Visitor Center

IOVC Entrance Sign Wood Base Large

Your window to the largest seabird refuge in the world, with all of the wonders of Kachemak Bay right outside its doors!


Hours of Operation
Our visitor center is temporarily closed, but staff will be available to assist visitors outside. Please stop by the outside visitor information booth to learn about the refuge. You can also visit us virtually!  

May 2021 Hours: Hours will vary due to staffing. 

  • May 3 – May 6,  Noon – 4 pm
  • May 7 – May 8, 9 am – 5 pm
  • May 9,    9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Monday, May 10 - CLOSED
  • May 11 – 14,  1 pm – 4 pm
  • May 15-16 CLOSED
  • May 17-21,  Noon – 4 pm
  • May 22 -  CLOSED   
  • May 23 - May 31, Noon – 5 pm
  • June 1 – June 6, Noon – 5 pm

June 7 - Labor Day Staff available 9am-5pm Daily
Upcoming Events
  • Check out our  CALENDAR for a list of upcoming events at Islands & Ocean    
  • Daily Ranger Programs offered June 7- August 20 (2021 Summer Season).

 
Volunteer Today!

Seeking friendly, energetic couple to join our team for summer 2022 in Homer, Alaska. This opportunity is for a couple traveling with their RV, has experience in visitor services, and enjoys working with people and providing excellent customer service. Knowledge or willingness to learn about nature, ecology, wildlife, and plants including common species.  

TO APPLY: Send resume + 3 references to Visitor Center Manager, alaskamaritime@fws.gov

LEARN MORE: volunteer.gov

 

The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (known locally as Islands & Ocean) takes you on a dramatic journey through the refuge's past and present . . . surrounds you with the sights, sounds - and even the smells of a seabird colony . . . and invites you to follow biologists as their research ship sails to remote islands each year. 

Guest Amenities & Accessibility

Restrooms, sitting areas and drinking fountains are conveniently located. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available at no charge to loan to on-site guests. All exhibits are accessible by wheelchair. The Visitor Center offers ample parking, including bus and RV spots. No overnight parking is allowed.

Jr. Biologist - Kids Earn Your Badge!
Kids can earn their Jr. Biologist Badge.


Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center but are allowed on the trails while on a leash. To avoid disease being passed to wildlife, owners must pick up after their pets.

Shopping
Located inside the Visitor Center, the Alaska Geographic bookstore offers an exciting selection of nature guides, children's items, and books. Alaska Geographic is a partner of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and other Refuges and Parks in Alaska. Their website offers membership and an online bookstore with many helpful items for travelers planning to visit Alaska. Purchases made at Islands & Ocean support educational programs at the Visitor Center. Members receive a 15% discount on most purchases.

Plan Ahead & Enjoy the Trails
Stroll through inside exhibits and explore interpretive trails on the Center's sixty-acre site. If you intend to enjoy the trails, consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, gear for windy or rainy conditions and appropriate shoes or boots to explore the beach.

Birding & Wildlife Watching on Kachemak Bay

 Meetings and Partner Events
Is your government agency, non-profit, or professional looking for a place to host a meeting or event? From Labor Day through mid-April, we may be able to offer you a space. Check out our use policy for more information or to request use of the facility.