Located about 9-miles across the bay from Seward, Orca Island Cabins offers perhaps some of the most tranquil and unique accommodations in the Kenai Fjords National Park area. Eight private, yurt-style cabins are situated in a private cove along the rocky coastline of the Resurrection Peninsula and Orca Island, providing guests with stunning views looking out over Resurrection Bay!
Your adventure will begin at the Small Boat Harbor in Seward, where you will park your vehicle in the city parking lot and board the water taxi that will transport you to the Orca Island Cabins property. (Note: The parking fee is currently $10 per day. ) You will want to stock up on the food and beverages that you will need during your stay before leaving Seward, as there is no food available at the remote cabins. Also, there are no refrigerators at the cabins, but complimentary coolers are provided for food items that need to stay cool. You will need to purchase enough ice to fill your coolers and keep your items cold during your stay. Orca Island Cabins staff will help you transfer your supplies to the provided ice chests on the boat, and then to your cabin upon arrival.
The water taxi departs Seward at 1 pm (subject to change) and you will enjoy a 1-hour wildlife cruise along the way to the cabins property. At the end of your stay, after check out, the water taxi departs from Orca Island Cabins at 10 am (subject to change) for the return trip to Seward. Enjoy a 1-hour scenic ride through Resurrection Bay on the return trip! The water taxi service to and from the cabins is included in your accommodation booking.
The Cabins
Once you reach the Orca Island Cabins property, the staff will help you with your luggage and get you checked into your private yurt cabin. Each cabin includes a queen bed and a futon sofa sleeper and will sleep 2 – 4 people. Cabins come fully equipped with solar power and cozy fireplaces for warmth. Well-appointed kitchens provide sinks with hot and cold running water, a propane range, complete set of dishes and basic cookware. There is a dining space with table and chairs. Private bathrooms provide hot showers, sinks and compost toilet. Each cabin boasts a cozy indoor propane fireplace, and a large, private outdoor deck with barbecue grill where you can sit back and enjoy the immense views! Coolers, potable water and firewood is provided free for all guests.
Activities and Adventure
Complimentary use of kayaks, rowing skiffs and stand-up paddlepoards are provided for guests during their stay. Fishing poles and tackle are also available for those who would like to try their hand at fishing as well.
A multitude of activities are available for guests to enjoy. Wildlife abounds in the waters of the bay as well as the mountains and forests around Humpy Cove. Guests enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in and around the cove and watching for otters, seals, sea lions, whales and more. (Note: Wet suits are available to guests who would like to use them.)
The staff at Orca Island Cabins also makes boat cruises around Resurrection Bay available to guests for an extra fee. These cruises provide incredible opportunities for guests to spot wildlife and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Resurrection Bay and southcentral Alaska! Common marine wildlife seen on these cruises includes Orca and Humpback whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor porpoise and more. Also it is not uncommon to see mountain goats navigating the rocky cliffs along the shoreline or some curious black or brown bears searching for a fish at the waters edge. The cruise will take you by some of the popular bird rookeries at Cape Resurrection and Barwell Island where you can get some up-close views of tufted and horned puffins, cormorants, black-legged kittiwakes, black oystercatchers, bald eagles and more! Cruises are available on a schedule that is convenient to guests.
The ocean is not the only place to play and explore during your stay. Several beaches and a number of hiking trails are available to explore in the area as well. There is a historic jeep trail from the WWII days that will take you to a mountain top lookout along the northern point of the cove where you can enjoy amazing views of the area and out across Resurrection Bay. Another popular trail to explore is the Waterfall Trail at the southern end of Humpy Cove which will allow you to hike around and above the beautiful waterfall.
Fishing from the shore is also a popular pastime for many guests of Orca Island Cabins. Common fish in the area include rockfish, flounder and sea bass. Coho and Humpy salmon are also common during the right time of the year (usually July and August). Complimentary fishing gear is available to guests of Orca Island Cabins during their stay. Half-day and full-day fishing charters can also be arranged for guests during their stay with a charter service based out of Seward which will meet you at your cabin to begin your adventure, and drop you off when the fishing trip is done.
Art Gallery
Also not to be missed is the art gallery right on the premises at Orca Island Cabins. On display in the gallery are the original oil paintings of Susan Swiderski, one of the owners of the resort, along with beautiful, hand-made jewelry and other locally crafted gifts and items. The gallery is open 24-hours a day, and there is a cozy fireplace inside the gallery and a spacious deck with with breathtaking ocean views, so the gallery is a wonderful place to relax and take in the beauty and tranquility of this wonderful paradise.
With so much to see and explore, and so much incredible scenery to sit back and enjoy, it is recommended that guests plan to spend multiple days enjoying their stay at Orca Island Cabins, however single night stays are available if your time is limited in the area. Stays of two or more nights receive a lower nightly rate. Also note that children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the island. Rates are based on double occupancy with 3rd and 4th guests requiring an additional charge (see policies below).
