Alaska’s rugged coastline, glacial fjords, and abundant wildlife make it one of the world’s premier destinations for private boat charters. Whether you envision a sleek catamaran skimming through protected channels or a luxury motor yacht gliding past ice-studded fjords, there’s a charter operator to suit every taste and budget.
Charters typically run from late May through September, offering multi-day expeditions that include wildlife viewing (whales, bears, eagles), glacier landings, fishing excursions, and cultural visits to remote Alaskan communities. Below, discover ten top providers—ranging from small sail-powered catamarans to superyachts—each delivering a unique lens on Alaska’s “Last Frontier.”
1. Bear Paw Charters
Vessels: Luxury motor yacht (M/V Bear Paw)
Capacity: Up to 6 guests
Pricing: From US $16,000+ for 2+ nights
Season: June – September
Highlights: All-inclusive private charter, gourmet cuisine, three staterooms with king-size beds, covered viewing decks for whale and bear watching, and custom itineraries tailored to wildlife or photography focus.
Bear Paw Charters operates out of Sitka, offering intimate wildlife expeditions aboard their elegant 65-foot yacht. Guests can combine bear-viewing on secluded beaches, whale encounters in open channels, and glacier calving spectacles—all while enjoying personalized service from a three-person crew.
2. Alaska Charters
Vessels: Small ships and expedition yachts (6 – 12 guests)
Capacity: 6 – 12 guests per vessel
Pricing: Packages from US $6,000+ per person for week-long cruises
Season: Mid-May – Early October
Highlights: Guided glacier hikes, rainforest trekking, fishing, wildlife viewing, shoreline landings in remote fjords.
Alaska Charters specializes in small-ship cruising along the Inside Passage. Their intimate vessels combine expedition-style cruising—perfect for adventurous travelers seeking close wildlife encounters—with knowledgeable naturalist guides who lead shore excursions.
3. Alaska Yacht Charters (YachtCharterFleet)
Vessels: Crewed motor yachts and sailing yachts (including catamarans)
Capacity: Varies by yacht (4 – 12 guests)
Pricing: From US $25,000+ per week for mid-size yachts
Season: May – September
Highlights: Access to remote fjords, iceberg cruise routes, professional crew, gourmet menus, custom explore-and-play itineraries.
Through YachtCharterFleet, you can choose from a curated fleet of both monohull and catamaran sailing yachts. Catamaran options offer greater stability in open waters, spacious decks, and shallow-draft access to hidden coves.
Suggested Read- Top 10 Yacht and Catamaran Provider in Thailand
4. Burgess
Vessels: Superyachts (80 – 150 ft), including steel-hulled expedition yachts
Capacity: 10 – 50 guests (depending on yacht)
Pricing: From US $100,000+ per week for large yachts
Season: May – September
Highlights: Superyacht comfort, helicopter add-ons to Mendenhall Glacier, private helipad options, multi-sport activities (skiing, fishing), bespoke provisioning.
Burgess offers ultra-luxury charters aboard ice-reinforced superyachts. Beyond on-board indulgences, guests can land on glaciers via chartered helicopter, blend sport fishing sorties with wilderness trekking, and explore bear-dense islands like Chichagof.
5. Northrop & Johnson
Vessels: Crewed yachts (motor and sailing), including catamarans
Capacity: 8 – 24 guests
Pricing: From US $30,000+ per week
Season: June – September
Highlights: Largest fleet of chartered yachts to Alaska, customized expedition routes, world-class crew, specialty equipment (kayaks, dive gear), access to remote marine wildlife hotspots
Northrop & Johnson’s charter specialists guide you to the best of Alaska, from glacial fjords to orca-packed channels. Catamarans in their fleet provide stable platforms for photography workshops and wildlife observation decks.
6. True North Alaska Charters
Vessels: M/V True North (classic motor yacht)
Capacity: Up to 12 guests
Pricing: From US $22,000+ per week
Season: June – September
Highlights: Humpback whale watching, brown bear viewing, eagle-nest explorations, personalized shore excursions, all-inclusive rates.
Operating from Sitka, True North features a spacious teak-deck yacht with a four-stateroom layout. Their itineraries emphasize marine wildlife, offering guided zodiac tours into wildlife-rich inlets.
Suggested Read- Top 10 Catamaran and Yacht Charter Companies in Miami, Florida
7. Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters
Vessels: Monohull and catamaran sailboats (bareboat and captained)
Capacity: 6 – 8 guests
Pricing: Bareboat from US $300/day; captained from US $500/day
Season: May – September
Highlights: Self-drive or skippered options, hands-on sailing experience, seals, sea otters, puffin colonies, glacier front sailings.
Based in Seward, Resurrection Bay offers both bareboat catamarans (for experienced sailors) and skippered charters. Their midday sails to the Harding Icefield glacier front are a highlight.
8. Sound Sailing (Alaska Sailing Charters)
Vessels: Monohulls and cats (Leopard, Fountaine Pajot)
Capacity: 4 – 10 guests
Pricing: Charter from US $1,200/day
Season: June – September
Highlights: Multi-day sail cruises, wildlife viewing, intertidal beachcombing, basic sailing instruction available.
Sound Sailing specializes in Southeast Alaska catamaran charters, offering stable, shallow-draft platforms ideal for exploring narrow waterways and anchoring in protected coves for wildlife observation.
Suggested Read- Top 10 Catamaran and Yacht Charter Companies in the Caribbean
9. NW Explorations
Vessels: Bareboat catamarans (e.g., Lagoon 410), flotillas
Capacity: 6 – 12 guests
Pricing: From US $400/day plus fees
Season: Late May – September
Highlights: Bareboat training courses, dock clearance services, flexible pick-up in Puget Sound and Gulf of Alaska, turnkey provisioning.
Although based in the Pacific Northwest, NW Explorations delivers bareboat catamarans to Alaska marinas, enabling experienced sailors to self-captain their Alaska voyages with full support services.
10. The Boat Company
Vessels: Boutique expedition vessel (204 ft steel hull)
Capacity: 24 guests
Pricing: From US $4,000+ per person for 6-night voyages
Season: June – August
Highlights: Non-profit cruise line model, 5-star service, historic wooden decor, unlimited shore landings, evening wildlife lectures.
Though not a traditional yacht or catamaran, The Boat Company offers a small-ship experience with superior service, ideal for travelers seeking a socially responsible, intimate exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Choosing the Right Charter Company
Selecting a charter company depends on your priorities. Here are key factors to consider:
- Budget: Options range from affordable bareboat rentals to premium luxury charters.
- Interests: Focus on wildlife, fishing, culture, or relaxation to match your goals.
- Vessel Type: Yachts offer luxury, catamarans provide stability, and small ships deliver adventure.
- Destinations: Confirm the company visits your must-see spots, like Glacier Bay or Kenai Fjords.
- Service Level: Choose crewed charters for full service or bareboat for independence.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the silent glide of a sailing catamaran or the plush comforts of a motor yacht, Alaska’s charter fleet delivers unparalleled access to some of the planet’s most dramatic coastlines. From hands-on bareboat catamaran adventures to full-service superyachts with helicopter add-ons, each operator brings its own strengths in vessel type, itinerary style, and onboard amenities. To book your Alaskan cruise, consider your group size, desired level of service, and the wildlife or landscape features you most wish to experience—and prepare for memories that will last a lifetime.