bald eagle sitting on a log with snowy and green mountains in the distance on a sunny day in alaska
Two guests from the Golden Eagle yacht paddling in a double kayak in front of their small ship on a sunny day in Alaska.
Group of adventure travelers on the bow of the Golden Eagle yacht with a glacier behind them on a sunny day in alaska.
alaskan brown bear standing in green and yellow foliage
iridescent jagged blue iceberg coming out of the water with a mountain in the background on a sunny day in alaska
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North America Alaska Cruise

Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise

The Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise is a luxury 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 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. Use this itinerary 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.



Itinerary

Golden Eagle Sample Charter Itinerary

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 route (shown here), or the Captain and crew will customize a cruise per your request.

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

Golden Eagle

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

Golden Eagle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Lake Eva & Warm Springs: Crab Pots & Hiking

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. Then head south to Lake Eva for a beautiful hike to the lake. There is excellent bear viewing and possible fishing along the way. Every day aboard Golden Eagle 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

Golden Eagle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
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

Golden Eagle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
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

Golden Eagle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
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

Golden Eagle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
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 December 1st the year before your cruise; the remaining balance is due March 15 on the year of travel.  Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to November 30th the year before your cruise – 10% of total trip cost
December 1st the year before your cruise – 50% of total trip cost
April 15th through departure date – 100% of total trip cost

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 Golden Eagle embarks at 12:00pm Noon on the day of embarkation and disembarks around 12:00pm Noon on Day 7. 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

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. 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 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Details

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

Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Golden Eagle

The 100-foot custom Motor Yacht (M/Y) Golden Eagle hosts 8 guests (up to 12 with 8 adults and 4 children) in 4 luxurious cabins, each with private bath. Available for Alaska charter cruises only.

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Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise

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