The Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise is a charter adventure perfect for families and small groups. Each all-inclusive, 7-day small ship cruise aboard the 8-guest Golden Eagle features a distinct itinerary, with the ship sailing where the wildlife and weather are best. 

Alaska owned and operated, the Golden Eagle has the advantage of knowing the ins and outs of coastal Alaska travel. Golden Eagle’s captain will show you the real Alaska, without the confines of a rigid schedule. If the whales are active in one area, you’ll go there, and hit the next stop as time allows. While there will be time to appreciate each sight, the crew also works to ensure you see as much as possible. 

Daily excursions include kayaking, hiking, fishing from the boat (or added-cost fly fishing with your own gear) for your dinner, whale viewing, visits to sea lion rookeries, a day at the glaciers and other exciting stops. Common sights are whales, brown and black bears, seals, sea lions, Dall porpoises and bald eagles. In addition, look for many other forms of marine and wildlife along with a host of iconic Alaska vistas and scenery one can only view best by small ship. 

The Golden Eagle is available only as a private charter with accommodation for 8 adults (up to 12 people with 8 adults and 4 children). The Captain and crew will accommodate specific requests by charter to customize a cruise to meet your desires-combine this with the upscale feel of this yacht and it’s easy to see why she makes our list of luxury Alaska cruises. Use the sample itineraries as a guide or speak with one of AdventureSmith’s Adventure Specialists to determine custom embarkation and disembarkation ports on your private Alaska cruise. 

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska yacht charters, Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.

Juneau to Sitka Sample Itinerary

Juneau, AlaskaSitka, Alaska

The Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise is a charter adventure perfect for families and small groups. The Golden Eagle can accommodate 8 adults (up to 12 people with 8 adults and 4 children). Take the prescribed westbound route (shown here), or the Captain and crew will customize a cruise per your request.

Green & blue route map of Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Charter Cruise between Juneau and Sitka.

Board your private yacht in downtown Juneau and meet your captain and crew. Cruise south to historic Taku Harbor, launch the kayaks to explore the protected shoreline and enjoy your first chef-prepared dinner surrounded by forested mountains. Anchor overnight in the stillness of Taku Harbor.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Dinner

Cruise into Tracy Arm, where granite walls, cascading waterfalls and brilliant glacial waters create one of Alaska’s iconic landscapes. Travel toward South Sawyer Glacier among icebergs sculpted from ancient ice. When conditions permit, kayak for a close-to-the-water perspective. During seal-pupping season, harbor seals and their young may rest on the ice. Anchor in Holkham Bay.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise toward Eliza Harbor, watching for whales, porpoises and eagles. Stop near the Brothers Islands to observe the Steller sea lion rookery. Depending on conditions, enjoy kayaking, whale watching, or shoreline exploration. Anchor in secluded Eliza Harbor and keep watch for brown bears along the beaches and grassy tidal flats.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the remote boardwalk community of Baranof Warm Springs. Soak in a private natural hot-spring tub overlooking a snowmelt waterfall, or hike to forest pools beside the upper river. Continue to Takatz Bay for a relaxed evening, a chef-prepared dinner and wildlife viewing from the protected anchorage.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise north to Lake Eva for a refreshing hike through the Tongass National Forest. Follow forested trails beside streams and beneath towering old-growth trees, then return to the yacht and continue toward Peril Strait. Anchor for the evening in a quiet location selected by your captain and crew.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel west through Peril Strait and the breathtaking Sergius Narrows, where forested shorelines feel close enough to touch. Watch for sea otters, seals, whales, eagles and bears before arriving at a secluded anchorage. Launch the kayaks and enjoy a peaceful final evening at anchor.

ACCOMMODATIONS Golden Eagle
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guests who reserve the optional private fishing enhancement will rendezvous with a fishing vessel on the fishing grounds for a final day pursuing salmon and halibut. Guests not fishing may enjoy a morning kayak, beach walk, or wildlife viewing before cruising Sitka’s dramatic outer coastline and arriving in historic Sitka.

ACCOMMODATIONS N/A
MEALS Breakfast

Included

Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership; crew; all meals, beer, wine and select mixers; unlimited Starlink internet; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.

Exclusions

The cost of air flights; Alaskan State fishing licenses if you choose to fish; hard liquor; fly fishing (independent guide service and gear); gratuities (not expected but usually 10% of trip cost); airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind (strongly recommended); excess baggage; personal items; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, issues arising due to epidemics, pandemics or other causes beyond the operator’s control. Rubber boots available for advanced purchase, to then be supplied on the boat.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a charter deposit of $5,000 is required at the time of booking. 50% of your total trip cost is due by January 15 the year of travel; the remaining balance is due April 1 of the year of travel. Guests who must cancel their charter for any reason must do so in writing. For bookings made after January 1 of the year of travel, all payments are non-refundable. For bookings made any year(s) prior to the year of travel, a full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 30 days of signing Letter of Agreement (upon deposit). After 30 days from signed Letter of Agreement, all payments are non-refundable.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Juneau>Sitka Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU) and ends in Sitka, Alaska (SIT). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau ahead of 12:00pm Noon embarkation on Day 1 of the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to depart Sitka following the 12:00pm Noon disembarkation on Day 7.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include guided hiking and beachcombing, sea kayaking, skiff excursions, wildlife viewing, bird watching, glacier viewing, whale watching, hot springs, fishing (Alaska fishing license required), shrimping and crabbing. Activities are designed to take advantage of local weather and wildlife conditions and are based on the interests and ability of the group.

Families & Children

The Golden Eagle is perfect for family charter cruises. Kids 17 years and younger are welcomed aboard all departure dates but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use this itinerary as a guide only. The Golden Eagle is available by charter only. Speak with one of AdventureSmith’s Adventure Specialists to determine the custom itinerary and embarkation/disembarkation ports on your private Alaska cruise.

Cruise Rates & Details

2027 Juneau>Sitka:

  • June 15-21
  • July 1-7
  • July 17-23
  • August 2-8
  • August 18-24
  • September 3-9

2027 Sitka>Juneau:

  • June 23-29
  • July 9-15
  • July 25-31
  • August 10-16
  • August 26-September 1

Charters available weekly June through early September. Contact us for current availability.

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

The 102-foot custom Motor Yacht Golden Eagle boasts 4 comfortable cabins, each with private bath. Available for Alaska charter cruises only.

Yacht 12 GUESTS 102 FEET

Inspiration & Education from Our Staff

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