Majestic humpback whale leaping high above the ocean surface in a graceful arc off Alaskan cruise .
bears walking on a rock in a serene natural setting of alaska
sikumi small ship anchored while an adventure traveler kayaks in front of an iceberg on a misty day in alaska
Individual seated by a campfire on the beach, gazing out at the tranquil sikumi-alaskan cruise
man holds giant fish caught on the sikumi custom alaska cruise
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North America Alaska Cruise

Sikumi Custom Alaska Cruise

The Sikumi Custom Alaska Cruise is an adventure all its own. Each all-inclusive, 7-day small ship cruise aboard the Sikumi features a distinct itinerary, with the ship sailing where the wildlife and weather are best. 

Alaska owned and operated, the Sikumi has the advantage of knowing the ins and outs of coastline Alaska travel. Sikumi’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 accords. While there will be time to appreciate each sight, the crew also works to ensure you see everything possible.

Daily excursions may include kayaking, hiking, fishing from the boat for your dinner, whale viewing, visits to sea lion rookeries, a day at the glaciers (unforgettable) and other exciting stops. Common sights are whales, bears (brown and black), 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.

Book your Sikumi small ship Alaska cruise as a private charter for up to 8 guests (up to 12 with 8 adults and 4 children). Most trips follow the outlined itinerary round-trip from Juneau, but keep in mind that each sailing will be tailored to the conditions of the week. The Captain can also accommodate specific requests by charter to customize a cruise to meet your desires.

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



Itinerary

Sikumi Sample Charter Itinerary

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

Route map of Sikumi & Golden Eagle Custom Alaska cruise, operating round-trip from Juneau with a circumnavigation of Admiralty Island.
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Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska & Whale Watching

You’ll meet the vessel in Auke Bay Harbor in Juneau,  Alaska at 12:00pm Noon. After a welcome aboard drink and safety briefing, be shown around the boat, stow your luggage and depart for Auke Bay northbound to round Point Retreat lighthouse and set sail southbound to Chatham Straights.

The boat will stop and look for bubble netting humpback whales, a frequent occurrence in the areas north of Juneau. Bubble netters are rare elsewhere so try to find some in the Juneau/Northern Chatham area to enjoy the spectacular phenomenon.

The boat will anchor tonight in Funter Bay, a small sanctuary on the northern end of Admiralty Island, or Kootznwoo as the indigenous people in the area refer to it, meaning Fortress of The Bears. Admiralty Island boasts the highest density of brown bears in the world. Funter Bay has a small settlement, but was most known as an internment camp during World War II.

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Pavlof Harbor & Kadashan: Bear Watching & Salmon Fishing

Depart Funter Bay southbound for Pavlof Harbor, enjoying breakfast along the way. Stop in Pavlof for bear viewing at the waterfall. There is a fish ladder up the falls and lots of salmon congregate in the area, making it easy fishing for the bears, close to saltwater. This area is a well known bear viewing spot for these reasons. Either view from shore or the tender, or a possible paddle in the kayaks. Have lunch and cruise from Pavlof to Kadashan Bay in Tenakee Inlet, with a possible stop to fish for salmon or halibut along the way. Set the crab pots in Kadashan and plan to overnight in Crab Bay. There is great bear viewing, paddling and fishing for the kids. Discuss the option of visiting Tenakee with its history as a major crab cannery and now a small local, non-native village.

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Chatham Strait: Crab Pots & Captain's Choice

Wake up early to pull in the crab pots! It’s a fun thing to try if you never haveor at least watch how it’s done. Today continue to explore the rich waters of Chatham Strait, with views along Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof Islands. Today’s plan will take into account the weather, wildlife and whims of all travelers. Scout for whales brought in by the area’s abundant herring. Perhaps deploy the kayaks for a paddle along verdant shoreline, or break out the fishing equipment. Spend a quiet, unscripted night in a secluded cove.

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Lake Eva & Warm Springs: Hiking

Today head to Lake Eva for a beautiful hike to the lake. There is excellent bear viewing and possible fishing along the way. Every day aboard Sikumi tends to be very fluidif you’re having fun then activities are extended, otherwise make tracks for the Warm Springs this afternoon. The boat typically overnights in Warm Springs, or nearby Takatz Bay which is very private and beautiful. Enjoy crab night and feast like kings!

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Caroll Island & Eliza Harbor: Sea Caves & Beach Bonfire

Head to South Admiralty to explore the Carroll Island sea caves (weather/tide dependent). You might fish or bounce around and play in the area, with plans to overnight in Eliza Harbor. Tonight offers a guest favorite: beach bonfire and cookout!

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Brothers Island & Tracy Arm or Windham Bay: Sea Lions & Whale Watching

Enjoy a morning departure to Brothers Island to visit the sea lion rookery (nursery), take in incredible whale watching and tour the Five Finger Lighthouse. The ship will then anchor at Wood Spit in the mouth of Tracy Arm or Windham Bay depending on timing. Both are beautiful and set you up for another guest favorite day!

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Tracy Arm: Glacier Viewing & Waterfalls

Glacier Day! Words cannot describe the immense beauty and awe of this experience! Enjoy a fire and lunch on the boat in front of the glacier, with more waterfalls than you can imagine. Paddle among the ice, fish for icebergs for cocktails, maybe even try a polar plunge!

Accommodations

Sikumi

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Stellar Sea Lions & Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Last day with transit back to Juneau for debarkation at Auke Bay Harbor around 12:00pm Noon.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations, excursions, entrance fees, leadership, crew, all meals; 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.

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

Arrival and departure will depend on the ports of embarkation and disembarkation. Typically the Sikumi embarks at 12:00pm Noon on the day of embarkation and disembarks around 12:00pm Noon on Day 8. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

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

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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use this itinerary as a guide only. The Sikumi 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Details

Charters available weekly late May through early September. Contact us for current rates and availability.

Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Sikumi

The 8- to 12-guest Sikumi, a Native Alaskan word for “Among the Ice,” was built tough yet finished for first-class cruising. Owned and operated by an Alaska-based family, the Sikumi provides a true insider’s look at this great land.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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