Alaska Yacht Charter Guide

Alaska, the northernmost state in the US, offers incredible yacht charter itineraries for those seeking wild, unspoiled beauty. Dubbed as the ‘Last Frontier,’ cruise this untamed glacial wilderness past spectacular natural wonders and alongside abundant wildlife. The incredible scenery opens the doors to a wealth of adventures and activities, and with much of Alaska’s landscape inaccessible by road, a yacht charter gives an unbeatable chance to explore and a front-row seat to nature’s finest. Explore glacier-carved fjords, desolate sounds, enjoy calm anchorages, kayak the surrounding waters, spot bears snatching at salmon, and humpback whales breaching from the deck, hike ashore at national parks, and visit traditional villages. 

The iconic Inside Passage in Alaska offers a remote yachting adventure like no other, a true once-in-a-lifetime destination to visit as you embrace the wild scenery while enjoying the unmatched comfort and luxuries of a superyacht.

Best Time To Visit: Between mid-May and mid-September, the summer months, is the best time to cruise Alaska, when the weather is mild, days are long, and there are excellent fishing and bear-watching opportunities.

Key Cruising Areas: Begin in Alaska’s capital of Juneau, and enjoy the classic route of the Inside Passage, including stops at Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Admiralty Island, Frederick Sound, and Red Bluff Sound, to name a few.

Don’t Miss: Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and witness the sheer scale and sound of a glacier. You can sit quietly in front of the towering ice walls and watch as they crack and calve into the sea from the yacht’s deck - a true showcase of nature.

Best Spots For Wining And Dining: In Juneau, head to Salt - a restaurant serving up fresh Alaskan cuisine from steak to seafood and discover local craft beer, a growing industry in Alaska. Typically, the best dining experiences will be from the yacht, perhaps even some salmon fishing from the tender before enjoying it back onboard.

Best Local Dish: The yacht’s chef will serve up some of the best Alaskan flavors: the abundant fresh seafood, from wild salmon to Alaskan King Crab. Ashore, in summer, there are endless wild berries to sample.

Local Culture: Alaska is the ancestral homeland of several Native nations. Visit Hoonah - Alaska’s largest Tlingit village to learn about indigenous traditions.

Best Beach: Typical sandy beaches are rare in Alaska, but north of downtown Sitka is Sandy Beach, and rather than sunbathing this beach is the perfect surf spot and place to see various wildlife like sea otters.

IYC Recommends: Make sure you see Alaska from all perspectives. Soak up the views from the yacht’s deck, jump in a kayak - especially at Red Bluff Bay - to see the shore from calm waters, and head up in a guided helicopter tour to witness the backdrops from above.