Alaska

Adventures in the wild

Alaska

8 day itinerary

Dramatic waterfalls crashing down mountains, glaciers calving, bears hunting salmon on the coasts of forested islands: no two days are alike on a yacht charter in Alaska. Experience nature closer than ever before on an adventure in this unique destination.

Take a helicopter to a glacier for lunch. Go on a private tour of a UNESCO-protected national park. spot orcas, whales, sea birds and sealions. Ride the world's highest zipline.

Juneau Airport

Juneau

day 1

Juneau Airport - Juneau

The adventure begins

Board your yacht in Juneau. Settle in onboard then take the Mount Roberts Tramway 1,800ft up the mountain for fantastic views over the Gastineau Channel. Helicopter to a glacier for a picnic lunch. The Mendenhall is one of 40 major glaciers flowing out from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Another, the Taku, is one of the few in the world that is advancing.

Juneau

Glacier Bay National Park

day 2

Juneau – Glacier Bay National Park

Natural wonder

One of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks, Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. We can arrange a private guided tour with a National Park Ranger. Watch Tidewater glaciers tumble down vast mountain valleys to deep blue waters. Off South Marble Island, birdwatchers can spot rare sea birds, brightly-coloured puffins and black oystercatchers at play in the wild. Kayak past huge glaciers in Glacier Bay, spotting sea lions, mountain goats, sea otters, bears and moose on your way.

Glacier Bay National Park

Hoonah

day 3

Glacier Bay National Park – Hoonah

Heart-racing adventures

In Hoonah, adventurous charter guests can test their bravery on the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point, rumoured to be the world’s largest and highest zipline at 5,330ft long with a 1,300-foot vertical drop. For a calmer experience, Hoonah is an excellent kick-off point for humpback and killer whale watching and spotting native bears. Meet the Huna, a Tlingit tribe who have lived in the Icy Strait area for thousands of years, or head out on a fishing or sea kayaking trip.

Hoonah

Chichagof Island

day 4

Hoonah – Chichagof Island

Orcas and humpbacks

Cruise along the spectacular coast of Chichagof Island, dotted with plunging waterfalls and dramatic scenery. Explore natural fjords carved by glaciers. Head out to anchor for a session on the yacht’s water toys. Spot orcas and humpback whales from the deck. Alternatively, hike inland with a guide, to watch bears hunting salmon as bald eagles circle overhead.

Chichagof Island

Baranof Island

day 5

Chichagof Island - Baranof Island

Otters and sea kayaking

The lush island of Baranof, or Sitka, is densely covered by the Tongass National Forest, forming a rich green backdrop along its coastline. With many secluded islets for sea kayaking and excellent whale watching spots, the island is a wild mix of mountains, forests and bays. Hike a trail through its National Historical Park, spot sea otters in Hanus Bay, fish for salmon, and cruise Chatham Straight. Further south, walk the boardwalk of Baranof Lake and warm up in the hot springs on the island’s eastern coast.

Baranof Island

Admiralty Island

day 6

Baranof Island – Admiralty Island

Bear sanctuary

Known by the native Tlingít people as ‘Kootznoowoo’ or ‘Fortress of the Bears’, Admiralty Island is home to a population of around 1,600 brown bears. Head to Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary to watch them playing and feasting on salmon. For the best view, follow the mile-long path inland through thick rainforest and climb to the top of the Observation Tower. Cruise along Admiralty Island to Pybus Bay on the southern tip, standing out on deck to spot more bears along the shoreline and nesting bald eagles above as you go.

Admiralty Island

Tracy Arm Fjord

day 7

Admiralty Island - Tracy Arm Fjord

Glacier waterfall

Created over centuries purely by glacial activity, Tracy Arm Fjord is a highlight of any Alaska yacht charter. Watch in awe as icy water tumbles down from granite rock faces towering up 3,000ft above sea level. Marvel at the blue-hued Sawyer Glaciers, some of the most dramatic in Alaska, surrounded by mists and home to black and brown bears, wolves, deer and moose. Get up close to calving icebergs. Spot seals, orcas and whales in the fjord’s stunning blue waters.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Juneau

day 8

Tracy Arm Fjord - Juneau

Disembarkation

Cruise through Stephen’s Passage to the Gastineau Channel at sunrise before arriving back in Juneau. Spend the last day of your charter hiking - make sure you call in at the Alaskan Brewing Company to toast a wondrous week in the wild. Enjoy the city before onward travel from the airport.