Meet the Captains: Luxury Eco-Tourism & Expert Private Charters in Alaska
USCG Licensed Captains with Decades of Maritime Experience
Your Professional Crew & Gourmet Galley Team
Gourmet Alaskan Cuisine by Chef Chrystal
We love our customers
We love what we do
We love our customers
We love our customers
The Visionaries Behind the Adventure: Captains Bill & Chrystal
At the heart of Bear Paw Charters is a lifestyle born of the sea. For Captains Bill and Chrystal, Alaska isn’t just a destination—it’s a homecoming. After decades of navigating the Caribbean and the Pacific Northwest, they’ve traded the tropical trade winds for the majestic northern lights of Sitka, inviting you to experience the unparalleled beauty of Southeast Alaska through the eyes of those who truly live it.
Luxury Accomodations
Fine Dining
Adventure
Our team
Captain Bill: A Lifetime of Maritime Mastery & Safety
Bill’s journey began in Montana, but the sea was his true calling. With over 14 years spent honing his skills in marine mechanical repairs and navigating the intricate waterways of the USA, Bill brings a rare level of technical expertise to every charter.
While living in the San Juan Islands, Bill operated the Vessel Assist fleet, lead numerous search and rescue missions, and managed complex salvage operations. This deep background in maritime safety ensures that your luxury expedition is held to the highest standards of security. A natural storyteller, Bill’s tales of bold moves and close calls are the perfect accompaniment to a sunset on the deck of the Bear Paw.
Captain & Chef Chrystal: Gourmet Artistry at Sea
Chrystal’s passion for the ocean began in Victoria, BC, evolving from island-hopping the Gulf Islands to co-captaining a 90-foot luxury vessel. Today, Chrystal is the heart of the Bear Paw galley.
A culinary artisan, she specializes in turning the daily catch into fine-dining experiences. From the aroma of homemade bread to the delicate flavors of fresh-caught King Salmon—which she can teach you to smoke yourself—Chrystal curates a menu tailored to your palate. Whether catering to seafood enthusiasts or specific dietary needs, her galley is a place where gourmet excellence meets the rugged Alaskan wilderness.
Your Professional Crew: Experience You Can Trust
Both Bill and Chrystal hold USCG Master Licenses, forming a formidable team with over six years dedicated specifically to exploring the wonders of SE Alaska. Bear Paw operates with a professional crew of three (or four upon request), ensuring that your journey through the Inside Passage is as seamless as it is spectacular. We aren’t just your hosts; we are your guides into a dream come true.
