Exploring Dutch Harbor Alaska and Unalaska Island

Dutch Harbor Alaska is a remote fishing port located on the island of Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands. It's a fascinating place to explore.

The harbor is surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky shores, making it a challenging but picturesque spot. The island's rugged landscape is a testament to its volcanic origins.

Unalaska Island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea otters, Steller sea lions, and puffins. The island's unique ecosystem is a result of its location near the intersection of three major ocean currents.

The island's history is rich and complex, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 2,000 years. The Unangan people, also known as the Aleut, have lived on the island for centuries.

Getting to Dutch Harbor can be a bit of a challenge, but there are a couple of options to consider. Alaska Airlines serves Dutch Harbor with turboprops operated by Pen Air, and the flight from Anchorage takes 3 hours.

If you're looking for a more leisurely trip, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Tustumena makes a 4-day journey from Homer to Dutch Harbor, stopping in Kodiak and villages along the way. The one-way passenger fare is about $351.

You can also fly back from Dutch Harbor, but be aware that seasickness is a real concern on the ferry due to the open ocean. Unless you want to spend only 7 hours in Unalaska and then make the long return trip, you'll need to fly back.

Combining your flight leg with your round-trip ticket to Alaska can save you substantially, making Dutch Harbor your final destination and Anchorage a stopover.

Traveling to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, requires some planning when it comes to getting around. It's a 2.1-mile walk over level, paved roads to the Museum of the Aleutians (MOTA), but you can also hop on a shuttle bus for convenience.

The Unalaska Visitor Bureau offers a Hop-on Hop-off bus system for $50 per person, which includes a blue wristband that allows you to reboard the shuttles at various stops. However, be aware that this service may not be well publicized, so it's best to contact the Unalaska Visitor Center in advance to get more detailed information.

If you prefer a more private or flexible transportation option, you can book a full-size sedan for $110, a mid-size SUV for $130, or a full-size SUV for $160. You can also rent a full-size truck for $160 or a 15-passenger van for $190.

If you're planning a trip to Dutch Harbor, you're in luck because one-way flight deals are available.

One-way flights from Anchorage (ANC) to Dutch Harbor (DUT) can be booked for as low as $689, seen just 12 hours ago.

Departing on July 25, 2025, is one of the available dates for this price.

Multiple departures are available, including September 6, 2025, and July 26, 2025, but the price increases slightly to $701.

Another option is to depart on August 28, 2025, or July 21, 2025, both of which also cost $701.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can even find a one-way flight for $761 if you depart on May 26, 2025.

Getting around Unalaska can be a challenge, but there are a few options to consider. The Unalaska Visitor Bureau offers a Hop-on Hop-off bus system for $50 per person, which allows you to travel between the ship and the Museum of the Aleutians (MOTA) and then to the Russian Orthodox Church.

You'll need to pay for this service on the dock, where you'll receive a blue wristband that lets you reboard the shuttles at various stops. However, be aware that this service wasn't well publicized, and many people got frustrated with the long lines and unclear expectations.

If you're looking for a more personalized experience, you can hire a vehicle for transportation. Full-size sedans are available for $110, mid-size SUVs for $130, full-size SUVs for $160, and full-size trucks for $160.

Alternatively, you can rent a 15-passenger van for $190.

Unalaska Island is a fascinating place to visit, but it's not a destination you'd typically make a special trip for. The island is home to the town of Unalaska, which is often confused with Dutch Harbor, its port.

The name Unalaska is derived from various Native Aleut words that have been used for some time. The United States Board on Geographic Names settled on the name Unalaska in the 1890s after reviewing several names in use previously.

You'll notice that Unalaska is a very remote location, it's about as far west as you can get in the USA unless you're in the Navy and have spent time in Adak or Midway Island. Unalaska is actually further west than the Hawaiian Islands.

Bald Eagles are abundant in Unalaska, I saw more of them than seagulls during my visit! The fishing industry is a significant part of Unalaska's economy, but if you visit in the summer, you won't see any fishing activity as it takes place in October and January.

Dutch Harbor Alaska is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. The outdoor park museum is a must-visit, where you can explore multiple WWII relics and learn about Alaska's 'Forgotten War'.

You can spend your afternoon wandering through the museum, taking in the incredible story of the war. If you have time, visit the beautiful cathedral to learn why the native Unangan took the Russian Orthodox religion to their heart.

The waterfront Memorial Park is another great spot to visit, with a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the harbor. If you're looking for some live music, head to the Harborview Bar and Grill, which often has something going on in the evening.

The UniSea Sports Bar and Grill is another possibility for live music, while the Cape Cheerful Lounge at the Grand Aleutian Hotel stages regular performances by local musicians in the summer.

A Morning in Dutch Harbor is the perfect way to start your day. You can begin by visiting the Museum of the Aleutians for a fascinating introduction to the area's past.

The museum is a great place to get some overall insight into the area's history, and it's a wonderful way to set the tone for your day. Afterward, you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and enjoy encounters with the area's plentiful marine wildlife on a boat cruise.

If the weather is fine, grab a cappuccino or espresso from the Alaska Ship Supply store, just a two-minute walk from the museum. This store is a community hub, supplying everything from marine hardware to groceries, and it also has an espresso counter serving decent coffee.

Island Grind is another great option, just a ten-minute walk from the museum. They serve coffee, smoothies, and some delicious home-made cakes in a cozy cafe environment.

Amelia's Restaurant is also within walking distance, and it's a charming space that's been a part of Dutch Harbor's scene for many years. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a coffee break, Amelia's has something for everyone.

If you're looking to experience the incredible scenery and wildlife of Unalaska Island, consider taking a Bay Boat Tour or Kayak excursion. You'll get to see the stunning marine and island environments that surround Unalaska and Dutch Harbor.

The boat tour will give you a sense of how isolated these islands are, and you'll be showered with endless views of their natural magnificence. On a clear day, you'll even catch a glimpse of the active Makushin Volcano, which last erupted in 1995.

Expect to spot a vast diversity of fish species and aquatic invertebrates, as well as marine mammals like porpoises and humpback whales. Some tours may even take you to the stellar sea-lion protection areas, where you can watch pups at play or witness the incredible spectacle of a humpback whale breaching.

For a more active experience, consider kayaking through the protected bays and calm harbor waters of Unalaska Island. This will give you the added advantage of being able to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, including seals and sea-lions, which are especially inquisitive in the water.

Lunch in Unalaska is a treat, with a surprising diversity of options considering the town's small size.

You can choose from casual to refined dining experiences, with a range of cuisines including seafood, Mexican, and sushi.

Amelia's is a popular choice for casual dining, with an extensive menu of good quality Mexican dishes.

The Harborview Bar and Grill is another no-frills spot with a laid-back atmosphere, offering a wide choice of soups, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and burgers.

If you want to catch a glimpse of marine wildlife while you lunch, head to the Norwegian Rat Saloon, which has indoor and outdoor seating and is often a great spot to spot otters, sea lions, and even whales cruising by.

The Grand Aleutian Hotel is the town's most refined dining choice, but be aware that one of its restaurants only serves dinner and the other, Cape Cheerful, only serves lunch after 2 pm.

An Afternoon in Dutch Harbor is a great way to spend your time, and it's likely to be the highlight of your day. You'll have the chance to explore the outdoor park museum, where you'll find multiple WWII relics scattered around.

The museum will transport you to the past, sharing the incredible story of Alaska's 'Forgotten War'. This is a truly moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.

If you still have time after visiting the museum, you can head to the beautiful cathedral to learn why the native Unangan took the Russian Orthodox religion to their heart.

You can't miss the historic Fort Schwatka, perched on 1000ft Ulatka Head on the 1634ft-high Mount Ballyhoo, the highest US coast-located fort ever built.

The fort is a network of over 100 separate buildings, including command centers, barracks, and work stations, which can still be seen in a collapsed and partially ruined state.

The gun mounts are remarkably well-preserved and offer an incredible view from this vantage point.

The Ballyhoo Trail takes you to the fort, following two separate approaches to the mountain that take around 45 minutes to complete.

Along the way, you'll discover multiple points of historical interest that add to the excitement of the trek.

An evening in Dutch Harbor can be a lively experience, with live music often filling the air at local bars.

The Harborview Bar and Grill is a great place to catch some live music, whether it's a casual group of friends or a regular open mic night.

Dancing is far from uncommon at the Harborview Bar and Grill, and you can even take a break from the music to enjoy a meal or snack.

If you'd rather be a little more active after dinner, you can take advantage of the long summer daylight hours and go for a stroll.

The sun never really sets in the summer, making it the perfect time to visit the cathedral or Memorial Park if you didn't have time earlier in the day.