If your sense of adventure extends to more challenging waters than the Norwegian fjords, then turn your attention to southeast Alaska. Made up of glaciers, icebergs, uninhabited islands and snow-capped mountains, the increasingly visited Inside Passage is one of the latest cruising areas attracting a new breed of charterer looking for family adventures. Rich in marine life, the seemingly desolate waters surrounding the islands of America’s 49th state teem with wildlife like humpback whales, seals and orcas, while bald eagles and brown bears also call the shorelines home and are commonly seen. Although the setting may be rugged, a yacht charter still remains the height of luxury. You can be assured of action, discovery and excitement on board the 138-ft Ocean’s Seven. Tailor-made for high-sea adventures, she offers a combination of exploration yacht with traditional superyacht amenities, making her perfect for an unforgettable adventure charter.
The owner of Ocean’s Seven is a keen philanthropist who has offered the yacht for research purposes with the Yachts For Science program. These nutrient-rich waters are perfect for this scientific research; guests can choose to get involved with it or not as they like. If you do choose to get involved this can be a great way to teach children in a practical way about how we all need to act to preserve our blue planet.
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Venturing into the Alaskan wilderness is also escapism at its very best. Immerse yourself in the rugged wilderness as you head ashore on Baranof Island. Hike up to Baranof Lake, where you can bathe in the natural pools of water at Baranof Warm Springs. The island is also home to the world’s highest concentration of bears, thanks to its glut of salmon streams. Anchor in Deep Cove and take a kayak along the shore to look for bears as they hunt for salmon.
Nature lovers will be in their element as they cruise the twisting Sergius Narrows, passing serene forested islands where the keen-eyed can spot bald eagles, black-tailed deer and the sea otters that explore the kelp beds and rocky shorelines. After all that excitement, relax as your captain steers Ocean’s Seven towards Alaska’s most beautiful port, Sitka.
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Originally inhabited by the Tlingit tribe, Sitka became the capital of Russian America in 1808 and remained under Russian control until 1867. The Sitka National Historical Park is a great way to learn about the area’s history and culture. Today, Sitka and the surrounding area are largely sustained by fishing and tourism, so it is worth factoring in an extra night to explore the city.
For those looking to further their itinerary there are more options to cruise along the intricate waterways of the Icy Strait to Glacier Bay National Park. A park ranger is required to guide Ocean’s Seven up to the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Those willing to take such an adventure will certainly reap the rewards; you might even encounter the unforgettable sight of bubble-net feeding — a classic whale maneuver that has to be seen to be believed.
Sleeping up to 10 guests in five cabins and with a crew of nine, the 138-ft (42-m) Ocean’s Seven is available to charter in Alaska throughout the summer season. From $145,000 per week plus expenses, fraseryachts.com
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Juneau
Day 2: Juneau to Holkham Bay 45 nautical miles
Day 3: Holkham Bay to Endicott Arm 21 nautical miles
Day 4: Endicott Arm to The Brothers 47 nautical miles
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Days 5 & 6: The Brothers to Baranof Island 48 nautical miles
Day 7: Baranof Island to Sitka 80 nautical miles
