Yacht Charter Alaska

Alaska – also known as The Last Frontier – is located on the northwest extremity of North America, bordering British Columbia and Yukon in Canada. It is the 49th and largest state in the U.S. It was admitted to the union in January 1959. Alaska is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and the Beaufort Sea, offering some of the world’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Alaska is the only U.S. state to border two nations. 

A luxury charter in this region typically begins across the border in Canada’s Vancouver or Seattle, Washington, in the U.S. before cruising up the coastline and across the border into Alaska; alternatively, you can choose to board your luxury yacht in Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Wherever you decide to embark, as soon as you set sail, the world drifts far into the distance. On an Alaska yacht charter, it is all about timeless, majestic landscapes and the remarkable wildlife that has inhabited the area for thousands of years. From ancient snowfields, glaciers, and fjords to soaring eagles in lofty mountains, bears in dense forests to pods of whales escorting you through the wilds of America’s 49th state, Alaska, is one of the world’s most serene and otherworldly cruising grounds.

Alaska offers breathtaking scenery, spectacular wild animals, and unmatched wilderness – making it an increasingly sought-after destination with travelers seeking an alternative vacation experience. Cruising Alaska’s coastline is to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in all its undiluted beauty. 

Admire and explore some of Earth’s most stunning natural landscapes, dramatic scenery consisting of majestic glaciers, incredible beaches, soaring mountains, and striking fjords. What makes this land even more remarkable is its wilderness: aboard your private crewed yacht, you will enjoy a tranquil experience far from the madding crowds. Additionally, you can reach places that otherwise would be almost impossible to visit. 

Alaska’s wild animals will leave you speechless: See whales breaching the icy waters, brown bears in their natural habitat, and spectacular bald eagles soaring overhead. Prince William Sound is a must-visit, boasting over 100 glaciers, islands, fjords, and more than 120 different species of animals.

Alaska is also one of the best spots for seeing the Northern Lights, especially if you follow the Alaskan coastline to the extreme north. It is considered the best destination to watch this dazzling show light up the night sky.

The remote regions of Alaska are visited by only a small number of people each year, and an Alaska superyacht charter offers the best way to experience the magic of this spectacular destination.

Chartering a yacht in Alaska will give you, your family, or your friends the most unique vacation experience. Discover this otherworldly destination on a crewed yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson. Contact our charter specialists today if you want to explore The Last Frontier and enjoy an unforgettable vacation experience. 

Most yachts that travel to Alaska will be expedition vessels, purposefully built for cruising some of the world’s most remote destinations. However, superyachts and sailing vessels – built to ice-class standards – can also cruise this otherworldly destination. Alaska charter yachts will be purposefully designed for cruising icy waters in style, boasting refined onboard amenities and luxury interiors. Northrop & Johnson boasts the largest fleet of crewed charter yachts to Alaska, offering a luxurious way to experience the magic of this destination. Whether you want to cruise aboard a state-of-the-art expedition vessel, motor yacht, or sailing vessel, our charter specialists will be able to connect you with our ideal boat. Contact our team today; we will be delighted to assist you.

There is a wonderful selection of things to see and do on a yacht charter in Alaska, most centering around the great outdoors. Here are a few ideas:

Juneau

Juneau is a coastal city in Alaska’s Inside Passage, which is a popular embarkation spot; however, it’s well worth taking a day to explore this destination either at the start or the end of your Alaska yacht charter holiday. The city is one of a handful in the world that has no direct road access to the world outside, making it truly unique. Highlights include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and Alaska State Museum, both of which shine a spotlight on the region’s rich culture and heritage, the Last Chance Mining Museum, which explores Juneau’s Gold Rush history, and the Mt Roberts Tramway, which takes passengers 550m (1,800ft) above sea level, providing spectacular views. 

Mendenhall Glacier

Access the Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter and explore its 13-mile-long river of ice. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of many major glaciers that connect to the vast Juneau Ice Field. There are several trails to explore, taking you past cascading waterfalls, salmon streams, and wild animals. The Mendenhall Glacier is also a great destination for enjoying a dog sledding experience.  

Baranof Hot springs 

Located in southern Alaska’s Chatham Strait, you’ll find nine natural hot springs near a cascading waterfall. Set amongst picturesque wild animals, these restorative hot springs sit at the end of a ¼ mile trek. The springs also feature a cold plunge pool to cool down quickly after a long soak. 

Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory

The Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is located in Tongass National Park, which also boasts the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska – supporting the park’s high density of black and brown bears. The park includes several viewing platforms, while private guided tours are also available. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory offers a rare opportunity to view endemic wild animals in their natural habitat, including bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals. 

Frederick Sound

The striking Frederick Sound is surrounded by towering 9,842ft (3,000m) mountains, with its glacier-fed waters abundant with krill and herring, ensuring superb fishing opportunities. It’s also a great destination for observing humpback whales, who migrate to this area to feed on its nutrient-rich waters. 

Northrop & Johnson can tailor a custom itinerary that includes your desired experiences. Contact our team of charter specialists today.

Alaska’s rich wildlife is what makes an Alaska yacht charter so sought-after. Aboard an Alaskan yacht charter, you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide selection of ocean-dwelling marine mammals and land-based critters, including humpback whales, dolphins, seals, sea otters, walrus, bald eagles, falcons, snowy owls, hawks, brown and black bears, polar bears, wolves, moose and bison to name just a few. 

There are several national parks in Alaska, offering superb opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor pursuits. Some of the best national parks to explore during a yacht charter in Alaska include: 

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve cover 3.3 million acres of wilderness, including temperate rainforests, soaring glaciers, wild coastlines, and rugged mountains. The park is located in Alaska’s Inside Passage and is part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site. Cruise the coastline of this stunning national park or explore inland protected areas. Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure. 

The Denali National Park and Preserve

Covers six million acres of wild land spanning low-elevation taiga forest, high alpine tundra, and snowy mountains, including North America’s tallest peak, the 20,310ft (6,190m) Denali. Unfenced lands enable wild animals to roam free, ensuring superb opportunities for wild animal spotting. Enjoy outdoor pursuits in this pristine part of Alaska, or simply enjoy the park’s peace, tranquillity, and solitude. 

The Kenai Fjords National Park

Located at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai Fjords National Park’s crowning feature is its 40 glaciers that flow from the Harding Icefield. Enjoy guided hiking trails through the park’s icy interior, or hop on a snowmobile for the ultimate adventure. The fjord is also a popular migratory passage with humpback whales who feed on its nutrient-rich waters. 

The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

This vast national park spans 13.2 million acres, rising from the ocean to 18,008ft (5,488.8m). The landscape here is rugged and beautiful, marked by peak after peak and soaring glaciers. Wrangell Park is volcanic in origin; however, only Mount Wragness remains active, and steam vents can be seen near its summit. Historic mining sites pepper the park, providing a snapshot of the region’s history, while the park’s landscape offers a wealth of activities; hike, ski, or kayak, adventure is limited only by your imagination. 

Katmai National Park and Preserve

The Katmai National Park and Preserve in the southwest of Alaska was established in 1918 and is an important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears. Indeed, the park is North America’s largest protected population of brown bears. The vast wilderness is rich in environmental influences, offering diverse natural flora and fauna to explore. The region has been inhabited for over 9,000 years and, as such, boasts a history that is uniquely intertwined with the landscape. 

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Shimmering turquoise lakes, steaming volcanoes, and craggy mountains personify Lake Clark National Park and Reserve. Not only does the park protect local wild animals, but it also preserves the ancestral homeland of the Dena’ina people. Crescent Lake, deep in the park’s wilderness, is considered one of the park’s most scenic locations and offers a wealth of experiences, including fishing, hiking, wild animal spotting, and kayaking. 

The seasons of Alaska each present unique experiences. From early June to the end of August, the Alaskan summer season inspires wonder and hope, with a lush green landscape and royal blue skies set against snow-peaked mountains. Wildlife awakens from the winter, and it’s a great time to explore the outdoors. The shoulder season – May and September – is also a fantastic time to visit. Winter in Alaska is the best time to view the Northern Lights and enjoy winter sports. Charterers will often select the month they wish to visit depending on the wild animals they hope to see and the activities they want to enjoy. If you want to charter a yacht in Alaska, contact Northrop & Johnson. 

• Average summer temperatures: 45F (7C) to 75F (24C)
• Average winter temperatures: -10F (-23C) to 20F (-7C)  

Alaska experiences various weather conditions due to its vast size and diverse geography. Expect milder temperatures in coastal areas compared to inland regions. Alaska is known for its extremely cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and some regions experiencing lows of up to- 50F/-45C. On the other hand, summers can be mild, with parts of Alaska in the north experiencing the ‘midnight sun’  – several weeks when the sun never sets. Summer temperatures in Alaska have been known to rise to about 90F (34C). The Chinook Winds in the southeastern region can also bring rapid temperature fluctuations.

Several airports in Alaska can accommodate international flights, private jets, and seaplanes. These include: 

• Juneau International Airport (JNU)
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)
• Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT)
• Seward Airport (SWD)
• Homer Airport (HOM)
• Petersburg James A. Johnson Airport (PSG)

The cost of an Alaska yacht charter will depend on multiple factors, including the size of the vessel, its onboard amenities, the number of guests, time of year, cruising itinerary, desired experiences, and length of stay. Expect to pay a minimum of US$50,000 per week for a yacht charter in Alaska. Northrop & Johnson has a fantastic selection of private crewed boats for charter in Alaska. Contact our team for more information and help planning your luxury superyacht getaway.

U.S. dollars are the currency of Alaska. 

Alaska has several official languages. In addition to English – which was designated the official state language in 1998 – the U.S. state is also home to at least 20 official native languages. These include Eskimo Aleut, Haida, Tsimshian, and Athabaskan. 

The visa requirements to enter Alaska are identical to any other U.S. state. All non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and apply for an ESTA, which can be obtained via an online application. When you book an Alaskan yacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, your charter expert will advise you on all the required visa requirements.

Compared to other parts of the U.S., Alaska’s internet connectivity can be poor. Many of Northrop & Johnson’s luxury yachts for charter in Alaska boast sophisticated maritime internet services, enabling you to stay connected as you explore the most remote frontier.