Alaska Charter: Going deep into America’s great wilderness

Alaska is known around the world for its wild beauty and those in search of true wilderness travel there to experience a place like no other. Alaska’s vastness is hard to comprehend, it is larger than Texas, California and Montana combined. When you embark on a charter, a gem in Southeast Alaska showcases the incredible treasures this state has to offer in a single location. In this coastal region, glacial waters weave through ancient forests and breathtaking fjords, creating a captivating entrance to America’s magnificent wilderness. Discover this coastal paradise, alive with whales, eagles, brown bears, and glaciers breaking apart as they plunge into beautiful bays and inlets.

The crew of 15 is led by two rotating Captains, both of whom have been with the yacht for over 10 years. As well as an experienced crew, guests will also have a specially selected Expedition Leader who will be chosen to match the group’s interests. For example, if guests have a keen interest in birds, a Leader with a vast knowledge of this will be selected . Your expedition’s team have decades of experience in Alaska, which ensures a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They’ll maximize every opportunity for discovery and wildlife viewing. Exploring by private yacht allows you to venture into smaller fjords and inlets than would be the case with larger vessels.

To experience this fantastic destination first hand, travel on your own private crewed yacht. One such yacht that we know and love is Hanse Explorer- one of the best expedition yachts on the market. This yacht is built to withstand the harshest climates. It spends winters in the polar regions and its summers (early June to mid September) in Alaska. Equipped and styled to the highest levels of luxury, Hanse Explorer has 7 cabins available for up to 14 guests. Large windows create a stunning outside-inside feel which accents the vistas beyond. Inside is spacious and luxurious, light colours of wood and modern art, which create a feel that’s modern yet homely. Stabilisers ensure guests have a comfortable stay. Everything on board is thought through, from the table designs to the exhaustive amenities on board, such as the sauna and jacuzzi.

Families are welcome. Due to the shoreline viewing, little legs do not need to partake in long hikes to view the wildlife or views. Instead, the strong undercurrents coupled with the significant 4m tidal range, means that once the tide is out the shoreline is a haven for bears and other animals looking to gorge. The local Tlingit phrase ‘When the tide is out the table is set’ describes this perfectly. From the tenders, wildlife can be easily watched from a safe distance. 

A flexible itinerary is a hallmark of the experience: linger among a pod of bubble-net feeding humpback whales, or observe thundering, calving glaciers from the safety and comfort of the yacht’s deck. Your Alaskan expedition is unique to you, and your interests.

Here is an example itinerary of a 7 day charter in South East Alaska on board Hanse Explorer. Charters can be longer, however we recommend charters be between 7 and 10 days to explore this region. 

READ FULL 7 DAY ALASKA SOUTHEASTERN ITINERARY

Hanse Explorer