Alaska is a land of superlatives—too big to see from the deck of a massive cruise ship. With Gardner Tours, you experience the Inside Passage through a private, unhurried lens. While others watch the glaciers from miles away, we navigate the "bergy seltzer" to get you within touching distance of the ice. Our expeditions are hosted on a private yacht, giving you access to secluded anchors like Thomas Bay and the calving face of LeConte Glacier that larger ships simply cannot reach. You aren't just visiting Alaska; you are living within its rhythm.

Alaska culture is a rugged blend of indigenous Tlingit and Haida heritage, fishing traditions, and a fierce frontier independence. In towns like Petersburg (known as "Little Norway"), you’ll find a deep connection to the sea and a community built on grit and neighborly warmth. Expect a pace of life dictated by the tides and the weather, where local stories are shared over fresh-caught seafood and a deep respect for the wild is a way of life.

Alaskans are famously friendly but respect the quiet of the wilderness. Your crew will help you connect with locals in Petersburg, but keep these tips in mind:

• Respect the "Working Waterfront": In Petersburg, the docks are the lifeblood of the town. Give way to fishermen and moving gear.
• Wildlife First: Never approach wildlife on shore. We observe from a respectful distance to keep both you and the animals safe.
• Leave No Trace: Whether on a remote beach or a glacier, we pack out everything we pack in.
• Support Local: We love visiting family-owned shops and local eateries like the Salty Pantry. Small-scale support keeps these remote communities thriving.

Of course! We have compiled some general History & Facts about the Inside Passage for you to learn from. We also recommend the following to get a feel for the "Last Frontier":

• The Last Alaskans (TV Series/Documentary)
• National Geographic: Wild Alaska (Documentary)
• Alaska: The Last Frontier (TV Series)
• The Cruise of the Snark by Jack London (Classic Literature)
• Coming into the Country by John McPhee (Non-fiction)
• Balto / Togo (Movies – great for history on the sled dog spirit)
• Into the Wild (Movie – for the scale of the landscape)

In the Alaskan wild, an expert guide isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for safety and depth. Our crew doesn't just navigate the yacht; they interpret the landscape. They can explain the "blue" in the ice, identify the specific breach of a Humpback whale, and safely lead you through bear-country shorelines. With Gardner Tours, you have a team dedicated to your safety, comfort, and connection to the frontier.

No. You will arrange your own travel to Petersburg, Alaska (PSG). Once you land at the Petersburg airport, your crew will be waiting at the arrivals gate to whisk you to the harbor.

Before your trip, you’ll receive your guide’s name, photo, and contact info, plus clear meeting point instructions in your itinerary. To learn more about our team, visit our About Us page.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you only need a valid government-issued photo ID to travel within the United States. If you’re visiting Alaska from another country, you’ll need a valid passport and, in most cases, a U.S. tourist visa (B-2). Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter with an approved ESTA instead of a visa. Before booking your tour with Gardner Tours, we recommend checking your specific entry requirements at travel.state.gov or iVisa.com. Once you arrive, we’ll handle the rest—so you can simply relax and enjoy the Last Frontier.

Our Alaska Private Yacht Expeditions are all-inclusive from the moment we pick you up at the airport:

• Private yacht charter and dedicated crew (Captain, Guide, Chef, etc)
• All meals and gourmet dining prepared by our onboard chef with two meals on land.
• Private staterooms with ensuite bathrooms
• Skiff excursions, fuel, and harbor fees
• Airport transfers in Petersburg
• All taxes and local permits

• Airfare to/from Petersburg, Alaska (PSG)
• Alcoholic Beverages (see your specific itinerary)
• Additional Activities or Personal Purchases like Souvenirs, etc.
• Discretionary tips for your Crew
• Travel Insurance

Yes! Our Alaska expeditions use a tiered group pricing model. While the total cost increases slightly for larger groups to cover additional provisions and crew service, the price per person drops significantly as you add more guests. To secure these rates, your group must be booked together under a single reservation.

Since our Alaska expeditions are all-inclusive, almost every expense—from your gourmet meals to skiff excursions—is already covered. We recommend budgeting a small amount for your time in Petersburg, perhaps $30–$60 USD per day, for high-quality Alaskan souvenirs (like local art or Ulu knives), extra gifts at the Salty Pantry, or personal items. Most of your time will be spent in the wild where there is nowhere to spend money, so this is primarily for your arrival and departure days in town.

The official currency in Alaska is the U.S. dollar (USD). It is used for all transactions in Petersburg and throughout the state. While credit cards are widely accepted in town, having cash is helpful for small local shops or for tips.

Yes! In Petersburg, U.S.-issued credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted at local shops and restaurants. Once you are on the yacht, you won't need a card at all, as your experience is fully inclusive. The only exceptions would be if you choose to purchase extra personal experiences, like a fishing license or a flightseeing excursion.

In the town of Petersburg, ATMs are available at local banks and are easily accessible before we set sail. However, once we cast off for places like LeConte Glacier and Thomas Bay, there is no access to banking services. We recommend handling any cash needs before boarding the vessel. If you find yourself in a bind, your crew is there to help.

Tipping is customary in Alaska and the yachting industry to show appreciation for the around-the-clock service provided by your crew. While tipping is not included in the tour price, it is entirely at your discretion. A typical gratuity for a private charter is 10–15% of the base charter price, which is split among the crew members who have worked to make your journey seamless.

Gardner Tours brings the Inside Passage to life by prioritizing intimacy and immersion over the standard tourist track. Your journey is a sensory experience: the thunderous sound of a glacier calving, the "bergy seltzer" crackling against the hull, and the taste of seafood caught right from the cold Alaskan waters. We move at an unhurried pace, ensuring you have the time to truly connect with the Alaskan wild while enjoying the comfort of your private suites.

We describe the activity level as Moderate. While much of your time is spent relaxing on the yacht, shore excursions involve stepping into a skiff and landing on unpaved, often slippery or rocky beaches. Guests should be comfortable with basic agility and walking on uneven terrain. We move at an unhurried pace, so we can always adjust the intensity of a hike or exploration to suit your group’s comfort.

Yes, though "free time" in Alaska looks a little different! While we are at anchor in secluded bays, you’ll have time to relax on the deck, read, or soak in the hot tub under the stars. During our time in Petersburg, we build in windows for you to explore the local docks and shops at your own pace. Every moment is designed to be flexible, ensuring your experience is as restful as it is adventurous.

A sample itinerary is listed on the tour page. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed day-by-day plan with times, meeting points, etc.

Because a yacht expedition is governed by tides, weather, and permit regulations, major changes to the route are limited once the itinerary is set. However, the beauty of a private charter is our ability to be flexible within the day—if we find a pod of whales or a beautiful ice floe we want to linger near, we can adjust our pace. For larger logistical changes, please let us know well in advance of your departure date.

Your home for the journey is a luxury private yacht. Unlike a hotel, this allows you to wake up to a different spectacular view every morning. You will stay in private staterooms equipped with comfortable bedding and ensuite bathrooms. 

• Petersburg Suite: King Bed
• Ketchikan Suite: Double/Twin
• Juneau and Wrangell Suites: Twin Bunks

The yacht offers a warm, inviting salon for relaxing and a spacious deck for viewing the Alaskan wild. It is designed to provide the comforts of home while being fully immersed in the wilderness.

The yacht is designed to be your private sanctuary in the wild. Beyond your private staterooms and ensuite bathrooms, the vessel features a spacious heated salon with panoramic windows, a library of Alaskan literature, and a top-deck hot tub—perfect for soaking under the stars. For exploration, we carry a private skiff for beach landings and high-quality Starlink internet to keep you connected. Whether you’re in the climate-controlled interior or the viewing decks, the yacht provides every comfort of a luxury home.

Because you are chartering the entire vessel, the accommodations are fixed. However, the yacht is already a premium, high-end experience. If you have specific requests for cabin assignments or special setup needs for your group, please let us know in advance. We are dedicated to ensuring your private sanctuary is perfectly prepared for your arrival.

The yacht features multiple staterooms. If you are traveling with children or prefer certain family members to share a cabin, please note this during booking. We will do our best to arrange the cabin configurations to meet your family’s needs and comfort.

Because this is a private charter, we generally welcome guests of all ages! However, for safety and the best possible experience, we recommend children be at least 8 years old. The maritime environment requires a level of awareness near the water and the ability to safely transition between the yacht and the skiff. If you are traveling with younger children, please let us know so we can discuss specific safety measures and cabin arrangements.

You will fly into the Petersburg Airport (PSG). Your crew will meet you at the airport upon your 10:54 AM arrival and provide a seamless transfer directly to the harbor to begin your journey. At the end of the tour, we will also provide transportation back to the airport for your departure.

Once you arrive, your primary transportation is the yacht itself. For shore excursions, we use a private skiff (a smaller boat) to navigate shallow waters and land on remote beaches for wildlife viewing and exploring. While our itinerary is all-inclusive, any specialized transportation beyond the vessel—such as private flightseeing via prop plane or dedicated off-ship fishing charters—is considered an optional enhancement and will require an additional reservation and fee.

Dining is a cornerstone of the Gardner Tours experience. Your private onboard chef specializes in a "tide-to-table" philosophy, preparing gourmet meals that highlight the fresh, rugged flavors of the Pacific Northwest. You will enjoy local Alaskan seafood—such as halibut, copper river salmon, and spot prawns—often sourced directly from the waters we navigate, alongside seasonal vegetables and handmade desserts.

The experience is both intimate and interactive; you’ll enjoy three chef-prepared meals a day, plus hors d'oeuvres during "cocktail hour" on the deck. You are always welcome to visit the galley to see the catch of the day being prepared or enjoy a custom-paired wine with your sunset dinner. From start to finish, every meal is designed to be a memorable reflection of the Alaskan wild.

Yes! Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies well in advance. Because we are in remote waters, our chef plans and provisions the entire menu before we depart. Knowing your needs early allows us to ensure your meals are both safe and exceptional.

Yes. The yacht is equipped with a high-quality water filtration and desalination system, providing fresh, safe drinking water throughout the duration of your trip.

Yes. If you are entering the U.S. from abroad, you must declare if you are carrying $10,000 USD or more in cash or negotiable instruments. For most travelers bringing typical spending money for a few souvenirs in Petersburg, no declaration is required.

Alaska offers incredible artisan goods that reflect the spirit of the frontier:

• Native Art: Intricate Tlingit or Haida carvings, silver jewelry, and beadwork.
• The Ulu Knife: A traditional all-purpose Alaskan cutting tool.
• Local Treats: Fireweed jelly, smoked salmon, and locally roasted coffee from Petersburg.
• Apparel: High-quality woolens and outdoor gear from local shops.

Yes. While many Alaskan journeys require a total "digital detox," our yacht is equipped with Starlink high-speed satellite internet. This allows you to stay connected, share photos of your journey in real-time, or check in with home even while we are anchored in the most remote fjords. Please note that while we provide reliable Wi-Fi onboard, cellular service will disappear once we leave Petersburg(unless Wi-Fi calling is enabled via your cell phone provider). We encourage you to use this connectivity at your convenience, while still taking a moment to immerse yourself in the surrounding silence of the Alaskan wild.

Your cell service will be strongest in the town of Petersburg, but traditional coverage disappears quickly once we enter the remote inlets of the Inside Passage. However, because our yacht is equipped with Starlink internet, you can remain connected throughout your journey. We recommend ensuring your device is set up for Wi-Fi calling before we depart; this allows you to make crystal-clear calls and send texts directly from the vessel. Whether you choose to check in with home or stay "off the grid" is entirely up to you.

Alaska and the yacht itself uses standard U.S. 110-120 volt outlets. You will be able to charge your cameras and phones in your stateroom just as you would at home.

Safety is our absolute priority. The yacht is operated by a highly experienced USCG Licensed Captain and crew trained in maritime safety and wilderness first aid. We monitor weather and ice conditions constantly to ensure a smooth and secure journey.

For more information on how we prioritize your well-being, visit our Safety Guidelines page.

Safety in the wilderness is our specialty. We operate in a remote environment where self-sufficiency is key. The yacht is equipped with a full suite of USCG-approved safety gear, satellite communications, and a crew trained in wilderness first aid. While we are never far from help, guests should be in good general health. If you have specific medical conditions or mobility concerns, please share those with us during the booking process so we can ensure the vessel is properly prepared for your arrival. 

For more information on how we prioritize your well-being, visit our Safety Guidelines page.

The vessel is equipped with emergency satellite communication (Garmin InReach/Satellite phone) and all required USCG safety gear (life rafts, EPIRBs, etc.). The crew is trained to handle emergencies and can coordinate with the Coast Guard if medical evacuation is ever required.

The Inside Passage is famous for being remarkably calm compared to the open ocean. Because we navigate protected waterways surrounded by islands and mountains, we rarely encounter the heavy swells that cause seasickness. The yacht is a stable platform, and we carefully select our anchorages for maximum comfort. However, if you are particularly sensitive to motion, we recommend bringing your preferred preventative (such as Sea-Bands or ginger chews) just for total peace of mind.

We highly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance before the start of your tour. Because of the remote nature of the Inside Passage and the specialized logistics of private yacht charters, insurance provides essential peace of mind for unexpected travel delays, medical emergencies, or cancellations. We specifically recommend a policy that covers "trip interruption."

If you already have a policy, please verify that it is current and provides adequate coverage for your destination and planned activities, from glacier viewing to shore excursions. For more information or to purchase travel insurance, we recommend visiting Allianz. Please note that Gardner Tours is not responsible for any issues that arise if you choose to travel without coverage.

For more information on how we prioritize your well-being, visit our Safety Guidelines page.

You may view our cancellation and refund policy on our Terms & Conditions page.

Because we partner with a private yacht for specific, pre-selected dates, our expeditions are highly exclusive. To respect our vessel partnership and ensure a seamless experience, we are generally unable to accommodate changes to travel dates once a reservation is confirmed. We recommend selecting your dates carefully to align with your schedule.

However, we understand that extenuating circumstances can arise. In such events, we promise to handle your situation with grace and understanding, working closely with our partners to ensure you are taken care of. Please keep in mind that while we will always advocate for you, additional change or cancellation fees may occur depending on the timing.

For more details, you may view our Terms & Conditions page.

Our expeditions run during the Alaskan Summer (May through August).

• May/June: Often the driest months with the most "shoreline" wildlife activity as bears come down to the beaches.
• July/August:Prime time for whale watching and seeing the salmon runs, which brings out the eagles and larger predators.

Expect the "Liquid Sunshine." The Inside Passage is a temperate rainforest.

• Temperatures: Highs usually range from 55°F to 65°F.
• Conditions: You may experience everything from bright blue skies to deep mist and rain in a single afternoon. This "moody" weather is what makes the blue ice of the glaciers pop and the forest look so lush.

Alaska Standard Time (AKST), which is one hour behind Pacific Standard Time (PT) and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time (ET).

Soft-sided duffel bags are mandatory. Storage space on a yacht is limited, and hard-sided suitcases do not fit in cabin lockers. Duffels can be folded and stowed away, leaving you more room to enjoy your stateroom.

Unlike most of our other tours, Alaska requires layers. Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive Alaska Packing List. Key items include:

• The "Big Three": Base layers (merino wool), an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a 100% waterproof outer shell.
• Footwear: We recommend "Alaska Sneakers" (Xtratuf boots) or high-quality waterproof hiking boots for shore excursions.
• Binoculars: A high-quality pair is essential for spotting wolves and whales from the deck.
• Luggage:Soft-sided duffel bags are mandatory. Storage on a yacht is compact, and hard suitcases are difficult to stow.