In a sample of six published listings from one operator, read on 28 October 2026, crewed motor yachts in Southeast Alaska started at $36,000 to $89,000 a week for 20–30 m yachts and $120,000 to $145,000 for 30–45 m yachts. These are base rates, quoted plus expenses: an APA of about 25% to 30% is paid in advance, and a crew gratuity, local taxes and travel come on top.
At a glance
| Published base rates | $36,000–$145,000 a week in a six-listing sample (Yacht Warriors, read 28 Oct 2026) |
| Pricing basis | Plus expenses: the rate covers the yacht and crew |
| Extras on top | APA of about 25%–30%, discretionary gratuity, local taxes and fees, travel |
| Guests | The sampled yachts take 6 to 12 guests |
| Season | About mid-May to mid-September |
| The one thing to check | Which taxes and fees your route adds, itemised in the quote |
The published rates we read
Private yacht charters in Alaska are crewed motor yacht trips, mostly from Juneau, between about mid-May and mid-September. Our Charter Price Index holds a snapshot of six weekly base rates published by Yacht Warriors, read on 28 October 2026.
| Yacht size | Published weekly base rates (US$) | Middle | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–30 m motor yacht | $36,000–$89,000 | $61,000 | 4 |
| 30–45 m motor yacht | $120,000–$145,000 | $132,500 | 2 |
These are "from" rates: the page does not show a rate for each week of the season. The listings on that page change, so this is a dated sample from one operator, not a market average. $36,000 is the lowest starting rate in the sample, not the lowest price in Alaska.
What drives the price
- Size and guests. The sampled boats accommodate 6 to 12 guests. The 30 m and larger yachts in the sample cost roughly twice as much as the smaller ones.
- Dates. The fleet is small, and the busiest summer weeks book first.
- Route. Glacier Bay is open only to operators the National Park Service has authorised. Starting and ending in different ports can add a repositioning charge.
- Terms. The sampled yachts are quoted plus expenses, not all-inclusive.
What the weekly rate includes, and what comes on top
Included: the yacht and her crew.
On top:
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Yacht Warriors puts it at about 25% to 30% of the base rate, paid in advance. It covers costs such as fuel, food, drink and berthing, as the contract defines them. It is reconciled against receipts at the end: unused money is returned and a shortfall is settled. See what APA is.
- Crew gratuity. Discretionary. Yacht Warriors gives a range of 10% to 20% of the base rate.
- Taxes and fees. Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but many local governments levy their own sales taxes, and route-specific fees may apply. Ask for them itemised in the quote.
- Travel. Flights to Juneau or Ketchikan, and transfers.
Illustration: one week on a 28 m yacht
| Line | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Charter fee | $72,000 | $72,000 |
| APA deposit at 25%–30% | $18,000 | $21,600 |
| Optional gratuity at 10%–20% | $7,200 | $14,400 |
| Illustrative budget | $97,200 | $108,000 |
That is about $16,200 to $18,000 for each of six guests. It is the charter fee plus the APA deposit plus an optional tip, before flights, transfers and any applicable taxes or other charges. The APA is reconciled at the end, so the money actually spent may be higher or lower.
What to ask your broker
- Is this rate for my exact dates, or a "from" figure?
- What APA percentage does this yacht ask, and what have recent weeks actually spent?
- Is the operator authorised for Glacier Bay, and does it have access on my dates?
- Where do we board and leave, and is there a repositioning charge?
- Which local taxes and fees will be added, itemised?
- How many crew are there, and is there a dedicated chef or naturalist?
When this is not the right choice
- Your budget is well under the sample's lowest rate. The cheapest sampled listing starts at $36,000 before extras; small-ship cruises or a lodge with day boats cost less.
- You want warm water and swimming. Southeast Alaska is about wildlife, glaciers and fishing, with cool, often wet weather.
- You can only travel from October to April. The yachts leave the region for the winter.
- Your group is larger than 12. The sampled yachts take 6 to 12 guests; a bigger group needs two boats or a small cruise ship.
Yacht Almanac does not sell charters. One of our partner brokers can confirm current rates, inclusions and access for your dates.
Questions people ask
When is the Alaska yacht charter season?
About mid-May to mid-September, according to Yacht Warriors. The busiest weeks book first, and the yachts head south for the winter.
Where do Alaska yacht charters start?
Juneau is the most common starting point. Petersburg, Sitka and Ketchikan are also used, with Ketchikan mainly for Misty Fjords routes.
Is food included in an Alaska yacht charter?
Not in the base rate on the sampled yachts. Food, drink, fuel and similar costs are paid from the APA, which Yacht Warriors puts at about 25% to 30% of the charter fee and which is reconciled at the end.
Is there sales tax on a yacht charter in Alaska?
Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but many local governments levy their own sales taxes, and route-specific fees may apply. Ask your broker to itemise them in the quote.
How much should I tip the crew in Alaska?
It is at your discretion. Yacht Warriors gives a range of 10% to 20% of the base charter fee, usually handed to the captain at the end.
Sources
- Yacht Warriors, Alaska crewed charter yachts (listings, APA, gratuity, season), read 28 Oct 2026
- US National Park Service, Glacier Bay: concession contracts (charter vessel services), read 29 Oct 2026
- AARP, Alaska state tax guide (no statewide sales tax; local sales taxes), read 29 Oct 2026
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