Shumagin Islands

The Shumagin Islands are a chain of islands off the southern coast of the Alaska Peninsula in the Gulf of Alaska, within the Aleutians East region of the state. They form a remote archipelago of small islands and rocky islets.

The group offers rugged coastal landscapes, seabird colonies, marine mammal sightings and commercial and sport fisheries; human habitation is limited, with the largest community at Sand Point on Popof Island. Access is primarily by air or sea from the Alaska Peninsula.

The islands were named during Russian exploration in the 18th century and were visited during the Bering expedition era. They have long been used for fishing and limited subsistence activities and remain sparsely populated.

Geographically the islands lie off the southern edge of the Alaska Peninsula, between the peninsula and the western approaches to the Aleutian chain, and are exposed to Gulf of Alaska weather systems.

• Main access: Sand Point on Popof Island is the primary transport and supply hub for the islands, with air and sea connections to the Alaska mainland.
• Wildlife and fisheries: The islands are noted for seabird colonies, marine fisheries and coastal wildlife typical of the Gulf of Alaska.

What to See #

• Popof Island / Sand Point: Popof Island hosts the community of Sand Point, the largest settlement in the island group and the main access point for visitors and supplies.