10-Day Alaska Inside Passage Yacht Charter — Sitka to Juneau

Sitka to Chicagof Island

Depart Sitka, a historic Russian colonial trading post nestled beneath Edgecumbe Volcano, and head north 35 nautical miles to Chicagof Island, the largest island in the Alexander Archipelago. The passage navigates narrow passages between coastal islands; the scenery is immediately dramatic — steep, forested shorelines with no sign of human settlement. Anchor in a sheltered bay on Chicagof Island and explore by dinghy. The waters are home to sea otters, seals, and sea lions. The shoreline is pristine temperate rainforest descending to rocky beaches. This is your introduction to the raw beauty of the Inside Passage. Evening wildlife observation may include black bears fishing for salmon in creeks (observe from a safe distance). The silence is profound; the sound of water and forest wind are the only accompaniment.

Chicagof Island to Tenakee Springs

Motor north 25 nautical miles to Tenakee Springs, a tiny village famous for its historic community bathhouse fed by natural hot springs. The village sits on the eastern shore of Chichagof Island; the anchorage is small but welcoming. Ashore, the bathhouse — built in 1889 — is a unique piece of Alaskan heritage. Locals have established specific bathing hours for men and women; visitors are welcome to join. The water is naturally heated and emerald-coloured from mineral content; soaking in hot spring water while surrounded by temperate rainforest is an otherworldly experience. The village has a post office, general store, and a few simple restaurants. Tenakee Springs typifies the remote, self-reliant communities of the Inside Passage.

Tenakee Springs to Hawk Inlet

Continue north 15 nautical miles to Hawk Inlet, a dramatic fjord flanked by vertical granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The inlet is accessible only at high tide (a critical consideration in Alaska's 20-foot tidal range). Anchor at the head of the inlet in a cove providing 360-degree protection. The fjord walls tower thousands of metres above your yacht; waterfalls fed by glacial melt thunder down the rock faces. Wildlife here is abundant; black bears fish the creeks, and sea otters hunt in the shallow water. The sense of remoteness is complete — few yachts venture this far north, and the landscape feels untouched by time.

Hawk Inlet to Juneau

Motor 45 nautical miles south-southeast to Juneau, Alaska's capital. The journey passes through open water and exposed passages; prepare for rougher conditions. Juneau is a significant hub with excellent provisioning, restaurants, museums, and the State Capitol building. The anchorage is busy with commercial vessels and cruise ships, but it provides good shelter. Ashore, Juneau offers urban amenities and cultural attractions — notably the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and access to the Mendenhall Glacier by road. Float-plane tours to remote glaciers and fishing lodges depart from here. Juneau is your largest resupply opportunity; stock provisions generously before continuing north.

Juneau to Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm to Hobart Bay

Motor north 35 nautical miles to Hobart Bay, a pristine anchorage between Admiralty Island and the mainland. The anchorage offers excellent protection and outstanding scenery. The shoreline is temperate rainforest; bears are active in creeks and streams. A dinghy excursion into side arms of the bay reveals cascading waterfalls and pristine wilderness. This is a day for immersion — snorkel in the cold, clear water (bring a wetsuit), observe wildlife, and enjoy the silence.

Hobart Bay to Petersburg

A longer passage of 80 nautical miles takes you south to Petersburg, a charming Norwegian fishing village on Mitkof Island. The village was founded by Norwegian fishermen in the 1890s; it retains this Scandinavian character with traditional wooden houses, active fish processing, and strong maritime culture. The harbour is scenic and welcoming. Ashore, the Clausen Memorial Museum documents the town's fishing heritage. Local restaurants serve excellent fresh seafood. The Petroglyphic Beach to the south (accessible by boat) has indigenous rock carvings dating back centuries. Petersburg is one of the Inside Passage's finest villages.

Petersburg to Port Alexander

Motor 45 nautical miles south to Port Alexander, a small settlement on the southern tip of Baranof Island. The village is even more remote than Petersburg; it is accessible only by boat or float plane. The anchorage is sheltered and surrounded by wilderness. Ashore, the village has a general store, a few fishing lodges, and minimal tourism infrastructure. The surrounding waters are excellent for fishing (halibut, cod, salmon). The sense of isolation here is genuine — you have reached the edge of the known world. Wildlife is abundant; whales, otters, and eagles are regularly sighted.

Port Alexander to Goddard Hot Springs

Motor 65 nautical miles northwest to Goddard Hot Springs, another remote location accessed primarily by yacht and float plane. Goddard Hot Springs has natural hot pools fed by geothermal activity. A rustic bathhouse allows visitors to soak in natural hot water while surrounded by rainforest. The lodge here (if open) serves meals and provides basic services. The anchorage is surrounded by wild, pristine landscape. This is a fitting penultimate stop — balancing luxury (a hot spring bath) with wilderness solitude.

Goddard Hot Springs to Sitka

A final 62-nm passage takes you south and east back to Sitka. The morning departure allows a leisurely return, with time to reflect on the week's experiences. Sitka Harbour welcomes your return; disembarkation and logistics proceed at the marina.