Family and Friends
Alaska Wilderness Charters offers an unforgettable eight-day Family and Friends charter vacation. You'll explore Alaska's rugged and pristine coast, hike through stunning landscapes, and kayak and paddle in tranquil coves and bays among icebergs adrift in misty fjords.
Family and Friends
The rugged Alaska coast offers limitless opportunities for uncrowded, pristine adventure. On our Family and Friends trips, you'll enjoy hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing in the astonishing blue-green waters of calm coves, among icebergs adrift in mystical fjords.
Join us on this eight-day family charter. You'll observe the unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery of Southeast Alaska, home to eagles, black and brown bears, Humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoises, and harbor seals. The 95' Glacier Bear is an outstanding platform to launch your adventure, and it's a nice warm place to relax after daily sessions. The crew will pamper you while the captain maneuvers Glacier Bear to place you in the perfect location.
Alaska’s natural beauty makes it a destination of extraordinary travel opportunities. Experience the best of Alaska aboard the Glacier Bear—including ancient rainforests, rugged mountains, tranquil harbors, and majestic fjords. A carefully crafted Alaska adventure awaits.
Trip route
Plan to arrive in Juneau or Sitka at least one day before your trip departure. We offer three trip routes. They are each fantastic, but differ slightly. Click one (or all) of the images below to view a custom Google trip map with a day-to-day schedule for each leg of travel.
Around Admiralty Island
Explore the beauty of Alaska on this eight-day adventure. We'll circumnavigate Admiralty Island, stopping to observe scenic locations along our route of travel. You'll see glaciers, wildlife, and more.
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Juneau to Sitka
On our eight-day adventure from Juneau to Sitka, you'll experience the best in Alaskan fishing, wildlife, and scenery. It's an unforgettable voyage you'll cherish.
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Sitka to Juneau
On this eight-day voyage from Sitka to Juneau, you'll view glaciers, icebergs, whales, and eagles—while enjoying the comfort of our spacious yacht Glacier Bear.
View MapWhat's included with your charter?
Each multi-day charter includes:
- The Glacier Bear, our 95' yacht.
- Operating costs of the Glacier Bear during your charter, including fuel, fees, and permits.
- The For Reel (our 28' fishing tender), lets up to four people fish at a time and enables small groups to explore in locations that Glacier Bear can't reach.
- Our 16' Lund skiff allows guests to set crab pots and shrimp pots. It also provides a convenient way for us to ferry guests ashore for hiking and sightseeing excursions.
- An experienced crew, including Alaska-licensed captain, engineer, gourmet chef, and fishing guide.
- Each trip also includes your choice of kayaks or paddleboards for active paddling adventures.
- Chef-prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), beverages, snacks, and appetizers.
- Your catch of the day, superbly prepared by our chef.
- A reasonable quantity of beer and wine.
- Fishing tackle for guests who have purchased an Alaska fishing license.
- Processing and freezing of fish you've caught for the flight back home.
- A hot tub!
Trip deposit
We require a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost at time of booking. The full balance is due 90 days prior to the trip departure.
Trip cancellation
Please be sure to buy trip insurance when you book your charter. A good option is www.insuremytrip.com. Our trips are planned several months before departure. With the limited operating season in Alaska, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation/refund policy:
- Cancellation 151 days (or more) before departure. You will receive a refund of 70% of the deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 15% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 91-150 days before departure. You will receive a refund of 50% of the deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 25% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 31-89 days before departure. Forfeiture of the entire deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 50% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 1-30 days before departure. Forfeiture of the entire cost of the charter.
Crew gratuity
What is an appropriate crew gratuity? We advise clients to plan for a 15 to 20 percent gratuity (given to the Captain and shared with the crew) for any Alaska charter. This is of course at the clients' discretion. If they don’t feel the crew has earned the high end of the range, then they are justified in leaving less. On the flip side, we have had clients leave a 25 percent gratuity. The service was that good.
It’s important to note that the industry standard 15–20% gratuity applies whether it’s an owner-operated boat, or a large charter boat company with a hired crew. For some reason, people occasionally don’t realize that they need to leave a gratuity for the crew of an owner-operator boat. They mistakenly feel the crew is making enough money on the charter. But in reality, the owner-operators (and crew) are probably making less. There are far more expenses (per charter) for small owner-operators than there are for large charter boat companies.
Trip features
Relax and Observe
On your voyage we'll see charming fishing villages and the breathtaking scenery of the Inside Passage. Our crew has the experience and training to provide you with a safe, enjoyable wilderness adventure. They will pamper you while the captain maneuvers the Glacier Bear to tantalizing places that cruise ships can't reach.
Brown Bears
Alaska brown bears are an iconic wildlife species. These animals have adapted to live in the rugged terrain of Alaska's northwestern interior and coastlines.
Cuisine
We offer an unforgettable culinary experience, with gourmet meals unlike anything else—whether organic food or fresh Alaskan seafood.
Whales
One of Alaska's most spectacular and sought-after experiences is whale watching! You'll have a great opportunity to observe humpback whales.
Fjords
Fjords are breathtaking reminders of Earth's icy past. They are captivating marvels of Mother Nature, carved by mighty glaciers during the last Ice Age.
Endicott Arm
Endicott Arm is a narrow 27-mile-long inlet with Dawes Glacier at its head. Endicott Arm's crystal-clear waters are teeming with icebergs and wildlife.
Harbors
Alaska harbors are places of stunning beauty that serve a valuable working purpose. The harbor facilities offer safe havens for a variety of watercraft.
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Alaska’s natural beauty makes it a destination of extraordinary travel opportunities. Are you ready for a mind-blowing expedition through stunning fjords, enchanting rainforests, and the awe-inspiring habitat of majestic whales and incredible wildlife? Don't put this adventure on ice—join our tribe of thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Fly Fishing
Photography
Testimonials
