock formations. We saw sea otters, puffins, jellyfish, starfish, and bald eagles. It was relaxing and exciting at the same time. We had a blast, and we would recommend this trip for all levels of experience.

Heather & Gloria
Massachusetts

We took a fantastic 3-day, 2-night kayaking with True North. We're a family of 4 with an 9 year-old daughter and 7-year old son. True North outfitted us with a pair of 2-person kayaks and provided us with a guide for the 1st half-day to get us started. They also made arrangements for us to camp at Yurts on Tutka Bay in Kachemak Bay State Park. It was a great adventure for all of us. We enjoyed the expansive views and the feeling of getting out into the wilderness. We saw sea otters and numerous bald eagles. The weather was what you’d expect for the Alaskan coast with lots of overcast skies but occasional clearing that revealed the majestic high peaks walling the bay. The paddling was relatively easy, the water not too rough, and the moderate headwind on our return north just as advertised. It was a real adventure for the kids, who did great. I’ll long remember the image my daughter and son slipping off to sleep in the front cockpits, with their heads bobbing gently up and down as we glided down the bay. True North made sure that everything went off without a hitch from the initial outfitting, to the friendly and informative guiding, to the final pick-up in their zippy little fishing boat. This is a great trip for any family with adventuresome kids. True North is a top-notch outfitter.