An Alaska motor yacht charter is one of the most dramatic journeys a vessel can make: through passages where glaciers reach the tidewater, beneath mountains that rise six thousand metres from the sea, and beside wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Alaska is one of the last places where a private yacht can spend a week and see more eagles, bears and whales than people. The charter season runs May through September, with July and August offering the longest daylight, calmest conditions and highest likelihood of seeing humpback whales in active feeding grounds.
Motor yachts suited to Alaska charter tend to be expedition-build or at least expedition-capable: heavier construction, enclosed bridge decks, heating throughout, and a range of watertoys for wildlife viewing from zodiacs. The fleet available for Alaska charter is smaller than the Mediterranean fleet and books out earlier in the year, particularly for the premium Inside Passage and Glacier Bay itineraries. Most charter yachts operating in Alaska carry eight to twelve guests in four to six cabins, with crews of four to six including a specialist naturalist on some vessels.
Weekly charter rates for motor yachts in Alaska range from around 70,000 to 400,000 US dollars, reflecting the remoteness of the cruising ground, the expedition spec of most suitable vessels, and the shorter season. Budget 35 percent for the advance provisioning allowance, slightly higher than Mediterranean norms, to cover fuel for longer daily distances, food, and the cost of accessing protected areas such as Glacier Bay National Park.
Alaska requires specific entry documentation for charter yachts, and Glacier Bay National Park imposes quotas on vessel entries. Your broker will handle permits and advance reservations as part of the charter setup.
