Nanwalek is located at the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, 10 miles southwest of Seldovia and east of Port Graham. It lies at approximately 59.356390° North Latitude and -151.92083° West Longitude.  (Sec. 35, T009S, R016W, Seward Meridian.)   Nanwalek is located in the Seldovia Recording District.  The area encompasses 8.5 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water.  Winter temperatures range from 14 to 27; summer temperatures vary from 45 to 60. Average annual precipitation is 24 inches.

The village was originally the site of a Russian Trading Post called Alexandrovsk. It was later called "Odinochka," meaning "a person living in solitude." A Russian Orthodox Church was built in the community in 1870. In 1930, a replacement Church was constructed, and it is a designated national historic site. In 1991, locals changed the community name of English Bay to Nanwalek, meaning "place by lagoon." Many of the current residents are of mixed Russian and Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) lineage. Villagers speak Sugtestun, a dialect of Eskimo similar to Yup'ik.

A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Nanwalek. 93.2% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.  Nanwalek is a traditional Alutiiq village. Subsistence activities are a large part of the culture. The sale of alcohol is banned in the village, although importing and possession are allowed.

Travel to Nanwalek is by boat or small plane, landing on the beach at low tide. Nanwalek is not accessible by road. Boats are the primary means of transportation locally. The State Ferry provides service to nearby Seldovia. A State-owned 1,850' long by 50' wide gravel airstrip is available.

The sale of alcohol is banned in the village, although importing and possession are allowed.

Electricity is provided by Homer Electric Association