Chartering a Private Yacht in Alaska (How to Book & Cost Breakdown)

If you're planning a trip to Alaska then chances are you might have considered a cruise or private yacht charter in the past (both end up being about the same price per person). Personally, I highly recommend opting for the private yacht as the entire experience is much more personalized and you'll be able to get up close and personal to more sightseeing (think whales and icebergs right next to the boat). Below I go over all logistics step by step.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates.
​
To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

How to Book a Private Yacht in Alaska

I'll be honest, when you Google "private yachts in Alaska" a handful of options will pop up and you might not know where to start - especially since half of them won't even be local Alaskan operators. Based on my personal experience, I can only recommend booking through Elysium Expeditions, a private yacht charter that can accommodate up to 6 guests and are primarily based out of Sitka. The hosts are so welcoming, the menu is top notch, and it was the best whale watching of our entire lives. Plus once you book, everything is handled for you.

Booking is easy, and is possible through 4 easy steps. Elysium has an entire page on their website that breaks down the booking process. The best part is that they truly accommodate to your group since you're the only ones onboard, from the menu to the itinerary. Before you secure your booking they jump on a call with you to make sure it's a good fit and to see what kinds of interests you have and what you're hoping to see on your trip! If you're looking at a different charter that doesn't do this, I recommend reconsidering your booking with them. After your call, you'll put down a deposit and be ready to go on what I promise will be one of the best trips in your life!

Book with Elysium Expeditions here!

My Favorite Tours near Juneau :
- Whale Watching
- Mendenhall Glacier Adventure
- Helicopter Ride & Icefield Landing

Complete Cost Breakdown

Like I mentioned above, a cruise and a privately chartered yacht in Alaska actually ends up costing about the same per person. According to Google, the average large cruise can cost $1,000 per person (for an interior room with no windows) to $3,000 per person (for a balcony room) with no excursions.

Onboard the Elysium, we had included Wifi and access to kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles (just make sure to have your fishing license!) and crab pots - all while our private itinerary on the yacht included whale watching and glacier viewing almost everyday. If you add it all up (including the personally curated menu each day), then even the rational & analytical response would be to charter a private yacht.

If you book with the same company as us, Elysium Expeditions, they have a flat and easy to understand rate. For a 4 night/5 day expedition, it'll cost your group of up to 4 people $12,000 - so $3,000 a person. If you have a 5th or 6th person in your group, the rate will increase by $600 per person/per day - keeping the overall rate at $3,000 per person for the 5 days. Because they only have a handful of expeditions each summer, it's essential to book as early in advance as you can.

Watch my Alaska Yacht Adventures here!

Coming Soon!

---

Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> Best Things to Do in Sitka
-> Best Things to Do in Juneau
​-> 5 Day Yacht Charter Itinerary

---

Pin this Yacht Guide for Later!