Heli Hike & Kayak in Alaska

The first night of this spectacular Alaskan vacation is spent at the Hotel Captain Cook. On arrival at Anchorage International Airport, a private transfer will whisk you to this historic downtown hotel, where you’ll stay in a Captain’s Deck Deluxe King Room. At the hotel you’ll have access to an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and steam room. There is also a private in-house art collection chronicling the adventures of Captain James Cook, who mapped the coast of Alaska on his final voyage. The hotel has a fine dining option at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, offering sweeping views across the city.

Anchorage is scenically located on the Cook Inlet against a backdrop of the Chugach Mountains, with miles of coastal paths and trails to explore. Those keen to stretch their legs post-flight, will have plenty of choice and may even spy the odd moose or eagle along the way. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the Anchorage Museum, Native Heritage Center, shops, and restaurants.

After a delicious breakfast this morning, you will be met by your driver for the scenic 4-hour transfer to Homer. The route is full of natural, cultural, and historic riches with superb views of the Turnagain Arm waterway, along with quaint villages, majestic peaks, and meandering wildlife to keep you occupied. From Homer, a 25-minute boat journey across Kachemak Bay takes you to Halibut Cove and the upscale Stillpoint Lodge, your waterfront base for the following four nights.

Having settled into your One Bedroom Cabin, there’s plenty of time to explore before enjoying a gourmet dinner. The lodge’s award-winning chef specializes in farm-to-table Alaskan cuisine created using local and homegrown produce. There is also an extensive wine cellar and each evening you can enjoy cocktails and beer served in the comfortable lounge of the main lodge.

Within the delightful gardens is the onsite dock, allowing for kayaking and paddleboarding direct from the lodge in the calm waters of Kachemak Bay. There is also a guided hike along the lodge’s 3-mile panoramic Local Native Trail. The marine and birdlife here is impressive and the area is home to whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, puffins, and kittiwakes. Stillpoint also encourages relaxation, with activities such as forest bathing, yoga, and mindfulness available, as well as a hot tub and sauna.

The following day is yours to indulge in a variety of activities which are included in your stay, such as whale watching, guided kayaking, paddleboarding, bird watching, massage, yoga, and guided hiking. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a chance to unwind, there is something to suit all moods and interests.

The next two days bring a choice of à la carte excursions to select from. These include bear watching, which involves a scenic flight to view one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears. The sight of the ‘grizzlies,’ catching leaping salmon is an unforgettable highlight. World-class saltwater fishing is another option with a day of halibut and salmon fishing or enjoy a unique guided kayaking adventure paddling around the icebergs of Grewingk Glacier Lake. Wildlife and photography lovers also get the opportunity to combine the two, with a wildlife photo-safari cruise in Kachemak Bay.

Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave Halibut Cove by seaplane for a private flight back to Lake Hood, the seaplane terminal in Anchorage. Then it’s back for one night at the Hotel Captain Cook. After enjoying a private sightseeing tour of the city, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants to sample the local cuisine.