Private Alaska Yacht Expedition

Experience the Alaskan frontier as few ever will—from the deck of your own private 84-foot sanctuary.

This is not a cruise; it is a 9-day immersion into the deep silence of Southeast Alaska. While the massive ships are forced to keep their distance, your private yacht navigates the narrowest fjords, anchors in secluded coves, and serves as your front-row seat to the "white thunder" of calving glaciers.

From the natural hot springs of Baranof Island to the ancient Tlingit petroglyphs of Kuiu, every moment is curated for intimacy, luxury, and a profound connection to the wild.

The Vessel: Your 84-ft Home on the Water

Your journey is anchored by a premiere 84-foot private yacht, designed for total comfort in the heart of the wilderness.

• Four Private Staterooms: Designed as quiet sanctuaries for up to 8 guests.
• The Petersburg Suite: Our premier Master Suite featuring a private King bed.
• The Ketchikan, Juneau, and Wrangell Suites: Offer flexible twin and double configurations—perfect for families or close-knit groups.
• On-Board Luxury: Enjoy a gourmet galley, a spacious back deck for whale watching, and an on-board hot tub for soaking under the glacial mist.
• Connectivity: High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi ensures you can stay connected, even while anchored in a granite fjord.

The Experience

• The Exclusivity: Claim the wilderness as your own on a private yacht, moving with the rhythms of nature rather than a cruise ship schedule.
• Witness the Giants: Experience breath-taking, up-close encounters with LeConte, Sawyer, and Dawes Glaciers.
• Wildlife: Front-row seats to breaching Humpbacks, elusive Orcas, hauled-out Sea Lions, coastal Brown Bears, etc.
• Active Exploration: Kayak through "bergy seltzer" ice floes, paddleboard in glass-calm bays, and hike through temperate rainforests to hidden waterfalls.
• Professional Photography: We handle the lens so you can remain fully present. Receive a curated gallery of high-resolution, professionally edited images of your expedition.

Day One: Arrival in Petersburg & The Ice of LeConte

Your Alaskan journey begins in the charming coastal town of Petersburg. Upon your 10:54AM arrival at the Petersburg airport, your crew will be waiting to whisk you down to the harbor. You will settle into your private rooms and enjoy a light welcome lunch during your safety and orientation briefing. By early afternoon, you will cast off for the LeConte Tidewater Glacier—the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. You will spend your first afternoon navigating through "bergy seltzer" and bright blue ice floes while keeping a keen eye on the shoreline for wolves and black bears. You will conclude the day by finding a calm, secluded anchor in Thomas Bay.

Day Two: Glaciers, Lighthouse & Steamboat Bay

Wake early to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee on the back deck while anchored in Thomas Bay. You will begin your day with a hike to the stunning Thomas Bay Cascade before passing by the massive Baird Glacier later in the day. As the yacht navigates Scenery Cove, you’ll make our way to Cape Fanshaw for a remote forest hike. The afternoon is dedicated to the wildlife-rich waters of Frederick Sound, visiting the historic Five Fingers Lighthouse and watching for breaching Humpbacks. You will anchor in Steamboat Bay for the evening, where, if weather allows, you may enjoy a signature steak dinner on the beach followed by a bonfire and moonlight kayaking.

Day Three: Whale Watching & The Grandeur of Tracy Arm

Enjoy your morning coffee while watching for whales near Fanshaw as you begin your transit toward the world-famous Tracy Arm Fjord. This deep-water fjord is flanked by 3,000-foot granite walls and cascading waterfalls. You will navigate nearly 30 miles deep into the heart of the ice to witness the Sawyer Glacier. After a day of exploring the ice by small boat, you will begin making your way toward Wood Spit, finding a quiet anchor under the vast Alaskan sky.

Day Four: Endicott Arm & The "White Thunder" of Dawes

You’ll start the morning exploring the sister fjord of Tracy Arm: Endicott Arm. This passage is often filled with massive, deep-blue icebergs and is a prime location for spotting black bears along the shoreline. You will reach the face of the Dawes Glacier to witness the "white thunder" of calving ice. After a magical day of exploration, you wil anchor just outside of Fords Terror—one of the most dramatic and narrow tidal entrances in the world.

Day Five: Stephens Passage & Tannery Cove

As the yacht leaves the glacial fjords, you will navigate the open waters of Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound. This is a premier day for marine wildlife; keep your binoculars ready for Humpbacks, Orcas, and hauled-out Sea Lions. You will find your way into the protected waters of Tannery Cove for the night. This evening offers total relaxation: choose between a sunset kayak, a bit of salmon fishing from the aft deck, or a soak in the on-board hot tub as the mist rolls over the mountains.

Day Six: Natural Hot Springs & Red Bluff Bay

You’ll begin the day working your way toward Baranof Island to visit the legendary Warm Springs Bay. There, your guides will lead you on a hike through a lush temperate rainforest to natural hot springs nestled next to a roaring waterfall. After taking a dip in the hot springs, if time allows, you will make your way to explore the hidden gems of Cascade Bay and Hidden Falls. Once your day of hiking and wildlife spotting has come to an end, the yacht will anchor in the dramatic, fjord-like setting of Red Bluff Bay, known for its stunning mineral-rich cliffs.

Day Seven: Kuiu Island & Ancient Petroglyphs

You will begin the day working your way over the north side of Kuiu Island for deep wilderness exploration. This area boasts some of the highest populations of black bears in the region. You will visit the intertidal zone near Fossil Bluffs to view ancient Tlingit petroglyphs—sacred rock carvings left by the first people to inhabit these lands. You will spend your final wilderness evening anchored in Fossil Bay, surrounded by the deep silence of the Tongass National Forest.

Day Eight: The Wrangell Narrows & Farewell Dinner

Our final full day is a scenic transit back toward Petersburg through the winding Wrangell Narrows. This is a perfect day for "Hot Tubbing" on deck while watching for eagles and whales. Upon arrival in Petersburg, we will celebrate an incredible journey with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying fresh Alaskan fare. We will return to the yacht for one final night on the water, sharing stories of the week's adventures.

Day Nine: Final Farewell

For your final morning, we will take you into town to a local favorite breakfast spot—a hidden gem where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors and a true taste of Alaskan hospitality before you return home. This final stop offers a chance to reflect on your journey in the heart of the community. Following breakfast, between 8:00AM and 9:00AM, your crew will provide a seamless transfer to the Petersburg airport for your 11:36AM flight. You will head home with a camera full of memories and a soul full of the Alaskan wild.

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Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrival in Petersburg | LeConte Glacier & Thomas Bay
• Day 2: Cascade Hike | Five Fingers Lighthouse | Beach Steaks & Bonfire
• Day 3: Tracy Arm Fjord | Sawyer Glacier | Small Boat Ice Exploration
• Day 4: Endicott Arm | The "White Thunder" of Dawes Glacier | Fords Terror
• Day 5: Stephens Passage Wildlife | Tannery Cove | Sunset Kayaking & Hot Tub
• Day 6: Warm Springs Bay | Natural Hot Springs Hike | Red Bluff Bay
• Day 7: Kuiu Island | Black Bear Spotting | Ancient Tlingit Petroglyphs
• Day 8: Wrangell Narrows Transit | Farewell Dinner in Petersburg
• Day 9: Final Breakfast in Town | Farewell & Departure

Included

• Professional Guides & Crew*
• All Transportation: 9 days / 8 nights on a Private 84ft Yacht & Small Boat Excursions from the Yacht
• Accommodations on a Private Yacht*: Eight Nights on the Yacht
• Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners on the Yacht*
• Farewell Dinner at a Local Restaurant in Petersburg
• Bear & Other WIldlife Watching*
• Humpback Whale & Orca Watching*
• LeConte, Baird, Sawyer & Dawes Glaciers*
• Five Fingers Lighthouse Tour*
• Natural Hot Springs & Coastal Exploring*
• Tlingit Petroglyph Viewing*
• Kayaks, Paddle Boards & On-Board Hot Tub*
• Fishing from the Yacht*: License required, but easily obtained.
• Professional Photography & Edited Photos*
• Connection to Wifi via Starlink*
• Detailed Itinerary & Tour Packet
• Seasonal Packing List
• Emergency Support

Not Included

• Airfare
• Flightseeing: for glaciers, bears, etc (upgrade)
• Big Game Fishing: halibut or specialized deep-sea charters
• Fishing Licenses: Must be purchased online prior to or during the tour.
• Alcoholic Drinks: You can purchase upon arrival.
• Tips (crew, guides, etc)

More Information

* See the What to Expect tab for details on starred items.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The draw of this Alaska expedition is that you don’t have to worry about a single thing. All logistics, from world-class excursions to gourmet meals, are pre-arranged so you can simply enjoy the wild beauty of the frontier. While we plan every detail, you have the freedom to take the tour at your own pace—whether that means lingering over a whale sighting or spending extra time exploring a remote beach.

Professional Guides & Crew

A Gardner Tours professional guide and your private yacht crew will accompany you for the entire duration. Our guides and crew are deeply experienced and able to answer almost any question about the ecology or history of Southeast Alaska. Your guides will be ready to begin each morning at your desired time and will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the day.

On-Board Accommodations

We provide premiere accommodations with a focus on comfort and privacy to ensure you feel at home on the water. Each private room is designed to be a sanctuary after a day of exploration, offering a variety of configurations to suit your group: the Petersburg Suite (King), the Ketchikan Suite (Double/Twin), and the Juneau and Wrangell Suites (Twin Bunks). Across these four distinct spaces, you will be attended to as our guest of honor with dedicated service throughout the week, blending the rugged beauty of Alaska with the refined comforts of a private yacht.

Dining Aboard the Private Yacht

Dining in the Alaskan wilderness is a highlight of the Gardner Tours experience. You should expect elevated, chef-prepared meals that highlight local flavors—often featuring the freshest Alaskan seafood—served against the backdrop of granite fjords and calving glaciers. Breakfasts are typically a hearty, cooked-to-order affair to fuel our morning adventures, while lunches are fresh and flexible to accommodate our excursion schedule. Dinners are a more leisurely, multi-course experience where we gather to share stories of the day's sightings. Because we are in remote waters, our galley is stocked based on your pre-trip preferences; please ensure you communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions early so our chef can curate a menu that is as safe as it is delicious.

Wildlife & Nature

Alaska is a land of changing climates and unpredictable wonder. While we utilize our deep local knowledge to put you in the best position for sightings, we ask for patience and courtesy should conditions change. It is our guarantee that your crew will handle any challenges with grace to ensure you receive the authentic Alaskan experience you desire.

Humpback Whale & Orca Watching

Whale watching in Southeast Alaska is less about "searching" and more about "witnessing." You can expect to see Humpbacks throughout the trip, often right from the deck of the yacht. Orcas are more elusive and nomadic, so sightings are a special treat. We prioritize ethical viewing, meaning we maintain a respectful distance to ensure the animals aren't stressed. Expect to spend time in the wheelhouse or on the bow with binoculars; the thrill of the "blow" or a breach is a highlight that never gets old.

Glacier Exploration

Approaching a tidewater glacier is a profound sensory experience, from the crackle of ancient air bubbles in the water to the dramatic drop in temperature. While we do not land in front of or walk on the glaciers themselves, we navigate Tracy Arm (Sawyer Glacier), Endicott Arm (Dawes Glacier), LeConte, and Baird as closely as safety permits to witness the towering ice faces. These "ice gardens" offer incredible opportunities for up-close interaction; when conditions allow, we may be able to touch or even step onto stable icebergs floating in the fjord. We also frequently find massive ice sculptures washed up on tide flats, offering a rare chance to go ashore and walk among the stranded "bergy bits" for a grounded perspective and world-class photography.

Five Fingers Lighthouse Tour

Five Fingers is perched on a rugged island in the heart of Frederick Sound. Expect a skiff ride from the yacht to the island’s landing. The lighthouse is a historic working facility, and the climb to the top involves steep stairs. Once at the gallery, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding marine sanctuary. It is one of the best vantage points in Alaska for spotting whale activity from land, and the history of the lightkeepers who served here adds a beautiful layer of storytelling to our journey.

Tracy Arm & Sawyer Glacier

Entering Tracy Arm is like stepping back into the last ice age. You should expect a dramatic change in scenery as the fjord narrows and the granite walls rise thousands of feet above the yacht. The temperature will drop significantly as we approach the ice, and you will hear the unique "crackling" sound of the bergs as they drift past. You will navigate through floating "ice gardens" of deep-blue bergy bits to get as close to the face of the Sawyer Glacier as safety allows. Keep your binoculars ready for harbor seals resting on the ice floes and mountain goats perched on the steep cliffs above.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Similar to Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm, Dawes is a massive tidewater giant. Expect Endicott Arm to be heavily populated with icebergs of all sizes. We navigate these waters with care, often getting close enough to hear the ice "singing." This fjord is narrower than others, offering an intimate look at the mountain goats and bears that frequent the steep granite walls.

Natural Hot Springs & Coastal Exploring

Visiting Warm Springs Bay is a highlight for the senses. You should expect a moderate hike through a damp, moss-covered rainforest trail to reach the natural pools. The springs are undeveloped and sit adjacent to a powerful glacial waterfall; the combination of the hot water and the cool mist is a rare Alaskan luxury. We recommend bringing a swimsuit and sturdy hiking boots with good traction for this excursion.

Leisurely Hikes & Shore Explorations

On this Alaska Yacht Tour, what we call a "hike" is typically a leisurely walk on a forest trail or beach. Most of our land excursions, such as the walk to the Thomas Bay Cascade or the natural pools at Warm Springs, are short distances ranging from a quarter to a half-mile. While the distance is minimal, the terrain is naturally semi-rugged; you should expect some uneven ground, mossy roots, or slippery rocks, especially near waterfalls or in the intertidal zone. These walks are designed to be low-impact and at a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without physical strain. For those who wish to explore further, there are often options to continue on to higher vantage points, but the primary experience is a comfortable stroll through the woods. We recommend sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction to ensure you stay comfortable on these damp forest paths.

Tlingit Petroglyph Viewing

Viewing the ancient petroglyphs at Saginaw Bay is a walk through history. These rock carvings are located along the intertidal zone, meaning they are best viewed at lower tides. Expect a short skiff ride to the shoreline followed by a walk over slippery, barnacle-covered rocks and beach grass. We treat these sites with the utmost reverence; they are a sacred connection to the Tlingit people. Your guides will help identify the carvings of whales, birds, and faces that have watched over these waters for centuries.

Use of Kayaks, Paddleboards & Hot Tub

We provide high-quality kayaks and paddleboards to give you a silent, eye-level perspective of the wilderness. Expect to use these in protected bays and calm "calving" waters where the surface is like glass. No previous experience is necessary, and your crew will provide a safety briefing and assistance with launching directly from the yacht’s swim platform. In addition to our watercraft, your yacht is equipped with an on-board hot tub. Expect this to be a favorite gathering spot during our scenic transits or after a chilly glacial excursion. We maintain the tub at a comfortable temperature, allowing you to soak while watching the Alaskan coastline glide by—it is the ultimate way to experience the "Liquid Sunshine" of the Inside Passage.

Fishing from the Yacht

Fishing in Alaska is world-class, and we make it easy for you to drop a line right from the yacht’s aft deck. We provide all the professional-grade poles and tackle you’ll need. While we aren't a dedicated "charter" boat, we frequently catch rockfish, snapper, and occasionally salmon. To keep things legal, you’ll need to purchase a standard Alaskan fishing license online (which we can help you do once you’re on board). It’s a relaxing way to spend an evening at anchor with a drink in hand.

Professional Photography + Edited Photos

One of the greatest gifts we can give our travelers is the freedom to be fully present. We often hear from guests that they enjoyed their journey more because they didn't feel the pressure to capture every whale breach or sunset on their phones. Because we handle the photography, you are free to "unplug" and take in the scale of the glaciers and the quiet of the fjords without distraction. Following your tour, we will provide you with a curated gallery of high-resolution, professionally edited images of your expedition—capturing both the epic landscapes and the candid moments in between—ready for you to download, print, and share for a lifetime.

Connection & Wifi in the Wilderness

Internet access in the remote reaches of Southeast Alaska is provided via a high-speed Starlink satellite system on board. While this technology offers an impressive connection even in the middle of glacial fjords, it looks a little different than the fiber-optic speeds you may be used to at home. Connectivity is generally reliable for messaging, emails, and browsing, though it can occasionally be slow or intermittent due to high canyon walls or heavy cloud cover. We recommend viewing the onboard wifi as a convenient tool for staying in touch with family rather than a platform for high-bandwidth streaming. Most of our travelers find that the occasional "digital shadow" provides a refreshing opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and stay fully present in the vast, quiet beauty of the Alaskan frontier.

Our Guarantee To You

Gardner Tours is committed to delivering you the most hospitable and all-encompassing tours in Alaska!