Charter Into the Inside Passage

Craving a journey beyond the usual charter routes? Alaska’s southeastern coastline delivers in every way. Navigator discovers wilderness, wildlife, and wonder aboard a fleet of world-class superyachts.

The sweeping stretch of Alaska’s coastline, more commonly known as the Inside Passage, offers charterers genuine adventure without sacrificing superyacht comfort. Although it is one of the state’s more popular cruising grounds, its vastness ensures you will feel as though you have the wilderness all to yourself.

Most charters through the Inside Passage begin in Juneau, which is easily accessed by flights from Seattle or Vancouver. Arriving from a bustling city, the contrast is immediately striking; the quiet, towering peaks and endless waterways make Juneau’s remoteness feel worlds apart. It is one of the few state capitals in the U.S. that cannot be accessed by road, which adds to its charm and sense of remoteness.

From here, it’s a short cruise through Stephens Passage to Holkham Bay, nicknamed the “Iceberg Graveyard”. “It is almost surreal to experience the magnificent wilderness while cocooned in the comfort of your yacht,” recalls a charter guest aboard the 164’1” (50m) CHASING DAYLIGHT. “One moment you are gliding silently through ice-strewn bays, the next you are settling into a candlelit dinner as the sun sets over the horizon.”

Cruising south, the fjords of Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm reveal some of Alaska’s most dramatic scenery. Endicott Arm is home to the majestic Dawes Glacier, its sheer walls and deep-blue crevasses best experienced up close. Guests can join guided glacier treks, try ice climbing with an expert, or take to the skies on a helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the frozen landscape. The Tracy Arm’s North and South Sawyer Glaciers are equally compelling. “The glacier is live, in that it is flowing and calving,” says Captain Liam Devlin on board the 191’ (58.22m) UNBRIDLED. “Enjoy the stillness and the sounds of the ice with the engines off. A loud, memorable crash normally accompanies larger pieces of ice breaking into the water.”

The Inside Passage is dotted with a constellation of islands – The Brothers, Admiralty Island, Prince of Wales Island, and Baranof Island among them. Baranof, with its rugged coastline and dense Tongass National Forest, boasts one of the world’s highest concentration of brown bears, drawn to the island’s abundant salmon streams. Wildlife is everywhere in these cruising grounds: wolves, black-tailed deer, river otters, bald eagles, sea lions, orcas, porpoise, and even humpback whales on migration can often be seen just a stone’s throw from the deck, making every anchorage unforgettable. “I recommend guests head ashore to relax in the pools at Baranof Warm Springs and hike the trails along the Baranof River for the full Alaskan wilderness experience,” says Captain Devlin. “Red Bluff Bay is one of my favorite evening anchorages. You’ve got the waterfall, flat calm water for launching all the toys, and incredible fishing. It’s also one of the best places for bear sightings, and there’s endless shoreline to explore by kayak or tender.”

For a taste of local culture, step ashore on Sitka, often considered Alaska’s most beautiful port. Reached via the winding and aptly named Sergius Narrows, Sitka offers a wealth of activities ranging from challenging hikes and cycling trails to underwater kelp forests for snorkeling. Cultural sites provide insight into the island’s rich indigenous and colonial history, from Tlingit heritage centers to Russian-American landmarks. The 163’ (49.7m) TRITON has been cruising the Alaskan coastline for six seasons with Captain Zach Pilek at the helm.

“I recommend spending time ashore and meeting locals before heading out to fish,” he says. “You get the stories first, then the adventure.” Itineraries often continue north into Glacier Bay, where the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers dominate the 3.3-million-acre national park. Guests can explore the glacial ecosystem by kayak or tender, observing icebergs and wildlife up close. From here, yachts typically navigate the intricate waterways of Icy Strait (expert guide essential) before crossing back over the Inside Passage, heading to Juneau. Take time to explore Hoonah on Chichagof Island’s northern coast. Just outside the village, the ancestral home of the Huna Tlingit, lies the privately owned Icy Strait Point, home to the world’s largest zipline. “It isn’t just the longest zipline, it features a 1,300-foot vertical drop, and, for those brave enough to keep their eyes open, epic views over the surrounding mountains and ocean,” says Captain Virgil Pearce of the 132’ (40.23m) LAST CALL. “A lot of our guests may be adventurous but some prefer to take the gondola ride up the mountains. You can also experience dance performances by local Alaskan Natives.” From here, it is a short hop back to Juneau for disembarkation and a few final hours to explore the unique city.