Experience the "Crossroads of the Aleutians!" Unalaska has witnessed sweeping change in nine-thousand years of human history. The Unangan people were the first to inhabit the island of Unalaska; they developed an intricate and complex society long before the first contact with Russian fur traders who documented their existence. Artifacts, stories, and re-creations of their rich culture can be viewed and studied at the Museum of the Aleutians with many artifacts dating back almost 9,000 years.
The Russian influence is best viewed by touring the Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Cathedral, one of the oldest cruciform-style Russian churches in the country. Dutch Harbor is also known to War veterans and history buffs as the only land in North America, besides Pearl Harbor, that was bombed by Japanese zeros during World War II. Evidence of the Armed Forces' bunkers, Quonset huts, and barracks are still visible today, dotting the green hills of Unalaska and Amaknak Islands.
Today, Unalaska and Dutch Harbor is a world class destination for sport fishing, historical tours, birding, and cruise ships. Visitors and residents alike relax in the simple pleasures of beachcombing, berry picking, wildlife photography, and biking. Learn more about Unalaska / Dutch Harbor, Alaska!
Sport Fishing
Unalaska boasts some of the best fishing found anywhere. Located in the midst of the world's richest fishing grounds, Unalaska's charter boats regularly land world-class halibut and salmon.
A few charters begin operating in May, but all operate from June to September. To guarantee availability, we strongly recommend that you book your sport fishing adventure before arriving in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. If you wait to book until you are here, the captains cannot guarantee availability on their vessels. Tackle and bait is provided, but there is an extra fee for packaging and shipping fish.
Birding
Bird-watchers from around the world know that the Aleutian Islands are a must see in searching out rare species. The island is a birder's paradise, maintaining one of the worlds most heavily populated eagle habitats, as well as a profusion of seabirds including the rarely seen whiskered auklet and the short-tailed albatross.
More than 100 bird species can be found in this area, and some are unique to the Aleutian Chain. One of the rarest birds in the U.S. is the whiskered auklet, a small, gray diving seabird with white whiskers. It nests only in the Aleutians, particularly at the eastern end of Unalaska Island and in the nearby Baby Islands.
Directions
There are currently only two options for traveling to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor: airplane and ferry! There are daily flights from Anchorage, Alaska to Unalaska*, and ferry service from Homer, Alaska every two weeks. There are also a number of cruise ships which make port calls in Dutch Harbor each year. However, their stay in the area is only a matter of hours. *Airlines refer to Unalaska as “Dutch Harbor.” You will need to refer to Dutch Harbor (airport code DUT) when making your airline itinerary or searching websites.
Lodging & Dining
The island offers a host of lodging and dining possibilities, from first-class luxury hotel accommodations to bunkhouse style rooms. Grab a boxed lunch for the day's fishing or savor an elegant gourmet meal of Pacific Rim cuisine featuring local seafood.
Cruise Ships & Ferries
The ferry M/V Tustumena arrives in Dutch Harbor once a month. It is a 296 ft. vessel with a 174 passenger and 36 vehicle capacity. Services on board include a cafeteria, solarium, cocktail lounge and forward observation lounge. The voyage from Homer, Alaska to Dutch Harbor is approximately four days.
The Clipper Odyssey is operated by Entrée Alaska and Spirit of Oceanus by Cruise West Lines. The Bremen is a larger ship operated by All Alaska Tours. These Cruise Lines make occasional port calls in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor.
