Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) is located in South Central Alaska, five hours southwest of Anchorage. At 370 square miles (an area larger than Teton National Park), it is the largest Reserve in the NERR system. The bay, which is flanked by spruce forests, extensive tidal flats, and 15 alpine glaciers, supports an active halibut and salmon sports fishing industry. The KBNERR office is located within the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, population 5,300. KBNERR staff engages in coastal and marine research and year-round education, including public programs and estuary walks. Road access to the bay is limited, and much of the region is only accessible by boat.

The reserve is approximately 150 miles south of Anchorage, on the western coast of the Kenai Peninsula.