Alaska Sailing & Private Yacht Charters
An Alaskan cruise is an iconic way to see the state, but few visitors realize they can charter a smaller vessel for a custom adventure. Under the guidance of an expert crew, you can explore breathtaking settings such as Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Prince William Sound by private boat, sailboat or yacht.
All-Inclusive
Chartering a small vessel may seem expensive. But it can be comparable once you add up the cost for transportation, lodging, meals and sightseeing excursions that you would otherwise spend for your entire party. Being able to settle into one stateroom for a few days also adds to the relaxing nature of your trip.
The Luxury of Time
Go for just a night – or extend up to two weeks, with options to fit any itinerary. A multi-day journey gives your captains time to customize to your individual preferences and adjust schedules based on weather and other factors. Explore magical coves, hang out for longer as whales breach, fish for wild salmon and halibut, kayak with otters, or set anchor for a walk along a secluded beach – all without having to get back to port right away.
Small Groups Create Meaningful Experiences
Charter vessels vary in number of guests – from two to twelve. Some cater only to private groups (book the boat and it’s yours!), while others have separate staterooms and can take multiple parties (get to know fellow travelers!). Whatever your choice, small boats offer a more private experience, personalized attention and a chance to take in Alaska with a cadre of friends or family. For many, the camaraderie that forms among guests and crew is the highlight of the journey. (If you have a group larger than six, check out the in-between size: Small Ship Adventure Cruises that can accommodate between 12 and 86 passengers.)
Balancing Your Group’s Interests
Someone wants to fish, someone wants to kayak and someone else wants an extra nap. How to manage it all? When a small yacht is your home for a week, it’s easier to accommodate varied preferences so everyone is happy.
Check out these charter operators to review your options – from sailboats to yachts, all ready to show off Alaska’s beautiful and enchanting coastal wonders.
Jump to Section: Private Yacht | Sailing | Large Charters | Expedition
Private Yacht //4-6 maximum passengers
Alaska Yacht Cruising
Charter their private, live-aboard, 60’ yacht. Wake up each day in the middle of untouched wilderness and go sea kayaking, hike through boreal forests, fish for trophy halibut and salmon, or spend a quiet day on the water photographing wildlife
Northern Explorer Adventures Private Yacht Cruises
All-inclusive, multi-day cruises in Prince William Sound, Alaska, just an hour south of Anchorage. You'll feel right at home on this 95-foot yacht. Your cabin—whether you choose the one with twins, a queen, or king beds—comes with roomy closets, flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. During the trip, you have access to any outdoor gear that you’d need—like sea kayaks, an inflatable boat, fishing poles, and even gold pans for trying your luck in the streams! Meals are thoughtfully prepared by onboard chefs, using a lot of local ingredients. Dine while looking at glaciers or orcas out in front of the boat, and sipping your coffee or, in the evening, a glass of wine or an Alaska microbrew.
60 Degrees Adventure Charters
Spend a few days or more exploring the waters of Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Caroline, a beautiful custom-built yacht set for adventure! It’s the perfect setting for a family or small group vacation, guided by the energetic team at 60 Degrees Adventure Charters. Fill your days lounging on the flybridge, fishing, kayaking, strolling beaches and cruising to your next fantastic destination – all on a relaxed timetable.
Alaska Fjord Charters - Private Multi-Day Adventures
Early May - September
Explore Alaska’s Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park fully with a three-day/two-night custom adventure perfect for families or couples. Alaska Fjord Charters guides you to the best mix of kayaking, glacier viewing, whale watching, and fishing, all in one leisurely tour.
Alpenglow Charters
April - September
Hop aboard the M/V Gambler and cruise out to Resurrection Bay for a relaxing and personalized outing with locally-owned Alpenglow Charters. Couples and families will relish their time together exploring Seward’s enchanting coastline, guided by an engaging and knowledgeable crew. Options fit into the busiest of schedules: from a 4 hour lunch cruise, a remote overnight, to a 2-day land and sea journey.
Sailing//6 maximum passengers
Alaska Adventure Sailing
This Southeast Alaska-based tour operator will leave you with a new definition of what it means to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise: You sail on an intimate vessel—often getting to steer yourself, under the supervision of an experienced licensed captain—while exploring away from the crowds, and getting a wonderfully up-close view of the wildlife and scenery. Sailings from Juneau and Sitka.
Large Charters //12 - 86 passengers. Sample Itineraries. Contact directly for private charter
UnCruise Northern Passages & Glacier Bay
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Explorer
Start your wilderness journey in Juneau, the state capitol of Alaska, and end in Sitka, the perfect spot to view the melding of Russian and Alaska Native cultures. In between, visit Glacier Bay National Park, go bird watching on South Marble Island, look for whales in Icy Strait, hike along intertidal zones, and when your captain sets the course for adventure, slip into your kayak or skiff for a day of guided exploration. (Itinerary also available in reverse, starting in Sitka and ending in Juneau).
North Pacific Expeditions
May - September
Set sail for 7 days and 6 nights with the crew of the M/V Sea Star for small ship adventure cruising in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula or along the Inside Passage. The well-appointed yacht accommodates just 12 guests, allowing for a personalized experience where you are the explorer! Unplug from day-to-day life and soak up the wonders of Alaska’s amazing coastline. All meals prepared by an on-board chef and featuring fresh local ingredients.
Discovery Voyages Classic Discovery Voyage
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises, Discovery Voyages
Ship Name: Discovery
Our Classic Discovery Voyage is the perfect wilderness sampler. We take in the most spectactular sights of Prince William Sound -- mountains, fjords, glaciers and wildlife -- with the number of daily excursions (ashore or by kayak) tailored to the interests and activity level of the group.
Expedition//8 Passengers. Photography Focus. Charter whole boat or with other guests.
Geographic Marine Expeditions
June - August
Immerse yourself in a multi-day Alaskan adventure that promises incredible views and jaw-dropping bear viewing in Katmai National Park, along with a warm camaraderie that only a small group expedition can create. Explore from your home base on the Island C, a research vessel that gets you close to the action while providing comfortable lodging and delicious meals.
