Wild Adventures: Everything You Need To Know About Alaska
As the northernmost state in the USA, Alaska is a land of untamed wilderness and spectacular natural wonders best explored via a luxury yacht charter. The incredible scenery offers plenty of adventures, from traditional fishing villages to towering mountains and desolate sounds to striking fjords home to abundant wildlife.
The majority of Alaskan wilderness is inaccessible by roads; therefore, via the Inside Passage on a superyacht charter gives you the best opportunity to explore one of the world’s last great wildernesses in unparalleled luxury. Between mid-May and mid-September, you can begin a yacht charter by cruising up the coastline from Vancouver or Seattle or choosing to embark in Alaska’s capital, Juneau.
Here are some of the things you will find on an Alaskan yacht charter:
Epic Scenery
Alaska’s scenery is incredible; on a superyacht here, you can wake up to the sounds of glaciers and cascading waterfalls and have the day ahead of you with a front-row seat to the best nature show.. Yachting here includes winding through the stunning scenes within the channels, passages, fjords, bays, and straits.
There are endless options, from kayaking around the remote bays off Icy Strait to tender adventures up Endicott Arm for a closer look at the pristine wilderness and the impressive Dawes Glacier. Various must-see destinations should be included, such as Glacier Bay National Park, one of the largest and oldest reserves, and Tracy Arm Fjord, where you will find the most dramatic scenery in Alaska, including the North and South Sawyer glaciers.
Wild Encounters
The rich biodiversity of Alaska offers fantastic opportunities for spotting wildlife. Prince William Sound alone is home to over 100 different species of animals. Wherever you are cruising here, keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching, brown bears in their natural habits, and numerous bird species circling overhead.
Onboard, you can also benefit from having a National Park Ranger join you to share insights about the various ecosystems. While you can encounter wildlife wherever you are, Frederick Sound is known for sighting humpback whales as they migrate to these nutrient-rich waters, while Red Bluff Bay offers a chance to witness the bears catching salmon.
Another bear-spotting location is Pybus Bay, on the southern tip of Admiralty Island, with the densest population of brown bears. For bird lovers, South Marble Island is a twitchers paradise home to various species, such as puffins, guillemots, and gulls.
Rest & Reset
One of Alaska’s greatest attractions is its isolation. Far from the bustle of civilization, a yacht charter here gives you the ultimate chance to switch off and relax. The tranquil and majestic surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for yoga on deck or simply lounging on the aft deck, taking in the views.
Ashore, in Chatham Strait, is Baranof Hot Springs, a selection of natural hot springs ideal for soaking into and relaxing after a day of exploring. If you charter here in early September, you may also get the chance to witness the stunning Northern Lights while enjoying an evening relaxing on the deck of a yacht.
Activities Ashore
There are many activities to enjoy in Alaska. Our expert charter consultants can help you curate a bespoke itinerary that fits your preferences, ensuring it is a once-in-a-lifetime charter. For those that enjoy active pursuits, there are lots of hiking trails ashore within the national parks, such as Denali National Park, home to the state’s tallest peak, or Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike through the glaciers.
The keen anglers will have plenty to enjoy; whether salmon fishing in Bristol Bay or remote fishing off Kodiak Island Archipelago, there are various spots to enjoy fishing. To rest active legs and get a different perspective of the landscape, helicopter and small plane tours can be arranged to look back down onto the incredible waters. For a taste of local tradition and to explore further, experience dog sledding, an integral part of Alaska’s native cultures.
Cultural Exploration
Not only does the state offer epic scenery and adventures, but it also has a rich history and diverse cultures. If you begin in Juneau, the state’s capital, you can discover its gold mining roots, visit the state museum and the Sealaska Heritage Institute to learn more about the cultural history.
In Anchorage, there is the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can see various exhibits. In the Inside Passage is Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, Hoonah, visit here to learn about indigenous traditions.
Alaskan Eats
Onboard and ashore, you can enjoy the Alaskan flavors, particularly indulging in the abundance of fresh seafood, from king crab, shrimp, Pacific halibut, and salmon. For more adventurous palates, try the game meats, such as reindeer. In the summer, there are a vast amount of wild berries to enjoy.
Meals can be washed down with local craft beers, a growing industry in Alaska. The best thing about dining here is you will always have the most majestic view, especially in those secluded anchorages.
From spotting brown bears and whales, hiking glaciers, and kayaking the fjords to soaking in hot springs, Alaska’s glacial cruising grounds offer incredible opportunities while enjoying these wild lands in unparalleled comfort and luxury onboard one of our IYC yachts.
Contact our experienced charter consultants in our San Diego office, who can help you secure the perfect yacht and create a bespoke itinerary for your bucket list experience in Alaska.
Photos by Pietro Donà on Unsplash, Patrick Federi on Unsplash, McKayla Crump on Unsplash