An amazing variety and number of land and marine mammals as well as birds make Uyak Bay their home. Common sights include bears foraging for food, eagles and puffins soaring above, inquisitive seals lounging on the rocks, foxes digging for clams, and whales cruising along the bay.

We practice a low-impact philosophy that views all wildlife in its natural environment and we provide three ways to observe:

• Shelbee – D: Our 22′ landing craft
• Sea kayak
• Hiking by land

Bear viewing: Our camp is surrounded by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge that is home to over 3,000 Kodiak brown bears—one of the highest population of bears in the world.

Bird watching: Kodiak Island is home to over 200 species of birds—A bird watcher’s paradise featuring upland birds, sea birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Commonly seen species include bald eagles, horned & tufted puffins, kittiwakes, arctic terns, oystercatchers, cormorants, harlequin ducks, mergansers, sand pipers and more. A complete birding list is available from the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Whale watching: Three species of whales frequent Uyak Bay in search of food. Fin whales, which reach lengths of 70,’ are commonly seen from the Shelbee-D and often from “the bluff,” a short walk from our Amook cabin where there is an expansive view of the bay. Humpback whale visits peak during migration times. They willingly show their flukes and will amaze you when they breach. Orcas cruise the bay searching for salmon and other marine mammals. They also breach and their playful calves love to show off.

Bear & Wildlife Photo Gallery