Located on a private island surrounded by Alaska’s pristine waters and wildlife, our luxury yurt cabins put you steps away from kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, and more.
Alaska Adventures aren’t limited to sightseeing from shore — at Orca Island Cabins, the bay becomes your personal playground.
All activities are included in your stay, and we provide every piece of gear you need — no packing hassles, no extra costs. Whether you’re here to sip coffee at sunrise, paddle beside sea otters, or hike to a secluded viewpoint, each day brings a new way to explore.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to fill their days, while those looking for peace can slow down and simply take in the scenery. At Orca Island Cabins, both paths lead to unforgettable memories.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Resurrection Bay offers the rare chance to watch Alaska’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat — often without leaving the comfort of your cabin. At Orca Island Cabins, you’re surrounded by ocean, forest, and sky, making it easy to spot creatures large and small at any time of day.
From your private deck or the seat of a kayak, you might watch sea otters twirling in kelp, puffins skimming the water, or bald eagles gliding between spruce trees. On lucky days, a humpback whale may breach in the distance or a pod of orcas might cut through the bay while guests are en route to or from the island.
What to Expect:
- Mornings and evenings are often the best for calm water and active wildlife.
- Common sightings include sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles; rarer visitors like Steller sea lions or humpback whales are unforgettable surprises.
- Animals can appear anywhere — from the shoreline at low tide to the open bay beyond the cove.
Gear We Provide:
We supply binoculars so you can identify what you’re seeing up close. We also have a large bell that our overnight host will ring to alert guests if a humpback is spotted in the cove!
Pro Tip:
Set your camera to burst mode and keep it nearby — the best encounters often last only seconds. And remember to look both out to sea and into the treetops; sometimes the most dramatic sightings happen overhead.
Want to know the best months for each species and the top spots around the bay to find them? Check out our complete Wildlife Viewing Guide for seasonal tips, species profiles, and photos from past guests.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay is one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the rugged Alaskan coastline. From Orca Island Cabins, you can launch right off the dock and glide through calm coves or paddle further out for sweeping views of snow-capped peaks.
What to Expect:
Keep your eyes peeled—playful sea otters, harbor seals, and seabirds are potential companions on the water. For an extra dose of adventure, we’ll give you a map to a hidden trailhead only accessible by kayak. It leads to a breathtaking waterfall that thunders into the forest, creating the perfect backdrop for photos.
Gear We Provide:
Single and double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, spray skirts, and dry bags—everything you need for a safe, comfortable paddle.
Pro Tip:
Head out in the early morning or evening for glassy, wind-free waters. If it’s misty or overcast, don’t worry—these are often the best conditions for kayaking. Ironically, it’s the sunny afternoons that tend to bring the strongest winds, so plan accordingly for the smoothest ride.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding in Resurrection Bay offers a fun, adventurous way to explore the water’s surface while getting a completely different vantage point of the scenery.
What to Expect:
On those glassy, calm days, you can glide right up to the shoreline where you’ll spot sea stars, small fish darting between the rocks, and maybe even a curious seal peeking its head above the water. SUPs are incredibly maneuverable, making them perfect for weaving through the rocky islands at the back of the cove — a little hidden playground for adventurous paddlers. While you can’t take them to the waterfall trailhead like the kayaks, they’re unbeatable for short, scenic exploration.
Gear We Provide:
Stand-up paddleboards, paddles, life jackets.
Pro Tip:
Aim for early morning when the water is calmest. Start by kneeling for the first few minutes to get your balance, then stand once you feel steady — you’ll be rewarded with an incredible, elevated view of the bay.
Fishing
Fishing in Alaska is a bucket-list experience — and at Orca Island Cabins, you don’t even need to leave the dock to give it a try.
What to Expect:
Most guests reel in rockfish, the most common local catch, but salmon occasionally make an appearance during seasonal runs. And while it’s rare, halibut have been landed right off our dock (including a jaw-dropping 40-pounder in 2023). If you want to venture further, you can even book a local charter for halibut, lingcod, and bigger salmon. Some charters will pick you up right from the island so you can skip the extra travel.
Gear We Provide:
Rods, reels, tackle, pliers, cutting boards, fillet knives, fishing nets. We don’t supply bait, but guests get creative — from store-bought herring to hot dogs to mussels collected during low tide.
Pro Tip:
Check Alaska’s fishing regulations before you cast a line, especially if you plan to keep what you catch. We’re happy to help you figure out what’s in season and point you toward the most promising spots around the island.
Want all the details on species, timing, bait tips, and charter options? Check out our full guide: Fishing at Orca Island Cabins.
Snorkeling & Swimming
Snorkeling at Orca Island Cabins reveals a hidden underwater world full of kelp forests and vibrant sea life.
What to Expect:
The water is definitely brisk, but we provide thick wetsuits with hoods, fins, masks, and snorkels to keep you warm and comfortable enough to explore. Many guests are surprised at how manageable it is once suited up!
One of the most iconic snorkeling spots is right under our arched bridge at high tide — a magical place to glide through swaying kelp. We’ve even had guests spot a Great Pacific Octopus on our property, a rare but thrilling encounter!
For those who want to try but are wary of the cold, here’s a fun tip: paddleboard with your face submerged using your snorkel and goggles, while keeping most of your body out of the water. It’s a unique way to experience the marine world without full immersion.
Gear We Provide:
Thick wetsuits with hoods, fins, masks, snorkels.
Pro Tip:
Pick a sunny day for your snorkeling adventure. Clear skies improve underwater visibility and make the experience even more fun!
Hiking
Orca Island offers two standout hiking adventures that bring you face-to-face with Alaska’s wild beauty.
What to Expect:
Our first option is the waterfall trail, accessible only by kayak, where you’ll discover a stunning cascade tucked away in the forest — a perfect spot for photos and a nature break.
The second is a hike to a historic WWII bunker. This trail climbs about 800 feet round-trip and is accessed via a small skiff ride with one of our overnight hosts. Along the way, there’s a fantastic viewpoint for those who want to enjoy a shorter nature walk without pushing through all the way to the top.
If you do decide to go the distance, you can explore the bunker itself — a fascinating glimpse into history — and enjoy probably the best cell service you’ll find during your stay at Orca Island Cabins.
Gear We Provide:
Trail maps and binoculars for spotting wildlife and distant views.
Pro Tip:
Wear layers. Even on a short hike, you can move quickly from sunny beaches to shaded forest where temperatures drop fast. Being prepared helps you enjoy every step comfortably.
Add-On Activity: 2-Hour Bay Cruise
This guided wildlife cruise departs right from the dock at Orca Island Cabins, making it an easy and unforgettable addition to your stay.
What to Expect:
Aboard our intimate six-passenger vessel, you’ll explore Resurrection Bay’s stunning coastline, spotting whales, glaciers, and bustling seabird rookeries. Each cruise is customized based on current weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you get a unique, up-close experience every time.
Gear We Provide:
Life jackets and binoculars for safe and clear viewing throughout the trip.
Pro Tip:
Try to spend as much of the trip as you can on deck for the best views and photo opportunities! And bring a windproof/waterproof layer; it can get chilly out on the water, even on sunny days.
At Orca Island Cabins, all the gear you need for adventure is ready and waiting—so you can focus on the experience, not the packing. Whether you’re an early riser eager to paddle the calm morning waters or someone who loves to unwind by the fire as the sun sets, the pace is entirely yours to set.
Here, relaxation and exploration go hand in hand. Spend your days discovering wildlife, hiking hidden trails, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Then, settle in under a blanket of stars with the gentle sounds of the bay all around you. Ready to experience the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility? Book your stay at Orca Island Cabins and start planning your unforgettable island getaway today!
