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.

© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Instagram.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Wildlife.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Instagram.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters.
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Family & Friends
Trip Duration
8 days
Guests
up to eight
Distance
400 nautical miles
Price
$65,500

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.

© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Route map.
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.

View Map
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Route map.

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
© John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Route map.

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 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.

    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.

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    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.

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    Cuisine

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

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    Whales

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

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    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.

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    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.

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—Activities

    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.

    Testimonials

    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Testimonials.
    "This was the trip of a lifetime. Every moment of the experience was a true blessing. Captain Neil Nickerson and the entire crew, including chef Jeff Polizzotto and engineer Al Smith, were the best. We were fortunate to also have John Schnell, a fantastic photographer and guide, on the charter with us. I highly recommend this trip. One month later, I'm still feeling inspired by the beauty and mystique of Alaska."

    Amy Giertych
    Lake Forest, Illinois

    Family and Friends
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Testimonials.
    "Sailing for a week on Glacier Bear with Captain Neil was one of the most incredible vacations! We cruised from Sitka to Juneau and saw the most amazing wildlife. We were one with the wilderness. The hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboard, and photo opportunities were bar none. This is a beautiful and intimate experience. You'll be spoiled by the Crew—Al and Jeff were on board with us. And you will eat fresh and excellent food."

    Carol Soo
    Chicago, Illinois

    Family and Friends
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Testimonials.
    "Captain Neil Nickerson delivered my family and me to Southeast Alaska's hidden gems. As a well-traveled nature photographer, I make my living in the planet's most remote natural places and expect the best. This is precisely what I got, with style, comfort, and fabulous Alaska cuisine."

    John Fielder
    Denver, Colorado

    Family and Friends
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters. Testimonials.
    "Thank you for taking such great care of Gail, Patrick, and me. Best trip ever. It was a blast! A long-lasting memory in the making with my best buds, a great captain, and our charming guide John Schnell. What an excellent trip! Thank you."

    Kelli Ellis
    Sarasota, Florida

    Family and Friends
    © John Schnell Photography. Alaska Wilderness Charters—SVG icon.