Halibut Cove and Danny J

Cost and Booking

The charming village of Halibut Cove, on Ismailof Island, was the scene of a thriving herring fishery in the early 1900's. At it's peak 36 saltrys operated here. The fishery collapsed in 1928.

Halibut Cove is now home to a few dozen residents, largely fishermen and artists. You'll have time to see it during your 2 1/2 hour visit. Stroll the 12 blocks of boardwalk. Enjoy a bite to eat and your favorite drink at the Saltry. There are 2 art galleries and a pottery shop to see along the way.

Halibut Cove's first and only restaurant, The Saltry, specializes in seafood. Everything in the Saltry is handmade from the plates to the locally sawn lumber and fresh locally caught fish. The menu includes fresh and international specials daily, pasta, chowders and fresh mussels. The restaurant bakes its own bread and harvests its own salads. Local fishermen (and women) provide a varied catch for the charcoal grill. Other specialties of the restaurant include chocolate cheesecake, pies, fine wines, and ale on tap. Lunch and Dinner reservations are required and are made with your reservation through Central Charters. Dinners range in price from $14 to $25.

The Experience gallery is where more than a dozen local artists display their pottery, paintings, jewelry and other fine art, and also stop by the gallery of Dianna Tillion. Along the way you will encounter a Morgan horse farm, families of pheasant and chickens and sometimes spot, the resident harbor seal. Otter and ducks float across the channel and eagles soar above as you sit on the deck at the gourmet Saltry. After dining, you might also hike the island trails with 360-degree views of the mountains, the glaciers, the Homer hillside and the community of Halibut Cove.

The Danny J is a conventional-styled fishing boat that since 1966 has served as both a passenger ferry for the residents, and as a tour boat for visitors to the area. The Danny J carries 34 passengers and is Coast Guard approved. Dress warmly and casually. Raingear is provided aboard the boat if needed. The tours to Halibut Cove are from noon to 5pm or 5pm to10pm daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. All arrangements are made through Central Charters.

12:00 Noon Departure

Starting from the picturesque Kenai Peninsula town of Homer, the cruise aboard the Danny J sails through some of the most scenic and vibrant waters anywhere. The highlight of the noon cruise to Halibut Cove is a visit to Gull Island, a bird sanctuary a short twenty minutes from Homer. Gull Island is home to nine nesting species of birds. Many, many other species may be found here during migration, and before and after nesting. Binoculars and camera gear are a must! In addition to the fabulous birds at Gull Island, Kachemak Bay is teeming with sea life - seals, whales, porpoise. You'll have two and a half hours to explore Halibut Cove. Then at 4:00 pm it's time to head back to Homer.

2009 Prices

Adult Noon Price ----- $49

Senior Noon Price ---- $45

Child Noon Price ----- $30

  • Payment is required at the time of the reservation. Each seat booked is subject to a $2.00 booking fee and 7.5% sales tax.
  • There is a firm 24 hour cancellation policy.
  • If you selected the ticket that includes a lunch reservation, a seat will be booked for you at the Saltry Restaurant for 1:30 pm. The Saltry offers a full menu and accepts cash and most major credit cards.
  • Check in is required at Central Charters no later than 11:30 am the day of departure for your boarding pass. Feel free to check in early or the day before.

5:00 PM Dinner Cruise

Daily 5 pm ferry departure is available for Saltry dinner customers. You have a full 3 hours on the Island with dinner times being 6:00 pm or 7:30 pm. Most guests spend 11/2 hours dinning and the remaining 11/2 hour touring the island and the galleries which remain open until the Danny J departure at 9:00 pm. Ferry and Saltry dinner reservations are made through Central Charters.

5:00 PM Transportation - $30

  • Payment is required at the time of the reservation. Each seat booked is subject to a $2.00 booking fee and 7.5% sales tax.
  • There is a firm 24 hour cancellation policy.
  • We will do our best to honor your preference of dinner time, but the restaurant reserves the right to change reservation times as needed. The Saltry offers a full menu and accepts cash and most major credit cards.
  • Check in is required at Central Charters no later than 4:30 pm the day of departure for your boarding pass. Feel free to check in early or the day before.

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Central Charters (907) 235-7847
 Email: centralcharters@gmail.com

 

 

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