Alaska

Alaska is a remote, high‑latitude cruising area of striking scenery, with mountains, fjords and glaciers in the far northwest of North America. Most visiting boats follow the protected channels of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, which provides protected waters between small ports, fishing towns and quiet anchorages surrounded by forest and wildlife.

Along this route, boaters can stop at White Sulphur Hot Springs, where they can bathe in the hot pools after a short walk ashore from the anchorage. In Glacier Bay National Park, Lamplugh Glacier is a tidewater glacier, where the ice flows all the way from the mountains to the sea and calves directly into the bay. Icy Bay offers another remote anchorage among icebergs and glacier views, with good chances of spotting seals hauled out on the floes.

Tides and currents shape passage planning through many narrows and channels, and floating logs or other debris can pose a hazard after bad weather. Fuel, groceries and basic services are concentrated in the larger towns. Private boats can visit Glacier Bay in summer with a permit and must follow National Park rules for access and wildlife protection.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Foggy Cove ★ 5.0 Entry to Foggy Cove can be challenging due to some rocks near the entrance, yet depths are favorable, reaching 30 feet at high tide. Holding is reliable in mud, allowing for many boats to anchor comfortably. Wildlife sightings enhance the experience.
	Ideal Cove ★ 5.0 Anchoring in Ideal Cove offers plenty of room with excellent holding in mud. Visitors reported calm nights and good views. Be cautious of crab traps, especially near the edges, and expect variable depth conditions.
	Kliuchevoi Bay ★ 5.0 Anchorage offers good holding in mud with easy access. Visitors appreciate the close proximity to hot springs and have reported successful anchoring during varying conditions. Careful navigation around marked hazards is advisable.
	Inian Cove ★ 5.0 Serenity characterizes this anchorage, which is appreciated for its calm conditions and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors frequently observe sea lions near the entrance, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of fog-laden hills and blue skies.
	Fords Terror ★ 5.0 Stunning scenery marks Fords Terror. Navigating the entrance requires timing with high tide and slack currents. Anchoring involves patience due to shifting depths, with good holding noted in the area once a suitable spot is found.
	Takatz Bay ★ 5.0 The anchorage is described as stunning, with lovely protection for multiple boats. Visitors mention enjoying views of the surrounding nature and wildlife, including bears. Its accessibility enhances the overall experience for those sailing the region.
	Tracy Arm ★ 4.8 The anchorage offers reliable holding with depth ranging from 10 to 20 meters. Visitors have reported enough space for multiple boats, making it a suitable location to wait for weather changes.
	Ross Bay ★ 4.7 Calm anchoring conditions were reported with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. The holding was described as reliable in different locations within the bay. Blackberries and waterfalls enhance the natural beauty of the area.
	Kalinin Bay ★ 4.7 Anchorage conditions include calm waters with good holding during northerly winds. Watch for uncharted rocks on the starboard side while entering. Some areas may freeze during winter months.
No image	Blue mouse cove ★ 4.0 The anchorage offers good holding and picturesque scenery. Visitors noted experiences with the presence of wildlife, such as sea otters. Protection from waves exists, although significant motion can result from passing cruise ships.

Show more

Marinas

	Eliason Harbor ★ 4.7 Anchoring options are available, alongside transient slips priced at 65 USD per night. Showers cost 1.50 USD for 6 minutes. There is no designated dinghy dock, but visitors can tie up at the harbormaster office ramp.
	Petersburg North Harbour ★ 4.3 The harbor is well-regarded by visitors for its welcoming town and friendly atmosphere. Some concerns include the distance from facilities and older dock conditions. Security features are limited, though there is some night coverage on the docks.

Harbours

	Meyer’s Chuck ★ 5.0 The dock is noted as brand new and solid with ample space for yachts. Visitors appreciate the calm cove setting and mention local attractions like hiking and delivered baked goods. The positive aspects of the experience are frequently highlighted.
	Swanson Harbor ★ 5.0 The harbor provides well-protected docking with a good condition first dock. The facility can become bouncy at high water during spring tides. Depth seems adequate for low tide, although the second dock is primarily for fishing.
	Baranof Warm Springs: Floating pontoon ★ 4.8 The dock is consistently busy with large yachts and commercial fishing boats. Visitors can access untreated running water from Baranof Lake. Strong currents around the area may affect mooring conditions, so a protected position is recommended.
	Shelter Bohemia ★ 4.8 East side of the dock has sufficient depth at high tide, ensuring safe mooring experiences. Visitors reported catching rockfish from the dock and highlighted the shallow northeastern side as requiring caution during low tide. The area offers pleasant scenery with opportunities for fishing.
	Coffman Cove Marina ★ 4.7 The marina features a nice dock and a welcoming community. Docking fees are reasonable, though electricity costs may be higher than expected. Visitors have inquired about the depth on the long T dock, indicating an interest in navigation specifics.

Show more

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Useful yacht clearance links:

There are currently too few reports on yacht clearance for this part of United States of America. If you clear in here, please add any missing clearance markers and a short review to help others.