Captain and Crew
Join us on an exciting Alaska expedition. We'll cruise through a beautiful wilderness aboard the Glacier Bear, our classic, well-appointed 95' boat. The Glacier Bear offers an excellent platform to experience Alaska's legendary Inside Passage.
Meet the Captain and Crew
Alaska Wilderness Charters pioneered unique and exciting charters through the Inside Passage. Our experienced and knowledgeable crew provides an intimate wilderness experience with wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery. Our classic yacht, Glacier Bear, provides you with a one-of-a-kind adventure that is perfect for anyone looking to explore Alaska's legendary wilderness.
Our crew is passionate about the outdoors. Crew members have years of experience in Alaska's backcountry. We provide an unforgettable wilderness adventure where you'll see glaciers, wildlife, and pristine landscapes. Each of our vessels (Glacier Bear and For Reel) is designed for comfort and safety so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.
Glacier Bear offers a fantastic means to explore Alaska's pristine waterways and see whales, wildlife, and glaciers. This 95' motor yacht provides unparalleled comfort and access to the best locations for viewing fjords, waterfalls, icebergs, and glaciers. With our knowledgeable team, you'll learn about Alaska's geology and history while experiencing the freedom of sailing on a beautiful Alaskan day.
Most importantly, our crew has the desire to:
- Make things easier. Alaska boat trips are fun, but much hard work goes into making them happen. Alaska boat crews manage the often-complex details behind the scenes, such as trip planning, logistics, and food preparation. They also store and stow all the equipment needed for each adventure. So relax and make the most of your Alaska boat trip while the crew handles everything.
- Keep you safe. Our crew will take every step necessary to help ensure your safety during your wilderness experience. They work hard to predict and avoid any potential risks so that you can experience nature's beauty with peace of mind. Although there is always a chance for trouble, no matter what activity you're engaging in, we proudly report that we have never had a guest experience an accident that required evacuation.
- Keep you informed. Our crew is highly knowledgeable about each of the areas we visit. They give you insight into Alaska's fascinating history and information about the plants and animals that inhabit this vast land. They can also explain the complex relationship between various flora and fauna, geology, oceanography, and even meteorology—showing how these inter-relationships shape the region's landscape. With their expertise, understanding the surrounding environment will significantly enrich your journey!
Neil Nickerson
Neil Nickerson is the owner of Alaska Wilderness Charters and the Glacier Bear. He began working in Alaskan waters 1988 as a U.S. Coast Guard officer aboard Coast Guard cutters, and later on tugboats and passenger ferries. Neil is intimately familiar with the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound waters, having sailed north beyond the Arctic Circle and west to Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands.
Neil is a U.S. Coast Guard National Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans or Near Coastal Waters. He can captain any vessel of any size on any ocean. Neil is certified in First Aid and CPR, ensuring the ship meets 5-Star Coast Guard safety ratings. He oversees all guests on board the Glacier Bear. His professionalism and care for others make each wilderness adventure at sea a safe and unforgettable experience.
Josh Yerkes
Josh Yerkes is a licensed captain and fishing guide who ensures that all guests receive the highest care and consideration during their wilderness adventure at sea. As captain, he oversees the vessel's operation and safety at sea and is responsible for piloting and navigation.
Josh is an excellent fishing guide and coordinates guided fishing activities for our guests. Our fishing excursions allow four guests while fishing, including trolling for salmon and sport fish and jigging for halibut and other bottom fish. Josh has been working in the maritime industry for over twenty years. He has extensive commercial and recreational experience, having worked as a mate, engineer, and captain on boats ranging from small skiffs to 200-ton vessels. Josh is based in Juneau, Alaska.
Al Smith
Al Smith is the engineer for Glacier Bear and oversees the mechanical propulsion systems, including engines, pumps, boilers, and generators. Additionally, he is responsible for electrical generation, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems.
As a certified boatwright, Al also has the knowledge and skills to construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood using carpenter's tools and power tools. Al is based in Port Angeles, Washington.
Ayesha Wise
Ayesha Wise was born in the Pacific Northwest. She relocated to Juneau after obtaining an undergraduate degree in painting from Western Washington University. Her work has been displayed in gallery shows and is featured in local businesses throughout the area.
Ayesha Wise was born in the Pacific Northwest. She relocated to Juneau after obtaining an undergraduate degree in painting from Western Washington University. Her work has been displayed in gallery shows and is featured in local businesses throughout the area.
Ayesha prepares and cooks each meal, appetizer, dessert, and snack served aboard the Glacier Bear. In addition, she manages the food budget, purchases all food for crew and guests, and oversees safe food storage. Ayesha is well-organized and familiar with many cuisines, food preferences, and dietary restrictions.
Our entire team
Additional crew or staff join us for our paddleboard and photography charters and help when a crew member needs a break. They have extensive knowledge to share about their areas of specialization and Alaska's wildlife, ecology, and history. While aboard, they also participate in and guide activities like sea kayaking, hiking, and beachcombing. They assist the crew with throwing lines, help in the galley (dishwashing), and keep an ample supply of drinks and snacks available.
Al Smith is our engineer and oversees the mechanical propulsion systems of Glacier Bear—including engines, pumps, boilers, and generators. He is responsible for electrical generation, refrigeration, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. Al is a Certified Boatwright with the knowledge and skills to design, fabricate, install, and repair wood structures and fixtures on Glacier Bear.
Ayesha is passionate about food. She carefully selects the freshest organic ingredients and local Alaskan seafood before each trip. Her culinary skills and discriminating palate result in meals that delight food lovers. Ayesha prepares each meal, appetizer, dessert, and snack aboard the Glacier Bear. She is well-organized and familiar with many cuisines, food preferences, and dietary restrictions.
Janet Mueller is originally from Barrington, Illinois, and is passionate about adventure. Her career has taken her from the beautiful beaches of Marco Island to the rugged coastline of Maine. Today, Janet is the marketing advisor for Alaska Wilderness Charters, combining her love for travel and the outdoors with her expertise in branding, marketing, and content development.
John Schnell is a photographer, author, and web designer. He has lived worldwide, but Alaska is his true home. John is a certified commercial drone pilot, the expedition photographer for Alaska Discovery and Alaska Sailing Charters, and the photography guide for John Fielder's Alaska Photo Workshops. John has led photography expeditions for Alaska Wilderness Charters.
A licensed captain and fishing guide, Josh oversees the operation and safety of the Glacier Bear at sea and is responsible for piloting and navigation. He is an excellent fishing guide and coordinates fishing activities for our guests. Josh has extensive experience, having worked as a mate, engineer, and captain on boats ranging from small skiffs all the way up to 200-ton vessels.
Kevin is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master of a 100-Ton Vessel Near Coastal Waters and can operate any vessel up to 100 tons. He is the Chief Ranger for Southeast Area State Park, where he has participated in research, fisheries enforcement, and management since 2009. Additionally, Kevin has worked for Alaska State Parks, The National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy.
Maddie is a forage fanatic and fermentation wizard and she absolutely loves cooking. She works as an artist, barista, and chef in Juneau. Maddie's art focuses on custom pet portraits and wildlife illustrations. She also excels as a barista, and has won numerous awards for her coffee skills! Maddie enjoys cooking throughout Southeast Alaska while aboard the 95' yacht Glacier Bear.
Michelle is a paddleboard guide and wine professional. She is an exceptional leader who pioneered backcountry paddleboard expeditions in Glacier Bay National Park. Michele has competed in the stand-up paddleboard category of the Yukon River Quest. She is passionate about teaching and uses her skills to teach paddling safety and community yoga classes.
Neil is the owner of Alaska Wilderness Charters and the Glacier Bear. He began working in Alaska as a Lieutenant (junior grade) and later as Lt. Commander aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters. Neil is intimately familiar with the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound. He has sailed north beyond the Arctic Circle and west to Attu Island in the Bering Sea. Neil is certified in First Aid and CPR.
Trevor is a man of many talents. He loves guiding fishing trips and helping guests reel in the big ones. He coordinates daily sport-fishing excursions, including trolling for salmon and sport fish and jigging for halibut and other bottom fish. Trevor assists guests in setting out and retrieving crab pots and shrimp traps. He also serves as our backup engineer.