Fjords and glaciers

Yacht charter in Alaska

An Alaska charter follows the Inside Passage between the mainland and the islands of south-east Alaska, from mid-May to mid-September. Some fjords lead to tidewater glaciers. Humpback whales come to feed in these waters through the summer.

Charter season: Mid-May to mid-September
Embarkation ports: Juneau or Ketchikan
From Seattle: 879 nm to Juneau

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Cruising in Alaska

The cruise follows the Inside Passage, which winds between the mainland and the islands of south-east Alaska. Most charters begin in Juneau or Ketchikan. Superyachts also cruise north from Seattle, 879 nm from Juneau by the Inside Passage.

The fjords of Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm end at tidewater glaciers. In Glacier Bay, several glaciers calve straight into the sea. Humpback whales feed in these waters through the summer. Bears fish for salmon along the shore, mostly in August.

The waterfalls of Red Bluff Bay, the hot springs of Baranof Warm Springs and the totem poles of Sitka complete the programme. The tender takes guests in close to the icebergs. Evenings are spent kayaking or fishing from the anchorage.

Where to go

Tracy Arm
This narrow fjord lies south of Juneau. Its towering cliffs lead to the North and South Sawyer glaciers, which reach the sea. The tender takes guests close to the icebergs.
Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
Dawes Glacier lies in Endicott Arm, 30 nm south of Tracy Arm. Huge pieces of ice break away and fall into the fjord. Seals sleep on the floating ice.
Glacier Bay
The national park has several glaciers that calve directly into the sea. Humpback whales come here to feed in the summer. Gustavus lies at the entrance to Glacier Bay, 82 nm from Juneau.
Frederick Sound
Frederick Sound lies 2 hours' cruising south of Wood Spit Cove. Humpback whales can be watched here from the deck of the yacht. Brown bears may be seen along the shoreline.
Baranof Warm Springs
The site has 9 hot springs on the shore of Chatham Strait. The water reaches 48°C. It is the stop on day 6 of the loop from Juneau.
Sitka
Tlingit and Haida totem poles line the coastal trail of Sitka National Historical Park. The park also preserves the site of a battle between Russian traders and the Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Sitka is 162 nm from Juneau.

When to go to Alaska

Janoff season
Feboff season
Maroff season
Aproff season
Mayshoulder season
Junpeak season
Julpeak season
Augshoulder season
Sepshoulder season
Octoff season
Novoff season
Decoff season

The charter season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Late May to late July brings the longest days and the mildest weather. Around 21 June, south-east Alaska enjoys up to 18 hours of daylight.

Humpback whales feed in Glacier Bay through the summer. August is the month to watch bears fishing for salmon.

A 7-night Alaska charter, day by day

The captain adjusts the itinerary to the weather and tides.

A 7-night loop from Juneau

Day 1
Juneau
Embarkation in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The tramway climbs Mount Roberts and a helicopter flies out to the Mendenhall Glacier.
Day 2
Tracy Arm
The yacht cruises up the fjord to the North and South Sawyer glaciers. The tender takes guests among the icebergs. Overnight at anchor in Wood Spit Cove.
Day 3
Dawes Glacier and Fords Terror
Chunks of ice calve from Dawes Glacier into the fjord. Lunch is served in Fords Terror if the tide allows. The evening is for kayaking or fishing, before a night back in Wood Spit Cove.
Day 4
Frederick Sound
The yacht cruises 2 hours south to Frederick Sound, where humpback whales feed. Brown bears may be seen along the shoreline. Overnight at anchor in Cannery Cove.
Day 5
Red Bluff Bay
Waterfalls line the bay and bears fish here for salmon, mostly in August.
Day 6
Baranof Warm Springs
A soak in the 9 hot springs on the shore of Chatham Strait. The water reaches 48°C.
Day 7
Chatham Strait and Tenakee Springs
The yacht cruises Chatham Strait to Tenakee Springs. The final night is spent at anchor in Pavlof Harbor. The yacht returns to Juneau the next morning for disembarkation.

Cruising distances

Seattle to Juneau	879 nm
Ketchikan to Juneau	220 nm
Juneau to Sitka	162 nm
Juneau to Gustavus (Glacier Bay)	82 nm
Tracy Arm to Dawes Glacier	30 nm

Good to know

In Glacier Bay, charter services are provided by operators holding a concession contract with the National Park Service. From 1 June to 31 August, each operator is allocated a limited number of vessel-use days in the bay. Our broker checks the operator's allocation for the selected yacht. A cruise that includes Glacier Bay is best planned early.

Within park waters, specific rules govern how vessels approach humpback whales. The captain follows them at every sighting.

From 1 April to 30 September, Pack Creek admits up to 24 permit holders a day. This site on Admiralty Island lets guests watch brown bears in their natural setting.

A yacht for Alaska

We source the right yacht for an Alaska cruise on request. Our broker then confirms her availability and the itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

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When is the best time for a yacht charter in Alaska?

The charter season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Late May to late July brings the longest days and the mildest weather. August is the month to watch bears fishing for salmon. Humpback whales feed in Glacier Bay through the summer.

How long should the charter be?

A 7-night charter allows a loop from Juneau. It takes in Tracy Arm, Dawes Glacier and Frederick Sound. The hot springs of Baranof Warm Springs and Chatham Strait close the loop. The captain adjusts the itinerary to the weather and tides.

Where does the charter begin?

Most charters begin in Juneau or Ketchikan, 220 nm apart. Juneau International Airport handles private jets and charter flights as well as regional and major airlines. Some superyachts cruise north from Seattle, 879 nm from Juneau by the Inside Passage.

Where can we see whales and bears?

Humpback whales feed in Glacier Bay in the summer and may be seen from the yacht in Frederick Sound. Bears fish for salmon at Red Bluff Bay, mostly in August. On Admiralty Island, Pack Creek lets permit holders watch brown bears in their natural setting.

Do we need a visa for Alaska?

Alaska is part of the United States. Travellers under the Visa Waiver Program obtain an ESTA authorisation before departure. French nationals are eligible for the programme. The US Department of Homeland Security requires it of every traveller under the programme.