Locations

Alaska Wilderness Charters offers wildlife viewing for family and group charters, fishing charters, paddleboard adventures, photography expeditions, and destination whale-watching trips. We provide all the gear you need for a great trip!

Admiralty Island

The mysterious Admiralty Island is an enchanting place located in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska. This landmass measures 90 miles long and 35 miles wide, ranking it the seventh largest island on US soil and 132nd worldwide! Nature lovers will appreciate its stunning scenes, from vast stretches of old-growth temperate rainforest to spectacular wildlife like bald eagles, brown bears, and Sitka black-tailed deer. While this magical terrain remains mostly protected, the sole settlement, Angoon—home to a traditional Tlingit community—still allows daily subsistence use among residents who stay connected with their native wilderness.

Baranof Island 

Baranof Island is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in Alaska, yet it's still smaller than Rhode Island! Named after Alexander Andreyevich Baranov by Imperial Russian Navy captain U.F. Lisianski in 1805, this wild wonderland supports ia large mountain range, including the tallest peak in AlexanderArchipelago. The 105-mile by 30-mile island ranks America’s tenth largest and 137th worldwide. When you visit South Baranoff Wilderness... you'd better bring your camera! 

Chichagof Island

Chichagof Island, located within the Alexander Archipelago of Alaska's Panhandle, is unique. At 75 miles long and 50 miles wide, it stands as one of America’s largest islands with plenty to explore under its vast canopy, including fishing villages like Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Elfin Cove, all operating in their unique way! Chichagof Island also has some wild inhabitants. You guessed correctly if you said bears. Alaska’s bears live at higher densities here than any other place on Earth— this island is their home sweet home. But besides being nature personified, Chichagof is quite an entrepreneurial location too—from commercial fisheries to guided hunting trips chartering up and down its coasts, there are endless opportunities for work or play.

Dawes Glacier

Dawes Glacier is a sight to behold. The Dawes Glacier is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in Alaska—a stunning wonderland that dazzles visitors. The awe-inspiring size and power of Dawes Glacier and its gorgeous blue hue make every second spent exploring Dawes unforgettable. A wall of ice two hundred feet high and a mile across greets the traveler. Three glaciers merge to form the Dawes Glacier. The two main glaciers are visible, and a smaller glacier adds to the flow from high on the north side, above the face. An additional glacier with an impressive icefall is in the hanging valley just before Dawes, on the north side of the fjord.

Endicott Arm 

Endicott Arm, located within Ford’s Terror Wilderness, is one of the most scenic fjords in the world. Endicott Arm is a narrow 27-mile-long inlet with Dawes Glacier at its head. Its pristine beauty attracts thousands of visitors each year to admire its dramatic towering cliffs rising thousands of feet above the sea, and sweeping ice-carved valley walls that intersect the fjord below. The Endicott Arm's crystal-clear waters teem with fish and marine mammals, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife watching and adventure activities such as fishing and kayaking. Endicott Arm is an incredible slice of Alaska that you will remember!

Five Finger Islands Light 

The Five Finger Islands Light is a lighthouse located on a small island between Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound. It and Sentinel Island Light Station were the first U.S. government lighthouses that opened in Alaska on March 21, 1902. It became the last lighthouse in Alaska to be automated on August 14, 1984.

Ford’s Terror 

Ford's Terror is a steep and narrow fjord 60 miles southeast of Juneau within the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness in Alaska, and is one of the country's most beautiful and remote regions. Located near Chignik Bay on the southeastern tip of the Alaskan Peninsula, Ford's Terror is a natural wonderland with breathtaking mountains, hydrothermal features, and glacial lakes. Despite its idyllic location, Ford's Terror has an intriguing history. A massive volcanic eruption in 1912 caused an extremely rare ‘tsunami’ that destroyed farms and fishing villages close to Ford's Terror. Thankfully nobody was injured during this event, but it cemented Ford’s Terror’s reputation as one of Alaska's wildest destinations. If you're looking for an adventurous and unique experience, Ford’s Terror Wilderness is the place to go!

Frederick Sound

Ready to explore the majestic Frederick Sound? Named after Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany by Captain George Vancouver in 1794, this spectacular Southeast Alaskan passage is famous for its summer whale watching hotspots, as well as being a bustling marine passageway. Lucky visitors may also catch sight of Five Finger Islands Light! So whether you're taking an Alaska Marine Highway ferry or a cruise ship voyage, get ready to have your breath taken away on one incredible adventure at Fridrikhe Zund—otherwise known as magical 'Prince' Fredrick's Sound.

Holkham Bay

Gold awaits in the depths of Holkham Bay! Venture south to Sanford Cove and explore two rich ledges—Sumdum Chief Mine and Bald Eagle Mine. Dig down deep into graphite slate, via quartz veins embedded like clues leading up to a buried treasure. Who knows what might be waiting in Alaska’s Endicott Arm?

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage, a naturally protected waterway in northwestern North America, is 950 miles long. It extends along the coast from Seattle, Washington, to Skagway, Alaska, and is an essential year-round shipping lane. The passage comprises a series of straits sheltered from Pacific Ocean storms by Vancouver Island and other islands. Ports along the route include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Juneau, and Haines.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska, is a stunning location with unparalleled natural beauty. With its diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and glaciers to forests, Juneau is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts while still offering all the necessary attractions of a major city. These include excellent shopping, dining, arts, and cultural choices. Juneau has it all, with international restaurants and bustling nightlife alongside kayaking trips and whale-watching charters. Its cozy character provides options for outdoor adventure and boutique shopping experiences like no other. Juneau is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau.

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Kruzof Island

Kruzof Island, located off the coast of Southeast Alaska, is an often-overlooked gem. With ancient Sitka Spruce forests, numerous hikes, and stunning views overlooking the Gulf of Alaska, Kruzof Island has something for everyone. Search for bears in the open meadows and estuaries or explore a pristine lake atop one of Kruzof Island’s spectacular ridges. Kruzof Island is a hidden paradise, from its rugged landscape and vibrant wildlife to its secluded beaches and unparalleled beauty. A mile-long sandy beach at Sealion Cove on the open Pacific Coast offers excellent beach combing, hiking, and bird watching. Littered with driftwood and brilliantly colored seaweed and shells, hikers spend hours searching the sand for treasures.

Lituya Bay

Lituya Bay is located on the outer coast of Glacier Bay, and it has a significant fault line through its head. Geological and native oral history attests that an event has occurred about twice each century that creates abnormal waves within Lituya Bay. On July 10, 1958, an earthquake caused a landslide and sudden glacial surge, creating the highest tsunami ever recorded on earth. The wave that swept the nine-mile-long bay sheered the trees off the nearest mountain to an elevation of 1,720 feet! This vertical line is still evident today. 

Peril Strait

Russians named the strait after a fatal incident during a fur seal hunting expedition led by Alexander Baranof in 1799. Baranof employed Native Aleut hunters and ate poisonous shellfish from the inlet, which resulted in approximately one hundred and fifty deaths. Beyond the channel are the points Poison Cove and Deadman's Reach, also named for the incident.

Petersburg, Alaska

Situated on Mitkof Island at the edge of Canada, Petersburg is a borough with quite an interesting past. With evidence of settlements as far back as 10,000 years ago by indigenous people and carbon-dated fish traps found amidst its picturesque landscape, this fishing port has seen many generations come and go since it was established in the 19th century by Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann. Nicknamed ‘Little Norway’ for its Scandinavian heritage evident throughout town today, during the 2020 census 3,043 residents called Petersburg home!

Pt. Adolphus

At the northernmost tip of Chichagof Island, Pt. Adolphus protrudes into Icy Strait—directly across from Glacier Bay National Park. The area is a unique setting for viewing one of Alaska's densest populations of feeding humpback whales. The tidal currents around the point stir up the herring and krill upon which the whales, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and other marine animals feed.

Point Retreat Light

Point Retreat Light is a lighthouse located on the Mansfield Peninsula at the northern tip of Admiralty Island in southeastern Alaska, United States. It provides aid in navigation through the Lynn Canal. 

Security Bay

Security Bay is located on the north end of Kuiu Island, facing Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait. It provides a haven anchorage for vessels in ample open water. The nearest village is Kake, about twenty miles to the east. There are two private landowners within the park and one historic native site.

Sanford Cove

Sanford Cove, located on the majestic Endicott Arm in Alaska, is a sight to behold and will leave an everlasting impression. Its sweeping vistas of mountains and glacial valleys, combined with scenic coves, bays, and aquamarine waters, will take your breath away. Sanford Cove is a popular destination for many outdoor and marine activities, like kayaking through the fjord or fishing in the open waters. The Sumdum Mine is located 2.5 miles south of Sanford Cove.

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka,Alaska, is a stunningly beautiful destination for travelers seeking breathtaking nature and new experiences. Sitka is located in southeast Alaska, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the coastal mountains and Sitka Sound, making it incredibly photogenic. Sitka was founded in 1799 by Russian traders, who named it New Archangel. To this day, there remains a unique blend of Russian and Native Tlingit culture that adds to Sitka’s vibrant atmosphere, with festivals drawing in visitors from far and wide for incredible music, art shows, parades, lectures, and wildlife viewing. As much as Sitka has to offer culturally, it is hard to beat the outdoor adventure potential—with world-class fishing in picturesque bays and magical fjords!

Stephens Passage

Stephens Passage runs between Admiralty Island to the west and the Alaska mainland and Douglas Island to the east. It is roughly 105 miles long. Stephens Passage was named in 1794 by George Vancouver, probably for Sir Philip Stephens. It was first charted the same year by Joseph Whidbey, master of HMS Discovery, during Vancouver's 1791-95 expedition.

Taku Harbor

Taku Harbor is a natural, bowl-shaped harbor once home to a significant salmon cannery. The 700-acre marine park is located on the eastern shore of Stephens Passage, about 22 miles southeast of Juneau. Commercial fishing boats and small tour ships frequently use Taku Harbor as a night anchorage. Taku Harbor offers lots of fishing and crabbing opportunities.

Tracy Arm

Tracy Arm is a stunning sight, with its soaring mountains, thunderous glaciers, and deep fjords. Tracy Arm Fjord is over 27 miles long, and visitors often admire its undeniable beauty and unique landscape. Tracy Arm is full of natural wonders—you can view eagles soaring overhead and beautiful waterfalls cascading off the mountains. The fjord’s steep walls also support rainforest-like vegetation that can be seen from the boat. Tracy Arm, Alaska, is an excellent destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want to experience some of the most pristine nature in the world. 

Warm Springs Bay

Warm Springs is located on the east coast of Baranof Island, just off Chatham Strait. Baranof Lake is about a half mile from the settlement, a sizeable freshwater lake. Baranof Lake is fed from glacial run-off streams and the relatively large Baranof River. Between the half-mile outlet between Baranof Lake and Warm Springs Bay, rapids and waterfalls have proven to be lethal when run. Baranof Warm Springs is a tiny community, having only caretakers in the winter and intermittent visitors in the summer. There are around 15 seasonal homes. Baranof Warm Springs was used frequently by the Tlingit of Angoon. People of western descent found the springs in 1891.