Not your average charter destination, Alaska’s breathtaking 6,600-mile coastline is teaming with wildlife, glaciers, and dramatic landscapes. One of the world’s most spectacular adventure destinations, Alaska calls to aspiring explorers and thrill seekers alike. Our media partner, Yachting Pages, spoke to Diane Fraser, one of Fraser Yachts’ most experienced charter brokers and Capt. Stan Glover of Sojourn, in Fraser’s fleet, for details about one of the world’s final frontiers.
Among the islands of Southeast Alaska, you are guaranteed to see raw beauty at its best. There are ice-blue glaciers, vast fjord,s and playful whales. Cruising this region is the recipe for an unforgettable opportunity. Get up close with nature from the comfort of your perfectly positioned chair on deck; marvel at majestic mountains, and enjoy the sight of bears snatching their evening meal of fresh salmon straight from the river.
An adventure not to be missed, try your hand at sea kayaking, and get a closer look at the shore’s wildlife. Take a helicopter flight over the glaciers, stopping to enjoy a gourmet picnic on your own private glacier. Enjoy an authentic dog sledding experience, or glide right up to your yacht in a seaplane.
Sailing conditions and precautions
The best time to visit southeast Alaska is from May to September. Natural hazards are few and far between in Alaska, although winter storms can be pretty dangerous. Experience prime viewing of humpback whales and magnificent glaciers, but ensure sailing at safe distances. In terms of wildlife, steer well clear of bears, especially if cubs are around. Wolves are also common, but rarely stick around if humans are in the vicinity.
Superyacht berthing
Alaska has a number of marinas, many large enough to accommodate superyachts. These range from large mainland ports to smaller island marinas. In southeast Alaska, they’re in Juneau, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Ketchikan.
This seven-day itinerary encompasses an awe-inspiring magnitude of wildlife and glaciers buried in deep, picturesque fjords.
Day 1: Juneau
Alaska’s capital and second-largest city, Juneau blends city amenities and small-town hospitality. It’s all in the heart of Alaska’s majestic mountains, rivers, glaciers, and forests. North of Juneau is a wide-open bay called Auke Bay, which offers holdings for 120- to 150-foot yachts.
Day 2: Tracy Arm
Nestled between 3,000-foot granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. The shoreline is dotted with waterfalls created by melting snowcaps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. The Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm may not be the most famous glaciers in Alaska, but many visitors find them to be the most dramatic. Framed by mountains on either side, they’re are often bathed in a light mist that amplifies the blue hue of the ice.
Drop anchor just inside Tracy Arm Bar, in a small cove on the west side of the channel, and get as close as possible to the beautiful blue glacier ice. Caution should be taken when crossing the bar: Stay close to the stand of tide. How close depends on current ice conditions.
Day 3: Frederic Sounds and Windfall Harbour
Frederic Sound is home to the densest population of humpback whales in the area. It’s one of the best places in the world to see the North Pacific humpback. They are drawn to the abundant herring and krill that thrive here. For those seeking an opportunity for an up-close encounter, take a trip out on one of the yacht’s kayaks.
Windfall Harbour on Admiralty Island is a protected wilderness area that occupies most of the island. The old-growth temperate rainforest is home to bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer. Kayak or tender near the shore for more exploration. Windfall Harbour also has the largest population of brown bears. Starting in late July, the bears blindly head to the rivers for a veritable salmon buffet.
Day 4: Pybus Bay and Halleck Harbor
Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay is a beautiful setting among snowcapped mountains. Drop anchor for the night, and prepare for a guided salmon and halibut fishing trip the following morning. The Pybus Point fishing lodge is only minutes away.
Sail to nearby Halleck Harbor, which offers a wonderful, secure anchorage that limits the voyage time and keeps you in prime fishing spots.
Day 5: Red Bluff Bay
A breathtaking waterfall meets you at your anchor destination. Red-granite walls line the bay entrance and give way to dark-green evergreens covering the mountains, with a necklace of lime-green deciduous foliage at the water’s edge. Red Bluff Bay offers fantastic kayaking, fishing, and crabbing.
Day 6: Baranof Falls and Warm Springs
Baranof Warm Springs is located in Warm Springs Bay, just off of Chatham Strait. Hike up to Baranof Lake, or simply sit in the hot springs above Baranof Falls and marvel at the wall of tumbling water. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and fishing while your yacht drops anchor for the night.
Continue to secludedUshk Bay, which offers great scenery and protection. Itkeeps you close to Sergius Narrows for your Peril Straight transit. Sergius Narrows is a slender, twisting course between Baranof and Chichagof Islands. This exciting passage is dotted with serene forested islands where you will have a great opportunity to see bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and the Alaskan brown bear.
Day 7: Sitka
Anchor inside the breakwater and enjoy the town of Sitka, rich in Russian history and native Tlingit culture. It is considered Alaska’s most beautiful seaside town. Lying in the shadow of the impressive Mount Edgecumbe is a dormant volcano with a graceful cone reminiscent of Japan’s Mount Fuji. The town is known for its flora and fauna, as well as great clamming and fishing haunts. Savor its freshly caught halibut, cod, and salmon.
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