Kodiak’s Friends By the Ocean Resort – Quite Stay on a Beautiful Black Sand Beach

Staying at Friends By the Ocean

I am the type of person that could wander off into the wilderness and not realize that I’ve left the rest of the world behind, as the quiet and lack of people is just what I love. While there are other cabins nearby when you stay at Friends By the Ocean, they are set far enough apart and the decks are angled in a way that you feel like you’re completely alone. And yes, it’s still wild enough here on property that you do need to be aware of bears, foxes and other potential wildlife around.

Walking from your porch down to the beautiful cove is peaceful and all that you hear are the kingfishers and other birds. The property at Friends By the Ocean is sprawling and guests are welcome to explore. The highlight is, of course, the pristine black sand beach cove complete with tide pools and dunes at the edge. In the morning you can be completely alone walking in the sand or just sitting, enjoying your coffee. In the afternoon when the black sand has warmed up through the day, being barefoot on the beach is just perfect.

Initially, when you see the location of Friends By the Ocean, you might think that staying out in Chiniak isn’t a great idea because it’s so far from town, but think again. It’s less than an hour’s drive along the perfect coves and tidelands of Kodiak and making the drive seems like no time. Being able to stay someplace remote but still have access to roads and lots of other things to do is a wonderful way to experience the island. It may not be Hawaii, but Kodiak feels like “island time” everywhere, especially when you’re walking through the woods of Chiniak at Friends By the Ocean.

Why stay here instead of a fly-in lodge?

That’s a great question. As you research where to stay on Kodiak, you’ll see that most of the secluded lodges and cabin resorts require a fly-in via seaplane. That is certainly an option, but it’s going to come with a lot higher price point and more coordination. Staying at Friends By the Ocean is a much easier option as you can actually drive to it via the Chiniak Highway. It’s still very remote and you will feel very apart from the rest of Kodiak, but the logistics of a stay here and the options for activities and sightseeing are all more simple and easier on the budget. And yes, you’ll still have amazing bear experiences staying here instead of doing a fly-in lodge.

Cabin Accommodations at Friends By the Ocean

The cabins at Friends By the Ocean are referred to as cottages, but I think either term is a good way to describe the individual houses on property. There are several oceanveiw cottages and a few lakeside ones. They are all very similar in terms of layout and amenities within, but the decor varies by cottage. They’re a mix of rustic and coastal, Santa Monica and Alaska. I really like the vibe each of the cabins has. Within each, the layout is very relaxing and gives you the chance to have living space and sleeping space.

Downstairs you’ve got the foyer and living room area with a kitchenette. Perfect for enjoying several days without leaving, each cabin has a near-full-sized refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven, countertop toaster, electric wok and dishware. You can stop at Safeway in Kodiak before driving to Friends By the Ocean and then you’ll be set to just relax and enjoy your time here without needing to seek out meals back in town. The living space opens up to a lovely deck with chairs looking out over the water (either the cove or the lake).

Upstairs feels like you’re staying in a treehouse. Huge windows look out to the mossy forest with the water just beyond. You also have the perfect sitting area upstairs with comfy chairs and a fireplace (faux). The coziness, comfort and quiet are one of the most rejuvenating experiences I’ve had at any lodge in Alaska. Staying at Friends By the Ocean absolutely excentuates the beauty and solitude of Kodiak.

Note: for bigger groups or families, there is also the Cama’i House available, which has seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and tons of space in a beautiful setting.

Friends By the Ocean Amenities

Being out in Chiniak, a stay at Friends By the Ocean is quite secluded. I think this is great, but if you like to have a bit of community when you’re traveling, you’ll find it here too. There are two central spaces for guests to enjoy and you’ll be able to engage with other visitors and the owners if you like. The winery building has a great indoor space where the Friends (the owners/builders/creators of the resort) may share their homemade wine with you, made from local fruits like rhubarb and blueberry. There is outdoor seating and a perfect deck for watching the cove with new friends.

Next door to the winery building is the wellness center, the IMAQ. Inside there is fitness equipment, a beautiful sauna, quiet lounge space and massage rooms (can be arranged). There is also a hot pool (opening in 2027) at the wellness center located just above the cove. It’s a beautiful space and perfect for personal health experiences or if you are planning on visiting with a small group.

Dining in Chiniak and Kodiak

As noted, each cottage at Friends By the Ocean has a kitchenette and the equipment to cook for yourself while here. If you’re not into cooking, that’s okay, but you should still arrive with some basics for breakfast or evening beverages, and maybe snacks that could work for a picnic if you head towards Pasagshak while you’re here. The closest restaurant in the Chiniak area is the Olds River Inn Restaurant and Brewery. They’re open for dinner (seasonally) and you should make a reservation, because they can get busy.

The next closest dining to Chiniak and Friends By the Ocean is the Rendezvous in Womens Bay serving up burgers, fish and chips, and chowder. Once you get into the actual town of Kodiak you’ll have lots of restuarant choices and food trucks. The most Alaskan of them all is Henry’s Great Alaskan Restuarant, and it really actually is pretty good. It’s fully the fisherman vibe of Kodiak with huge portions and great staff. It may seem touristy because it’s downtown, but it’s actually fantastic.

Location of Friends By the Ocean

Unless you’re staying directly in downtown Kodiak, you will need a rental car for your visit. There are a few options at the airport, and then Turo (like Airbnb for cars) also has some options. The drive between downtown Kodiak and Friends By the Ocean is about 55 minutes, but you’ll likely see bears or foxes along the drive, so allow yourself a little longer. The airport is closer at around 45 minutes’ drive. When you get to Friends By the Ocean, you will have recieved an email with your cottage assignment, door code, and other important information. Be sure that you have read this email and written down anything importnat BEFORE YOU DRIVE TO CHINIAK. There is ZERO cell phone service out here, so you’ll need to have your arrival information before you begin the drive. There is parking at each cottage, so you don’t have to haul luggage very far.