Port of Homer cruise port guide

Port of Homer — Homer, United States.

Homer, on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, calls itself the 'Halibut Fishing Capital of the World'. It's an artsy town on Kachemak Bay, with the famous Homer Spit stretching 4.5 miles into the water and glaciers and mountains across the bay.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Homer?

Ships that fit tie up at the Deep Water Dock near the end of the Homer Spit, where you step off onto a level paved lot with restrooms and shelters. The dock takes ships of up to about 800 ft and 65,000 tons, so larger ships have to anchor in Kachemak Bay and bring passengers into the small-boat harbour by boat, as Holland America's Westerdam did in 2024.

How do I get from the cruise port to town?

Shuttle arrangements vary: in 2017 Holland America ran free buses along the Spit and sold tickets for a shuttle to downtown Homer on the mainland, but that may have changed. Check your line's current plans.

Getting around

The Spit is walkable; taxis reach the town. Water taxis cross Kachemak Bay.

Don't miss

• Homer Spit — shops, galleries and the historic Salty Dawg Saloon.
• Kachemak Bay — water taxis to Halibut Cove and Seldovia.
• Pratt Museum and the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.
• Bear-viewing flights — to Katmai or Lake Clark national parks.

Planning your day

Explore the Spit, take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay, or book a bear-viewing flight.

Food & drink

Fresh halibut and seafood.

Where to eat

• Homer Spit restaurants — Casual seafood spots.

Must try

• Halibut — Fish and chips or grilled.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — English.
• 📋Documents — Carry your passport or the ID your cruise line requires for US ports.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Currency is the US dollar; cards are widely accepted.
• 🌤️Weather — Mild summers; bring layers.
• 📶Connectivity — Good coverage.
• ♿Accessibility — The Spit is flat.
• ⏱️Getting back — Flights and water taxis run to schedules; plan accordingly.

Sources: homeralaska.org; alaska.org