Alaska Cruise Kayaking Excursion

Luke's Kayaking Trip 2006

One of the more popular activities aboard the Sikumi is sea kayaking. I had been in canoes and other small craft several times, but had never tried kayaking. The ships Captains and guide immediately put me at ease, as they chose a sheltered waterway for our first adventure. Using a device called an aqua port, the crew helped the passengers put on the kayaking skirts and get into the kayaks. I was impressed with the ease at which the other passengers and I were able to board our kayaks.

As I pushed away from the aqua port and the Sikumi I put my paddle into the water for the first time. The first strokes of my paddle seemed a little awkward, but within minutes I was cruising around the boat in circles, exploring the little bay we had anchored in.

The group soon set out after our fearless leader and guide, into a narrow waterway flanked on both sides by towering mountains.As we made our way further up the passage I was darting in and out of small coves and bays along the shore. As we all paddled up to a gurgling waterfall, we saw nearly a dozen Bald Eagles soaring high above. One perched precariously on an enormous tree and seemed to be checking us out as he called to the other birds.

On the way back to the ship I noticed a cute little head pop out of the water just ahead of my kayak. I stopped paddling and waited a moment, and sure enough the cute little head showed itself again. About the time I realized that I was seeing a sea otter, two of his friends briefly surfaced just off the side of my kayak. Their inquisitive and friendly faces made me laugh as I snapped a couple pictures. As I paddled the remaining length of the passage, from time to time my little friends continued to show themselves.

When we reached the Sikumi and got back aboard, an array of tasty snacks were waiting for us. After sampling most of what the Chef had set out for us, I found myself yearning to be back in the kayak. Later, while the others milled around the ship and rested in their rooms, I satisfied my desires with a second quick paddle around the bay. There is no more intimate way to explore the pristine coastlines of Alaska then by kayak.

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