Travel Tips

• Average Daylight Hours: There are areas of Alaska that experience 24 hours of summer daylight, but the Kenai Peninsula is not one of them. On the Kenai, you may expect up to 19 hours of daylight in June, 17 hours in July, 16in August and 14 in September.
• Average Temperatures and Precipitation: The average high temperature in the summer on the Kenai Peninsula is in the mid 60's. There is an average of 50% humidity and less than two inches of precipitation per month. Remember that temperature on the saltwater is colder, so dress warmly. Weather is always a factor but if your prepared it seldom interferes with a great vacation experience.
• Bank Card Cash Machines: Homer and Soldotna have major bank branches and many merchants host cash machines on their premises. Most merchants and gas stations accept major credit cards. Travelers checks are used frequently and are always accepted.
• Cellular Phone Service: Check with your home provider about service. Most analog and digital phones do successfully "roam" on the Kenai Peninsula but there are a few areas with poor reception.
• Clothing: As you might expect, Alaska is a pretty casual environment. It is always wise to carry "layers" of clothing with you to accommodate the varying weather conditions; you can take them off it is a warm, sunny 75 degrees, but be very happy if the weather turns cool and blustery. You will want to dress warmly when going out on the ocean and other outdoor activities, with long underwear under your clothes and a sweater on top, as well as a warm jacket, hat and gloves. You'll want full rain gear and rubber or waterproof boots, as well.
• Cost of Living: Generally speaking, you will find the cost of living to be slightly more expensive than at home. Gasoline is pretty much on a par with the rest of the country and restaurants are comparable. In the space of a vacation week it will be difficult to be harmed financially.
• Drinking Age: The drinking age in the state is 21 years of age. Alcohol may be purchased seven days a week from 8am to 10pm at area liquor stores only; it is not sold in grocery stores.
• Driving Tips: Alaska honors all out of state driver's licenses. Seatbelts must be worn at all times. Maximum speed limit on the Kenai Peninsula is 55 mph. Watch out for moose.
• Firearms: You may carry firearms for protection or hunting in Alaska. Airline passengers must declare their firearms and check them as baggage. Please let us know if you decide to bring a firearm. There is NO need for a firearm at Soaring Eagle or for any of the Soaring Eagle activities. Where appropriate, guides will provide any protection required.
• Holidays: All major U.S. holidays are observed on the Peninsula. Seward's Day on the last Monday in March and Alaska Day on October 18th are also observed.
• Medical Facilities: The cities of Soldotna, Homer and Seward have hospital or medical centers and energy medical services are available along the Peninsula.
• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are present in varying degrees from April through September each year. None carry disease. On the Peninsula they are found on coastal flats and in forested valleys. The worst occurrences are in areas of slow moving or standing water. These insects are most active at dusk and dawn but wind greatly decreases their activity. They are no problem along the bluff line at Soaring Eagle.
• Peninsula Mileage: The Kenai Peninsula is about the size of Vermont but is relatively easy to navigate due to a limited road system. Using Kenai/Soldotna as a starting point it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive to Homer and about an hour and a half to Seward. Regardless of the time, your drive will take you through some of the most beautiful and scenic country you have ever seen.
• Postal Service: All Kenai Peninsula communities have postal services available.
• Tidal Safety: The tides of Cook Inlet have the second greatest tidal range in the world with a maximum range approaching 40 feet. While these tides are impressive to watch, they are also very dangerous. They boast powerful currents, some as fast as 20 miles per hour, and they come in very quickly. It is important to avoid areas effected by these tides for reasons of personal safety.
• Time Zone: The entire Kenai Peninsula is in the Alaska Time Zone, one hour earlier than the Pacific Time Zone and four hours later than the East Coast during daylight savings time.