Located in the west area of the East Channel Hayward Strait and sitting Northwest of Rob Point, the Magoun Islands are full of fabulous nooks and crannies that charter guests can explore. The surrounding geology of the islands is cool granite but there are also bushwhacking trail opportunities and lots of little bays for soaking up the glory of the surroundings. You may even spot grey whales in the waters and bald eagles watching curiously from the trees overhead.
The largest of the Alaskan ABC Islands, Chichagof is reputed to have the largest concentration of brown bears in Alaska. There are four settlements on the island, the biggest by far being Hoonah from where you can experience interesting tours. These include coastal kayak tours, whale watching and bear searching tours. It is wisest to be accompanied by an experienced guide when venturing into the wilderness from the city. The island is rich in culture and a cultural tour will leave lasting impression. Dining options here are not of the fine dining variety but wholesome and flavoursome.
Southeast Alaska is brimming with beautiful anchorages and Takatz Bay is definitely at the top of that list. Filled with thundering waterfalls and a natural delta mouth at high tide, it's a great spot for kayaking upstream, hiking the trails, and keeping a keen eye peeled for grizzlies. With dense fir-packed slopes and a feeling of being dwarfed by nature, charter guests can breathe easy in this idyllic spot. Along with bears, you can also see bald eagles, seals, and other wildlife wonders too.
Situated on Baranoff Island, Red Bluff Bay is an Alaskan beauty. The entrance to this picture-perfect bay can be found east of Frederick Sound - a spot famed for its ample whale-watching opportunities. Red Bluff Bay takes its name from the shorn hills that close in on it - coloured in rusty hues from the presence of chromite. The striking contrast of red and blue and green is spectacular and charter guests can also see brown bears, shoals of salmon, thundering waterfalls, and the spots of whales against this backdrop. Kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and photography are all excellent ways to spend your days in Red Bluff Bay.
For charter guests looking to sink into steamy delight, the enticing waters of Warm Springs Bay are waiting. Located on Baranof Island, 20 miles to the east of Sitka, you can find blissfully warm waters encouraging you to take a break from the meandering cruise along the Chatham Strait. The remote community close by means that these springs are rarely bustling and the natural backdrop sets the scene for afternoons of pure unwinding in the wild.
The first alphabetically of Alaska’s ABC Islands, Admiralty is home to more bears than humans, and more bald eagles than bears. A prime activity on the island is watching brown bears interacting in their natural habitat from safe observation posts in the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, for which a permit is easily obtained. Main activities on the island include hiking, cycling, backpacking, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking in fjords, white-water rafting, and snorkelling. If you plan on spending some time on the island, the Forest Service can rent cabins in the wild. There are no restaurants on the island, and it is best to get provisions in advance.
Glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls, and all the stars of the Southeast Alaskan show can be found on the doorstep of Pybus Bay. This wild and rugged place sets a dreamy mise-en-scene for intimate wildlife adventures, first-class fishing, and unbridled beauty at every turn. Charter guests looking to haul in a mammoth salmon, watch whales breach the cool blue waters, and even see bears play and tumble along the shore will fall hard for this enchanting spot. Pybus Bay even boasts its own motto - come to disconnect and leave connected. This slogan perfectly suits the mood where days are spent exploring glaciers, admiring waterfalls, and counting off seals, whales, bears, and more on your fingertips. One of the major draws of Pybus is its commitment to providing exceptional fishing opportunities with lots of guided saltwater fishing fun.
The Tracy Arm fjord is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It is a wonderful place to visit and should be included in any charter in the region. It is a place to view some marvels of nature from the water, surrounded by mountain peaks and waterfalls. Apart from the two glaciers, North and South Sawyer which are major spectacles themselves, you will see much land and marine life. On land you will probably see bears, wolves, deer and goats. Because the ice interferes with whales’ communication, it is a good spot for seals to have their pups. Above these spectacles you will see majestic eagles and other minor birdlife flying around. The glacier is live, in that it is flowing and “calving” or losing pieces of ice into the water. You will enjoy the stillness and the sounds of the ice if the boat’s engines are turned off. A loud and memorable crash normally accompanies larger pieces of ice hitting the water. In the water and on the ice flows you may see whales, orcas and seals of various sizes.
Taku Harbor is a serene and sheltered anchorage nestled along the eastern shore of Stephens Passage, just south of Juneau. Once the site of a historic salmon cannery, the harbor is now a peaceful wilderness haven surrounded by dense temperate rainforest. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for paddleboarding or launching a tender, while the nearby shoreline invites gentle hikes where you might spot eagles, mink, or even bears. With its rich natural beauty and quiet charm, Taku Harbor offers a perfect pause before the final stretch toward Juneau.
At the Alaskan end of the Inside Passage, lies Juneau, the capital city of Alaska. The nutrients provided by the glaciers attract humpback whales and orcas which are a must see. Water activities include water-skiing, kayaking, and rafting which is also a good way of sight-seeing along the coast. Bear viewing tours, dog sledding and ziplining are also on offer. Nearby Mount Roberts provides excellent views and can be ascended either on foot or by tram. The Juneau Icefield is a massive area of ice which is best explored by trekking or flightseeing. If you’ve had enough of the outdoors, the Alaska State Museum is well worth a visit.