Aleutian Life Studios • Aleutian Life Tours
Meet the team
The Robinsons
The Robinsons
The Robinsons
Dennis
- Lifelong Unalaskan and Unangan (Aleut)
- Wxtensive knowledge of Unalaska's waters, geology, wildlife
- highly active in tribal, local and state wide infrastructure
Lynda
- resident island lover 20+ years
- bird seeker
- recreational photographer
- piano teacher/composer
Driving Tours
The Robinsons
The Robinsons
Experience Unalaska and Dutch Harbor with an experienced local guide.
- WWII Historic Sites
- Fishing Industry Sites
- Nature and Birding
- Commerce
- Community
Skiff tours
The Robinsons
Skiff tours
Explore nearby waters aboard our 18-foot Zodiac.
- Fun in the bay- Search for sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds, and- if we're lucky- whales.
- Birder's bucket list- the Whiskered Auklet and other exclusive seabirds, are viewable on our longer Baby Islands tour.
Menu / Price List
On Land
The City of Unalaska and Port of Dutch Harbor attract visitors from around the world. Our guided driving tours offer an up close and personal view of our beautiful community. We will meet you where you land, present you with a local tour, and may step out of the vehicles to get an up-close experience with the sights. Some of our favorites include WWII sites * Deadliest Catch boats (if in town) * Local flora and fauna * Great photo opportunities.
90-minute Guided Driving Tour
150/per guest
We will meet you where you land. Cruise and ferry guests will be met at the dock. Guests staying on the island will be picked up at your location (Hotel, Airbnb, Homestay)
- local infrastructure and sites
- history, community
- areas rarely explored on standard tourism routes
- wildlife (birds, occasional fox, arctic squirrels)
- views of otters, sea lions from shore, possible whale sightings
3-Hour Guided Birding & Exploration Tour
250/per guest
(Regarding cruise ship guests: We will accommodate this longer tour only if time permits or by special arrangement. Thank you for your understanding)
Bring your binoculars, cameras, and weather-appropriate gear and attire. Rain or shine, we enjoy our birding excursions! We regularly visit the island's birding hotspots in search of local species. If you have a particular bird species you'd like to see, let us know ahead of time and we'll keep an eye out for it.
Private Full-Day Guide (5+ hours)
contact us for pricing
Available on select days when we do not have cruise ship or ferry guests scheduled. Spend the day exploring Unalaska with a knowledgeable local guide. If guests have specific requests, let us know ahead of time. Weather permitting, we may also provide a short skiff Bay tour. Museum admissions are included. We enjoy these opportunities to give you an in depth appreciation for our community.
Adventures By Sea
Our 18' Zodiac, accommodates up to four adult guests. Please note: it will be chilly. Please dress appropriately in layers, gloves, and a warm hat if possible. The wind on the water often feels like 40ºf (4.4ºc) or below. Life jackets are provided and required. For safety, guests must remain seated in the boat at all times. Common delightful sights are sea lions, harbor seal, sea otters, birds and, often, whales.
Bay Tour 3-hours
$900
Outstanding photo opportunities! See what remains of the WWII sunken vessel SS Northwestern in Captains Bay, up-close views of Deadliest Catch vessels (if in town) , trampers, Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otter, and Aleutian seabirds.
Whiskered Auklet/Baby Islands
$1500
Our most adventurous birding excursion- the skiff trek to the baby islands can be chilly and may be bumpy. Allow for a full morning or afternoon for this trip. Seeing the Whiskered Auklet and possibly other "lifers" is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list experience for many of our guests.
Common Questions from Cruise Guests
How do I book a tour on Aleutian Life Tours?
The best way to book is to email us directly at aleutianlifestudios@gmail.com. We personally respond to every inquiry and will help you choose the tour that’s right for you. To avoid scheduling errors, we confirm all reservations by email.
Once your tour has been confirmed, you may reserve your spot by paying securely online.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes! All of our tours are private or small-group experiences. If you have special interests- birds, photography, history, WWII, wildflowers, or simply want to spend more time at a favorite location, we're happy to customize your tour whenever possible.
What about senior discounts or larger group discounts?
We strive to keep our prices fair to everyone. Because of the cost of operating a small business in one of the most remote communities in North America, and do not generally offer discounts.
Does Aleutian Life stop at the Museums or just drive by?
Our 90-minute Driving Tour is designed as in introduction to Dutch Harbor and Unalaska, so there isn't enough time to guarantee stops at the museums and shops. However, if everyone in your private group would prefer to spend part of the tour exploring at specific locations, we're happy to customize the experience.
I have allergies and dietary needs. Can Aleutian Life Tours accommodate me?
We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. We do not provide food and generally do not provide beverages. Restroom availability varies depending on the tour route.
I have a wheelchair. Can Aleutian Life Tours accommodate me?
Because of the height of our vehicle and the uneven terrain at many of the stops, we are unfortunately unable to guarantee wheelchair accessibility. Please contact us before booking, and we'll be happy to discuss your specific needs and whether we can accommodate them.
Where can I get a local visitors guide?
Unalaska Visitor's Bureau, a local non-profit founded to serve Unalaska/Dutch Harbor visitors, has produced this printed guide. Here is the online version, same thing only lighter in your pocket. Thank you, UVB.
I have trouble stepping into a higher vehicle like your Suburban. Do you have a step stool
Yes.
Still have a question?
We love hearing from you. Email us at aleutianlifestudios@gmail.com, and we'll be happy to help you plan your visit.
Longer stay? Skiff tours and Hiking
Puffins and Whiskered Auklets are in the pictures. Can sightings be guaranteed?
The local bay tour offers many bird sightings, and in the summertime, you might periodically see Horned Puffins in the bay. Whiskered Auklets, however, are are extremely rare in the bay. You'll need the Baby Island Tour for the auklets.
How long are the skiff tours and where do guests find the boat?
Aleutian Life tours will meet guests at the dock. If guests need a ride from the hotel or AirB&B we will provide on request. The local bay/skiff tour is 3 hours and the auklet tour is 5 hours or more. ALL BOAT TRIPS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT so if the water is choppy, even if it looks "nice" to the guest, there will be no boating and tickets will be refunded. Cash payments refunded 100% and card payments refunded 90%.
Weather in Unalaska:
Welcome to the island of wind and fog. While many days are blue sky days, locals are are accustomed to high winds, and rain, and chilly weather. Our highest temps average in the upper 60's and lower 70's. Driving and Birding tours will continue rain or shine. Boat tours are hardy rain or shine, but choppy water cancels those trips.
Hiking and exploring in the beautiful Unalaska Island
Off road hikers MUST OBTAIN A LAND USE PERMIT from the land owners, Ounalashka Corporation. It is recommended that all hikers partner up and let others know where they are going. Aleutian Life LLC is currently working on commercial recreation permissions so that we may accompany and guide guests on OC land.
