ALASKA

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

One destination that holds an endless allure for adventurous souls is Alaska. Few places are as ideal as Alaska’s Inside Passage, which was shaped over millions of years by immense glaciers. It is one of the ultimate yachting destinations in the world that offers some of the most pristine natural environments imaginable. You’ll be able to witness first-hand the immense glaciers that still shape the land to this day and the wildlife and scenery that makes Alaska so unique.

Whether you’re an avid fisherman in search of giant halibut and salmon, or you want to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the landscape immersed with wildlife, or a little bit of both, the Inside Passage in Alaska is a destination that is on most people’s bucket list. And there is no better way to experience the pleasures and adventures that await you there than by sea in your own private yacht.

Alaska’s Inside Passage stretches from the mainland to the hundreds of islets and islands to the southeast. Even though it is a popular destination for yachts, it’s common to be left with an expansive stretch of water as far as the eye can see with no other boat in sight. It is the largest U.S. state in terms of both water and land, allowing for a solitary adventure with the family even during the popular summer months.

Breathtaking snow-capped mountains, fishing unlike anywhere else in the world, bears, whales, and a multitude of other wildlife is waiting for you to explore and experience from the quiet tranquility of your yacht. It is a destination that you can help to forget about the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.

KETCHIKAN

Along the southernmost part of Alaska, facing the Inside Passage is the city of Ketchican. The port city is a perfect place to moor and the first city along your epic journey through the Inside Passage. You will be met by a colorful city that is tucked away among the endless, reaching pine trees.

Ketchican holds both natural beauty and several attractions that can be enjoyed during your time there. Safe and secured moorage provides you the freedom to explore local attractions to your heart’s content. The area was formally a logging and fishing community but has since become home to year-round residents.

Fishing is a favorite pastime for both locals and visitors alike. Species of salmon include the King, Silver, Pink, and Chum Salmon. Pacific halibut are also plentiful with Yelloweye Rockfish and Ling Cod frequenting the waters, too.

Other famous attractions include the Tongass National Forest, which is an excellent hiking location, and the Misty Fjords National Monument which will take your breath away. The city is filled with rich Native American History including totem poles, cultural stories, dancing, and songs.

TRACY ARM FJORD

Tracy Arm Fjord is an area that unveils some of the truly jaw-dropping sights of Alaska. It is a fjord that passes by immeasurable natural beauty as the glacier engulfs the land around it. Waterfalls, icebergs, and glaciers make for unforgettable photo opportunities, but once you’re there, you’ll realize that only by seeing the immensity of it all in person can you truly appreciate the beauty.

It is an ideal location to anchor or gently cruise and enjoy a memorable lunch amidst the giant icebergs and stunning waterfalls. Several animal and fish species frequent the waters including whales, bald eagles, and seals. You may even be lucky enough to witness a pack of killer whales perform their coordinated maneuvers to catch their prey.

WRANGEL

Wrangel in Alaska is an ideal place to get closer to nature. It is home to the Anan Bear Reserve where, during the salmon spawn, you can witness bears from all over gather and feast on the bounty provided.

For avid fishermen, the Stikine River is one of the best places to catch Chinook salmon. The river is also a birdwatcher’s paradise as more than 120 species of migrating birds and over 150,000 shorebirds such as waterfowl, Canadian Geese, and tundra swans gather.

Wrangel is a destination where you can stop and truly take in wildlife of the area, especially during the salmon spawn when the region explodes in vibrant life.

JUNEAU

The city of Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and another of the must-see stops along a cruise through the Inside Passage. From whale watching to exploring the local culture, Juneau is encapsulated by the beauty that exemplifies Alaska. Auke Bay, a city in the borough of Juneau, can make for an ideal place to moor before setting off to see what the city has to offer.

Just 12 miles from Juneau is the famous Mendenhall Glacier. It’s also possible to take a tour of the glacier by road but be prepared for a 1.5-mile hike.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Finally, we get to the highlight of the Inside Passage; Glacial Bay National Park. It stretches an area of over 3.3 million acres, filled with dynamic glaciers, wild coastlines, immense snowcapped mountains, and sheltered fjords. Glacial Bay National Park is a World Heritage Site, and a crucial part of an epic journey to Alaska by yacht. The vast region is filled with endless wildlife and miles of untouched coastline. Whether you spend a day or a week in Glacier Bay National Park, the adventurous spirit of discovery never ceases.

Alaska and the Inside Passage is one of the favorite yachting locations of the world. Explore Alaska as you never have before in your own private yacht.