Alaska Photography

If you're a photography enthusiast looking for adventure, look no further! With our luxurious Alaskan yacht as your mobile base and an experienced Alaska guide, we’ll journey on some of the world's most spectacular and pristine waterways. We'll enjoy unparalleled access to wildlife, including brown bears, eagles, orcas, and whales, and unbeatable views of fjords, glaciers, and icebergs. We'll explore these majestic landscapes from the 95' Glacier Bear, via a small motorized boat, and on hiking excursions!

View Gallery
A close-up of a whale's tail emerging from the ocean, surrounded by splashes of water. The whale's dark, textured skin glistens in the light, with hints of barnacles visible, against a backdrop of calm water and distant hills.
A person kneeling on a stand-up paddleboard, wearing a red waterproof jacket and sunglasses, surrounded by floating ice in a calm water body with rocky cliffs in the background.
A vibrant landscape featuring colorful wildflowers in the foreground, including orange and purple blooms, with a serene glacial lake and towering snowy mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
A white yacht cruising through a turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by towering mountains and scattered icebergs under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A person standing on a rock near a river, wearing blue boots and dark pants, focuses on fishing. The individual is facing downstream, wearing a blue t-shirt and a knitted cap, with a flowing river and lush greenery in the background.
A person practicing yoga on one leg atop large, flat boulders by the ocean, with waves crashing in the background under a bright blue sky.
Two people standing on the deck of a boat, wearing rain jackets, as they gaze out at a misty landscape of green islands surrounded by calm water. Overcast skies create a serene atmosphere.
A narrow wooden boardwalk winding through lush green foliage and tall trees in a forested area, inviting exploration of the serene natural surroundings.
A white fishing boat anchored near a lush green forest, with sunlight illuminating the treetops on a hillside. The water reflects the surrounding landscape under a cloudy sky, creating a serene atmosphere.
A serene stream flows over moss-covered rocks in a lush forest. One rock is shaped like a heart, adding a unique feature to the picturesque natural scene surrounded by tall evergreen trees and vibrant green vegetation.
A scenic marina filled with various boats docked in calm water, surrounded by lush green mountains and snowy peaks. A tall sailboat with red sails stands out among smaller vessels in the background.
A woman in a black wetsuit and bright yellow life jacket smiles while standing on a boat, preparing for an adventure. Behind her, two other people, one wearing a cap and another in a red life jacket, are also present on the boat.
A lush forest with tall evergreen trees, showcasing varying shades of green foliage. In the background, rugged mountain peaks rise against a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene natural landscape.
A sailboat tied to a dock, featuring a beige sail cover and wooden railings, surrounded by various boats in a misty harbor with mountains in the background.
A person performing a handstand on a paddleboard surrounded by icy waters and floating ice chunks, wearing a blue jacket and gray pants, with a safety line attached to the board.
A close-up view of a large, textured ice formation with a smooth, blue-white surface, surrounded by calm water and a backdrop of mountain glaciers under a clear blue sky.
A person paddling on a stand-up paddleboard in icy waters, wearing a blue jacket, gray pants, and a beanie, with icebergs visible in the background. The calm water reflects the clear surroundings.
A serene waterfall cascading down mossy rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, creating a tranquil natural scene. Water flows over smooth stones, with twisted branches partially visible in the foreground.
A serene glacial lake reflecting dramatic clouds and a vibrant sunset. Icebergs float calmly on the water's surface, surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene.
Two people in yellow and gray rain jackets stand on a boat, taking photos of a tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a green lake surrounded by lush forests.
A vibrant landscape featuring colorful wildflowers in various hues, set against a backdrop of a glacier and rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with a tranquil body of water reflecting the scenery.
A close-up view of the dorsal fin of a whale emerging from calm blue ocean waters, showing smooth skin and subtle reflections on the surface.
A rocky beach scene featuring smooth, rounded stones interspersed with sandy areas. Gentle waves lap at the shoreline under a cloudy sky, with distant rocky outcrops visible in the background. The atmosphere is tranquil and natural.
A tranquil stream flowing through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant ferns under a clear blue sky. Sunlight filters through the branches, creating a serene natural landscape.
A rocky shoreline with smooth pebbles in the foreground, leading to a serene glacial lake reflecting the sky. Towering mountains in the background are partially covered with snow, under a sky filled with scattered clouds.
A close-up view of a whale's dorsal fin partially submerged in calm blue water, showcasing the smooth surface and gentle ripples around it.
A striking ice formation resembling a sculpture, towering above the icy waters under a clear blue sky. The glacial ice features shades of white and pale blue, reflecting sunlight, while gentle waves ripple at its base.
A bald eagle in mid-flight, showcasing its powerful wings and distinct white head, against a softly lit background of pastel colors. The eagle’s sharp beak and talons are prominently visible as it soars gracefully.
A tall waterfall cascading down lush green cliffs, surrounded by dense foliage. A person stands on a rocky shore in the foreground, gazing up at the water as it tumbles into a tranquil lake below.
A vibrant turquoise body of water reflecting rugged cliffs adorned with orange and green hues. Icebergs float gently on the calm surface, enhancing the serene landscape.
A serene landscape featuring a turquoise lake with reflections of surrounding rocky hills and dense evergreen forests under a partly cloudy sky. The shoreline is characterized by dark rocks and some driftwood partially submerged in the water.
A vibrant patch of pink flowers blooming on a rocky slope, with green foliage surrounding them. In the background, majestic mountains capped with snow can be seen under a cloudy sky.
A serene waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush greenery in a forest. The flowing water creates a gentle stream, with fallen branches and stones adding to the natural scenery.
A person in a blue t-shirt and grey pants stands on a rock by a river, focused on fishing. The water flows swiftly behind them, surrounded by lush greenery.
A humpback whale breaching the water's surface, displaying its massive head and flippers. The backdrop features snow-capped mountains under a clear sky, creating a serene maritime landscape.
A stunning sunset over a rugged landscape, with vibrant orange and pink clouds reflecting in a shallow pool of water surrounded by smooth stones and rugged mountains in the background.
A man in orange fishing gear is bending over a dock, holding a bundle of freshly caught fish, including salmon. The background features a boat and some fishing equipment.
A wooden boardwalk winding through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage. The path leads into the woods, with large leaves and underbrush framing the walkway.
A close-up view through a translucent ice formation with a round hole, revealing green water and mountainous terrain in the background. The ice has a textured surface and reflects light, creating a mesmerizing effect.
A serene landscape featuring multiple waterfalls cascading down a rocky cliff into a turquoise body of water. Dense evergreen trees surround the falls, and a misty atmosphere creates a tranquil and natural setting.
A photographer crouches by a serene stream, capturing images of a waterfall surrounded by lush green foliage and mossy rocks in a tranquil forest setting.
Trip Duration
8 days
Guests
up to eight
Distance
400 nautical miles
Price
$65,500

Photography

Join us on an eight-day Photography Workshop, and experience the scenic locations of Alaska's Inside Passage. The Glacier Bear offers an ideal platform to photograph the tidewater glaciers, coastal brown bears, and migrating humpback whales of Alaska. Photographers of all experience levels, especially those wishing to experience Alaska in comfort, will love exploring aboard this handsome boat.

Nothing matches the freedom and comfort of a photography expedition aboard a private Alaskan yacht. We'll cruise though pristine waterways, with unparalleled access to whales and wildlife—and the best locations for viewing fjords, icebergs, and glaciers. You'll enjoy 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. Landscape photographers will enjoy wilderness hikes, as well as photography from our small motorized boat. There is no better way to capture the mesmerizing Alaskan wilderness.

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.

A color-coded map displaying various travel routes and destinations in Southeast Alaska, including hiking and water access points marked with icons. The paths connect several islands and towns, illustrating transportation options.
Around Admiralty

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.

View Map
A detailed map of waterways and hiking trails in a coastal region, featuring various icons representing activities such as kayaking, hiking, and camping. The map includes labels for key locations like Gustavus and Kake.

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.

View Map
A detailed map of waterways and trails in a coastal region, featuring colored paths for hiking, kayaking, and other activities, alongside markers for points of interest around Baranof Island and surrounding areas.

Sitka to Juneau

On this eight-day voyage from Sitka to Juneau, you'll view glaciers, icebergs, whales, and eagles—while enjoying the gourmet meals and comfort of Glacier Bear.

View Map

What'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

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    The Glacier Bear
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon
    Our experienced captain and crew
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    Gourmet meals, beverages, and snacks
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    Your choice of daily activities
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    Professional guides on specialty charters

    Beer and wine can be included for an additional cost. Please plan for a crew gratuity of 15-20%.

    Activities

    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.

    A large brown bear and a small cub walking along a sandy shore beside a calm lake, with lush greenery and trees in the background, showcasing a serene natural setting.

    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.

    View Gallery
    Two pieces of grilled salmon fillets, garnished with a creamy sauce and fresh cilantro, served over a bed of sautéed spinach on a white plate, with a lemon wedge in the background.

    Cuisine

    We offer an unforgettable culinary experience, with gourmet meals unlike anything else—whether organic food or fresh Alaskan seafood.

    View Gallery
    A humpback whale breaching the surface of calm blue water, creating splashes around it, with snow-covered mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    Whales

    One of Alaska's most spectacular and sought-after experiences is whale watching! You'll have a great opportunity to observe humpback whales.

    View Gallery
    A cascading waterfall flows down a rocky cliff into a tranquil turquoise lake, surrounded by lush greenery and steep mountains under a cloudy sky.

    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.

    View Gallery
    Three seals resting on a floating piece of ice in a calm, reflective body of water, surrounded by smaller ice fragments, under soft natural light.

    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.

    View Gallery
    A bustling marina filled with various boats, including a white sailboat named 'Lincoln.' Snow-capped mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky, creating a scenic waterfront view.

    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.

    View Gallery

    You might also like these trips

    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.

    Five people standing on a boat, each using cameras to photograph the scenic view of mountains and water. The sky is partly cloudy, and the atmosphere appears serene.
    Family and Friends
    Alaska Wilderness Charters offers an unforgettable eight-day Family and Friends 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.
    Trip Details
    A man standing in shallow water, fishing peacefully in a lush forested area. Surrounding trees reflect in the clear water, creating a serene nature scene.
    Fly Fishing
    Alaska ranks among the best places in the world for fishing. We'll set out crab traps and shrimp traps in small coves and retrieve them the following day. We'll also have ample opportunity to enjoy wilderness fishing for Cutthroat trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, and Dolly Varden.
    Trip details

    Testimonials

    An older woman with gray hair, wearing a bright red jacket, holds a camera to her eye while photographing a scene by the water's edge. The background features gentle waves reflecting sunlight.
    "I had a wonderful experience on the Glacier Bear, with breathtaking scenery and close-up views of whales, bears, and other wildlife. It was an exciting journey, complete with tasty food and great companionship. We fished for our dinners, and I was thrilled to catch my first halibut. A highlight was learning to kayak and getting up close for photographs of wildlife and waterfalls. We spent an afternoon taking photos of a commercial crab boat in Pybus Bay, and it was pure joy. I would go again in a heartbeat—and I’ve been on this trip three times!"

    Gwen Haferkamp
    Miles City, Montana

    Photography
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    A man holding a large camera with a telephoto lens, standing on a boat against a backdrop of mountains and clear blue sky. He appears focused while capturing images.
    "Cruising through fjords and witnessing the wildlife, glaciers, and mountains, you get a sense of the beauty of untouched wilderness. Daily excursions meant hiking to magnificent hidden waterfalls, kayaking through beautiful waters, and catching fish and crab for dinner. The food was excellent, and the photography fantastic! Whales, eagles, sea lions, puffins, dolphins, glaciers, and fields of beautiful wildflowers made the trip perfect. My favorite was orcas!"

    Manuel Johnson
    Tampa, Florida

    Photography
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    An elderly man with gray hair holds a large camera with a telephoto lens, positioned outdoors near a body of water. He is wearing a dark jacket and looks engaged while preparing to take a photo, with sunlight reflecting off the water behind him.
    "Alaska Wilderness Charters offers the perfect combination of luxury and wilderness! Photo opportunities included eagles, whales, otters, sea lions, plus black and brown bears. We enjoyed fresh-caught Dungeness Crab Benedict, baked halibut, and king salmon with fresh veggies at the end of the day. The hiking trails complemented kayaking the shoreline in search of grizzlies. What a life. It does not get any better than this for a hungry nature lover."

    John Fielder
    Denver, Colorado

    Photography
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    A man wearing a camo cap holds a large camera with a long lens, aiming it upward. He stands against a backdrop of cloudy skies and distant mountains, suggesting a moment of wildlife or landscape photography.
    "Exploring Alaska by kayak and aboard the Glacier Bear was a fantastic adventure! The flora, fauna, migratory birds, wilderness, fjords, crew, and guests all contributed to the experience. I learned about the many unique ecosystems from Neil, Josh, Katie, and John. Everyone was generous with their time and knowledge. This is a tremendous opportunity to be immersed in nature, complete with modern-day amenities."

    Max Castillo
    Miami, Florida

    Photography
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    A young woman with blonde hair tied back, wearing a bright green shirt, gazes thoughtfully while sitting indoors on a boat. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting her profile against a scenic view.
    "The trip was the best experience of my life. It was so impressive to be so close to nature and the whales. Just drifting through the water, all you could hear were the blows of about twenty humpbacks. I'll never forget that."

    Mona Becherer
    Kiel, Germany

    Photography
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.