Ice & Wildlife

Alaska Glacier Bay Expedition

A journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the world’s most stunning yacht charters. Towering glaciers calve into icy waters, brown bears roam along misty shorelines, and humpback whales breach beside your tender. This region is accessible only by boat or seaplane, offering true remoteness, wild beauty, and luxury far from the crowds. The scenery shifts dramatically each day—from deep fjords and ancient forests to open passages brimming with marine life.

The best time to visit is June through early September, when long daylight hours and mild temperatures provide the perfect backdrop for glacier viewing, wildlife sightings, and off-the-grid adventure.

  • Spend two full days navigating Glacier Bay National Park watching for glacier calving at Margerie or Lamplugh Glacier.
  • Cruise the nutrient-rich waters of The Brothers Islands and Point Adolphus, known as the best spots in the Inside Passage for encountering feeding humpback whales and orca pods.
  • Blend deep exploration (kayaking among icebergs in Endicott Arm, hiking near Baranof Hot Springs) with the charming Russian history and local arts scene of Sitka.
Contact a Charter Specialist
Day 1

Juneau to Holkham Bay: Embark & Enter the Wilderness

Board your yacht in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, and a charming launch point into the wild. Once settled in, cruise south through Stephens Passage into Holkham Bay, the gateway to Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm Fjords. Keep watch for humpback whales and porpoises along the way. Anchor in a serene cove surrounded by old-growth forest and granite cliffs.

Day 2

Endicott Arm: Icebergs & Sawyer Glacier

Enter the narrow fjord of Endicott Arm, a wonderland of floating ice, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Your destination: Dawes Glacier, a majestic tidewater glacier. Venture out in the tender or kayak among icebergs, and enjoy spectacular photography and wildlife viewing—seals often rest on the floes. End the day with glacier views from the comfort of your yacht.

Day 3

The Brothers Islands: Whale Watching Haven

Cruise to The Brothers, two small islands in Frederick Sound famous for humpback whale sightings. These nutrient-rich waters attract pods of whales, orca, sea lions, and sea otters. Enjoy a day of wildlife spotting by tender and paddleboard, and anchor overnight in calm, protected waters.

Day 4

The Brothers: Fishing, Kayaking & Forest Trails

Spend another peaceful day around The Brothers. Fish for halibut or salmon, explore forest-lined shores by kayak, or take a short hike if conditions allow. With no towns or noise nearby, the experience is all about immersing yourself in Alaska’s majestic quiet.

Day 5

Baranof Island: Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Travel west to Baranof Island, where a lush temperate rainforest meets the sea. Visit Baranof Warm Springs, a natural hot spring near a dramatic waterfall, perfect for soaking in the middle of nature. Depending on your anchorage, you may also enjoy paddleboarding, salmon spotting, or a tender ride up a quiet river.

Day 6

Sitka: Russian History & Coastal Culture

Arrive in Sitka, a coastal town with deep Tlingit and Russian heritage, surrounded by volcanoes and dense forest. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park, totem poles, or the raptor center. Sitka is one of Alaska’s most charming and walkable towns, offering local art galleries, history, and fresh seafood dining.

Day 7

Point Adolphus: Whale Watching & Wilderness

Cruise north to Point Adolphus, near the entrance to Glacier Bay, known as one of the best places to see feeding humpback whales in Alaska. This area teems with marine life thanks to nutrient-rich waters. Spend your day whale-watching, beachcombing, or kayaking in protected coves.

Day 8

Point Adolphus: Wildlife Encounters

Enjoy another day soaking up the quiet magic of Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. Bald eagles, brown bears, and sea lions are often spotted along the shore. This is an ideal spot to launch paddleboards, enjoy a picnic beach setup, or simply relax with panoramic views.

Day 9

Glacier Bay National Park: Enter the Ice Kingdom

Enter Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crown jewel of Alaskan wilderness. Cruise deep into the park where tidewater glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife await. Visit Margerie Glacier or Lamplugh Glacier, take the tender through icy bays, and watch for mountain goats, bears, puffins, and harbor seals.

Day 10

Glacier Bay: More Glaciers, More Wild

Spend a second day in Glacier Bay exploring even deeper into the protected wilderness. Whether you’re kayaking among floating ice or enjoying lunch in front of a calving glacier, this day is yours to embrace Alaska’s raw beauty. Begin your return cruise toward Juneau in the evening.

Day 11

Return to Juneau: Disembarkation

Arrive back in Juneau and enjoy a final morning on board. Disembark and transfer to the airport or extend your Alaskan adventure ashore. With your head full of glacier-fed memories, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for this remote and extraordinary part of the world.

Talk to a Charter Specialist

Your vision is unique. Your charter should be, too. Speak directly with a specialist who will hand-select the perfect yacht, crew, and itinerary from the global fleet, customizing every detail, from the cruising grounds to the chef’s menu.

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Prices displayed in converted currencies (USD or EUR) are calculated based on real-time market rates. EJ Yachts makes no guarantee regarding the final exchange rate; the actual amount debited will be determined by the client's bank or payment processor at the exact time the transaction is completed.

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