Since the early 1970s, the outfitter has been offering exceptional tours and adventures in the pristine landscapes of Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park. This outfitter is the longest-standing outfitter operating in the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. They lead the way in luxury yacht-based hunting for brown bears, black bears, and mountain goats in Alaska. They also offer fishing expeditions and 
Adventure Cruises into Glacier Bay National Park.
Although brown and black bears can be hunted across the United States and Canada, a Southeast Alaska hunt offers an adventure unlike any other. These coastal giants, dwelling in the lush rainforests of the Tongass National Forest and the islands of the Alexander Archipelago, provide a unique and thrilling experience. The hunts take place in both the spring and fall, with each season offering distinct hunting styles and methods. Adding to the excitement, there are also opportunities to hunt the elusive Alexander Archipelago wolf, mountain goat, and Sitka blacktail deer, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This second-generation, Alaskan family-owned business, is led by Master Guides who continue the family tradition. The company distinguishes itself with luxury vessels, exceptional hunts for black and brown bears, mountain goats, Sitka blacktail deer, and wolves, and by offering the largest and most diverse selection of “Guide Use Areas” in Alaska, which provides superior flexibility and access. This will be your “base camp” during your unforgettable adventures.
They dedicate themselves to delivering unparalleled service and exceptional experiences to every guest. The luxury, custom yacht tours explore the stunning wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, promising an unrivaled adventure through this breathtaking region.
Accommodations & Meals
The Alaskan Grandeur is a 78-foot custom yacht launched in 2001 and remodeled in 2011. This luxurious vessel features 4 guest suites, each equipped with a private bath and in-room satellite phone, offering comfortable accommodations for up to 8 guests.
The yacht boasts a spacious salon with a large, comfortable leather couch, ideal for discussing the day’s events. Designed with a single-screw deep draft and hydraulic stabilizers, the Grandeur provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Its powerful 3206 Caterpillar engine ensures a quiet and serene cruising experience.
The flybridge, complete with captain’s seating, offers breathtaking views, accompanied by the sounds of rushing water, gulls, bald eagles, and occasionally, the blow of a whale. The Grandeur is equipped with the latest navigational technology, including radar, underwater sonar, and real-time GPS tracking, all contributing to a safe and enjoyable journey.
Fishing
Saltwater Fishing:
Experience luxury sport fishing where comfort meets adventure! Say goodbye to small, cramped sport-fishers with no heat or seating, and embrace the elegance of the 30′ Armstrong Catamaran. Enjoy a day on the water in warmth and comfort with a spacious cabin which seats 6 guests comfortably with bench seating and a large settee. The boat features a full stand-up head with an electric flush toilet and a twin-burner stove for a hot beverage anytime you like.
Feel free to bring a non-fishing companion; they’ll have a cozy, dry place to relax and enjoy the day. Marvel at world-class whale shows, and delight in sightings of sea lions, sea otters, myriad seabirds, and numerous Bald Eagles. Fish for giant Pacific Halibut, hook aggressive Salmon, or jig for a variety of delicious Rockfish. Enjoy trolling or jigging for salmon, and bottom fishing for huge halibut and rockfish. Equipped with all necessary saltwater fishing gear and bait, all you need is the strength to reel in the catch of a lifetime!
Freshwater Fishing:
Imagine standing by a pristine stream, surrounded by towering ancient Sitka Spruce and Hemlock trees, with only the bears as the river’s inhabitants. Picture yourself fly fishing for four species of Pacific Salmon, Arctic Char, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout, where the action is so steady that you might hook a fish with every cast!
Experience the wonder of the world’s last true and unspoiled temperate old-growth rainforest, along with the rich bounty of the seas surrounding the forested islands of Southeast Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. This is an adventure that will leave a lasting impression.
Need the right gear? No problem. With advance notice, you can be provided waders, rods, and reels for your river adventure, with applicable equipment charges.
Also available are a selection of proven fly patterns for sale, designed specifically for our Alaskan streams. This outfitter is even happy to teach and assist anyone eager to try this pure form of fishing. At times, you might find yourself catching a fish with every cast!
Hunting
Fall Brown Bear:
The fall brown bear hunts usually span 10 days in September and October. These hunts take place in areas with spawning salmon, attracting bears as they prepare for winter hibernation. Observing and hunting these bears while they fish offers a unique and thrilling experience. The Alaskan Grandeur, the custom yacht, serves as base camp, with access to the streams and estuaries provided by 18-foot powered skiffs. The hunting style involves hiking up the streams, still hunting, and sitting over fishing holes frequented by bears. Hunters should be prepared to walk up to two miles in chest waders over slick, moss-covered rocks, logs, trees, and uneven terrain. Close encounters with bears are common, with shots often taken within 50 yards, so proficiency in various shooting positions, including sitting, off-hand, and prone, is essential.
Your day begins with a hearty home-style breakfast, typically served around 9:00 am. Depending on the weather, you will have a pre-packed sack lunch for the field excursion, with departure ranging between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. If the weather is unfavorable, you may eat lunch on board and leave later in the afternoon. Since large boars are often more active at dusk during this season, the typical plan is to hunt until the last moments of light. After the day’s hunt, return to the Alaskan Grandeur for dinner, which is generally served between 9:00 and 10:00 pm.
Spring Brown Bear:
A spring hunting day combines adventure with a laid-back atmosphere. The relaxed atmosphere of spring and the extended daylight hours make for a low-pressure experience. Mornings start with a hearty breakfast served between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., followed by time to relax and get ready for the day’s hunt. Lunches are typically “sack lunch” style, prepared to order and taken into the field. Occasionally, weather or other conditions may mean having lunch on board before setting out.
You will usually depart from the yacht for the hunt between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Since the bears you are targeting are most active in the late evening, efforts will be focused as daylight fades, with the hunt often extending into the dark. Typically you will return to the yacht between 10:00 p.m. and midnight, where a well-deserved dinner prepared by the chef awaits, served between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Fall Black Bear:
A fall black bear hunt is usually 6 days in September. The hunts take place in areas where salmon are actively spawning, drawing bears to feed as they prepare for winter. This provides a unique and exciting opportunity to see and hunt bears as they fish. The custom yacht which will serve as your base camp and has access to the streams and estuaries via 18-foot powered skiffs. Hunting involves hiking up the streams, still hunting along the way, and sitting over fishing holes frequented by bears. This method offers a rare and immersive experience in the Tongass old-growth rainforest. Hunters should be prepared to walk up to two miles in chest waders across slick, moss-covered rocks, logs, trees, and uneven ground. Encounters with bears are often at close range, with shots typically within 50 yards. Hunters should be skilled in various shooting positions, including sitting, off-hand, and prone.
Each day begins with a home-style breakfast around 9:00 am. Depending on the weather, a sack lunch will be prepared for the field excursion, with departure between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. If the weather is unfavorable, you may have lunch on board and depart later in the afternoon. Since large boars are often more active during the late hours, it is usual to hunt until the last moments of light. After the hunt, you will return to the yacht for dinner, usually served between 9:00 and 10:00 pm.
Spring Black Bear:
A spring black bear hunt usually involves six days in the field, running from mid-April to the second week of June. This is an exceptional time to explore Southeast Alaska, as the region’s flora and fauna come to life after winter, offering a vibrant and dynamic landscape. During this period, black bears emerge from their dens and migrate to beaches and grass flats in search of food, including fresh plant growth, sedge grasses, kelp, small crustaceans, and any carrion they can find.
The hunt employs a spot-and-stalk method. Skiffs from the yacht are used to explore promising shorelines or access grass flats and estuaries where black bears feed. This is a fully free-range, fair-chase hunt in one of the most stunning environments imaginable. You should be prepared for the terrain, wearing chest waders and wading boots and capable of walking at least two miles over slick, uneven ground. Shots are typically within 100 yards, with varied field positions. Shooting sticks are often impractical due to the terrain, so proficiency in different shooting positions, including off-hand and prone, is essential. High-quality gear and optics are crucial, as many hours will be spent glassing the shorelines. You’ll also encounter a rich array of wildlife, including marine mammals, birds, whales, and orcas, making high-quality optics even more valuable for observing these natural marvels.
Wolf Hunt:
During your black bear adventure, you may also have the chance to harvest a wolf either during or after your hunt. While most wolves are taken incidentally, there are occasions when hunts are actively set up and solved are called if there is a known pack frequenting the area.
The wolves in Southeast Alaska are a unique subspecies of the grey wolf, known as the Alexander Archipelago wolf. These wolves are distinct from the more common grey wolf found in the rest of Alaska and the western United States, both in stature and genetic makeup. Harvesting an Alexander Archipelago wolf is a rare and exceptional experience, offering a special achievement for any hunter.
Mountain Goat Hunt:
Activities
Along with hunting, this outfitter offers saltwater and freshwater fishing as well as cruises along the Alaskan coastline.
Length of Stay / Itinerary
Brown bear hunts are typically 10 days.
Black bear hunts are 6 days or longer.
Travel Details & Location
You will fly into Juneau, AK where you will then take a charter float plane to the yacht.
Internet & Communications
There is spotty cell phone service and some internet service on the yacht.
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 90 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 90 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!
