Bear Paw Description
Welcome aboard our 90’ steel hull custom built expedition Charter Yacht M/Y Bear Paw serving the San Juan Islands, Washington State to the South East Alaskan waters. M/Y Bear is launching for service spring of 2023.M/Y Bear Paw is focused on showcasing all that the Pacific Northwest and South East Alaska has to offer. Spring brings in the herring run which attracts hundreds of whales and thousands of birds to the Sitka area and beyond, appropriately known as a photographer’s paradise. Early summer brings out the waking Brown Bears and the King and Chum salmon runs begins. Sitka, Alaska, boasts to have one of the strongest King Salmon runs in the state. Late summer leading in to fall, the bears are fluffy and well fed with the continuation of King, Sockeye, Chum and Coho salmon runs that attract various other species whom all capitalize on this annual event. There is no set schedule and the vessel can go in to places that large cruse ships cannot go. This is a personalized experience depending on the guests needs, interests and activity level. An elevator is available to serve all three decks on board for any guests with limited mobilities. A wide range of activities like hiking, kayaking, beachcombing, fishing and setting shrimp and crab pots for the daily catch is a way of life. To sit back, relax and enjoy a book, or watch the shorelines go by while underway……you will birdwatch and find countless species like sea and river otters, humpback whales, orcas whales, porpoises’, stellar sealions, harbor seals, bald eagles, hummingbirds and we will discover some local natural hot springs too!
Cruising Area of Bear Paw
Accommodations
This is a luxury expedition charter vessel like no other. Spacious king size walk around staterooms with luxury cotton linens and ensuite heads with stand-up showers is an eyebrow raiser to say the least. No one stateroom outshines the other and are fairly equal. A two-person elevator is available for guests whom have limited mobility. There is no off-limit area for guests who have limited mobilities. Ceiling height is 7’ throughout and the interior is immaculately adorned with mahogany woodwork and high-end furnishings. Relax and allow your crew to take care of you
All walk around king staterooms with dry heads.
60´TV
7´ head room throughout
Bar, electric recliners + electric sofa
Starlink
18´ Wooldridge Aluminum tender with fishing gear and 60HP Outboard.
Specification
Starlink will be available
Water Sports
2 Hobie fishing kayaks available - for independent fishing and exploring. Depth sounder, self propelled peddle style.
Kayaks, hobie kayaks, paddle boards, fishing, crabbing, shrimping. Guests must purchase fishing license in advance.
Rods and reels will be provided, guests are encouraged to bring lures. Crab and shrimp pots are provided. Inquire for more details.
Scuba Diving 
Entertainment
Yacht is wheelchair accessible, but does not meet ADA requirements. Please inquire for more info.
Cuisine
Green Initiatives
All LED lighting throughout.
Bear Paw Crew Profile
Captain
Chef/mate
Bill grew up hunting, fishing and flipping hot rods in Montana. One day a friend invited him to go Sailing on Flathead Lake, Montana and life has never been the same since. Yearning for more, his two young boys and wife headed to the Caribbean to a newly purchased sight unseen sailboat to give the cruising lifestyle a whirl. Turning wrenches, doing marine mechanical repairs supported his family over the next 14 years travelling on various boats, later doing the Pacific side of the USA doing the Columbia River and eventually settled in to San Juan Island, Washington State so the sons’ would be involved in sports and finish high school. Having an established business doing marine repair, Bill also operated the Vessel Assist fleet (Now called Boat US) for the San Juan Island territory working closely with the USCG on search & rescue and salvage operations. You can imagine the tall tales of such operations and miles travelled, Bill is a story teller. Lots of bold moves and close calls in that line of business.
Remarried in 2014 to Chrystal, Bill returned to the Caribbean to operate charter boats together. Hurricanes Irma & Maria steered Bill and Chrystal to return to their roots back to the Pacific Northwest and return to their 57’ sailing ketch. Alaska has always been on the bucket list so they untied the lines in 2019 for Alaska and now call Sitka, Alaska home. Back to the land of hunting and fishing, Alaska has provided and become home under the northern lights. It is customary to raise a drink with good company for sundowner’s and raise a little yee-haw and hell-yah!!! Alaska and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle on a boat is incredible and Bill is keen to share his world with you…..especially on Bear Paw!!
Chrystal spent her youth playing billiards and managing a lighting showroom in Victoria, BC Canada. Her passion for the ocean began with her first 16’ power boat at age 20, to use as a Gulf Island hopper for the weekend get aways, packing a tent to pitch under the apple trees at Port Browning, Pender Island to enjoy the live music. Three upgraded boat later, expanding her cruising grounds, solo handed, she met Bill in Friday Habor, Wa and soon married, on a yacht of course! The shared dream of sailing away in to the sunset on a path to anywhere was the plan!! Chrystal does admit power boats are better……you never miss a happy hour destination that way! Especially when your island hopping!!
Food is Chrystal’s passion. Hands down, the reason for living. Accompanied with good company and fine drink, life doesn’t get any better. Her casual approach to dining is inclusive and your welcome to hang out in the galley!! Chrystal has taken a special interest since being in Alaska in smoking salmon. This is a perfect opportunity for guests to learn how to smoke your own fish if your out there catchin it!! Chrystal is happy to accommodate dietary needs and likes to cook from scratch…….not a box!! Homemade breads, BBQ’, fresh caught fish and smoked meats are Chrystal’s favorite items to share with guests.
Chrystal also holds a USCG license, complimenting Bill’s license which makes them a formidable team. Combined, Bill and Chrystal know the San Juan Islands’ and Gulf Islands’ thoroughly and have spent the last 3 years discovering what SE Alaska has to offer. Thousands of miles covered together and more to discover. Bear Paw is a dream come true and awaits new friends to join.
Crew/deckhand
Caitlyn is a keen calligrapher and has been commissioned to design and draw a number of restaurant chalkboard menus, as well as wedding seating plans and place settings. She also enjoys keeping fit, with weight lifting and boxing being her every day go to. Caitlyn also enjoys cold water
swimming whenever she returns home in Scotland, and now happy to find cold water again in Alaska! Caitlyn finds it´s great for
both her physical and mental health. Yacht interior is her main background with experiences from all over the world. She is beyond excited to start his new journey with Bear Paw Charters in Sitka this 2023 Summer Season and serves as stew and deckhand.
**BEAR PAW will operate with a crew of 3, and 4 upon request.
Bear Paw Calendar
AvailableBookedHold (can be challenged)Unavailable| Dec 2024 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
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Bear Paw Reservations & Port Locations
| Start Date | End Date | Details (Holds can be challenged) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 01, 2025 | Jun 21, 2025 | Booked: Friday Harbor, WA* to Alaska* |
| Jul 10, 2025 | Jul 11, 2025 | Booked: Sitka, AK to Sitka, AK |
| Aug 06, 2025 | Aug 16, 2025 | Booked: Sitka, AK to Sitka, AK |
| Sep 17, 2025 | Sep 24, 2025 | Booked: San Juan Islands, WA to San Juan Islands, WA |
Bear Paw Rates / week
The prices shown are for the entire yacht for a week-long (7 nights) charter.Low price: $36,000
High price: $45,000
The high and low prices of this yacht depend on both the number of guests and the traveling season. Send us an inquiry for exact pricing.
Yacht terms: All Inclusive
An all-inclusive charter covers all provisioning and running expenses. This includes a captain and crew that is fully trained and committed to your safety and enjoyment of your trip. A chef will provide the kind of exceptional, personalized meal preparation that you would expect of a five-star restaurant. The listed rate may not include all local taxes, cruising permits, premium beverages and scuba activities. Inquire for more information.
ADDITIONAL RATE DETAILS
Rates are Inclusive Taxes, lodging fees, re-location fees, cruising permits and licenses may be extra. International sailings will have added custom fees.
All meals are included, beer and full bar included.
ALASKA RATES
MAY - SEPTEMBER
All meals are included, beer and wine included. Hard Alcohol is also included. (standard bar options)
7 NIGHTS (TRADITIONAL) **Prices start at $1,104.16 per day/per person.
4 PAX $49,000 5 PAX $51,000 6 PAX $53,000
A 6 guest package works out to $1,262 PER PERSON/DAY for this 8 day package!! (Sitka-Sitka)
4 NIGHTS (POPULAR) 4 PAX $28,000 5 PAX $30,000 6 PAX $32,000
A 6 guest package works out to $889 per person/day for this 5 day package!! (Sitka-Sitka)
2 NIGHTS (MINIMUM) 4 PAX $16,000 5 PAX $17,000 6 PAX $18,000
A 6 guest package works out to $1,000 per person/day for this 3 day package!! Amazing rate for an amazing Alaskan experience.
**Note: City of Sitka tax is 6% for sales <$12,000. Fuel surcharge of $4,000 is applicable for charters starting or ending in a different port. Recommended alternate ports is Juneau or Petersburg. With a 7 night charter or more, going to either port will include glacier viewing.
All meals, liquor from our standard stocked bar, domestic beer and wine included. Surcharges shall apply for specific labels/brands when requested if product is beyond our normal bar offerings.
WASHINGTON STATE/SAN JUAN ISLANDS
SEPTEMBER - MAY: Pick up & Drop off locations are negotiable. Anacortes, Bellingham and Friday Harbor are all options.
All meals, beer and wine are included. Preference sheet to be provided by guests. 6.5% Sales tax applies.
7 NIGHTS (TRADITIONAL) 4 PAX $36,000 5 PAX $38,000 6 PAX $40,000
6 guests works out to $833.33 per person/day
4 NIGHTS (POPULAR) 4 PAX $20,000 5 PAX $22,000 6 PAX $24,000
6 guests works out to $800 per person/day
2 NIGHTS (MINIMUM) 4 PAX $10,000 5 PAX $11,000 6 PAX $12,000
6 guests works out to $800 per person/day. Great deal!!
REPOSITIONING VOYAGE & INSIDE PASSAGE
Trip Northbound - June 2024 Dates are flexible with guest inquiry to book it. (one leg available from Ketchikan to Petersburg around June 24-June28)
Trip Southbound - SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2024 Dates are fixed. Inquire to book by the stateroom. This is a repositioning trip departing Juneau to Friday Harbor, WA. This is the most highly desirable “trip of a lifetime” to do the Inside Passage of beautiful British Columbian coastline as we visit multiple harbors along the way. An effort will be made to find the elusive Spirit Bear during our voyage. This trip will cover the Queen Charlotte´s, various Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands. This is a 14+ day trip and custom priced.
Please inquire for a rate.
Bear Paw Guest Reviews
Unforgettable Experience in the San Juan Islands
For those who have never charted a yacht, Bear Paw is a great place to start. After you’ve cruised with Bear Paw, you’ll likely want to charter them again. I chartered Bear Paw for a three-night, four-day cruise of the San Juan Islands. Most people who visit the San Juans see only the islands accessible by the Washington State Ferry system—Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw. Yet, there are more than 172 named islands and reefs and, in low tide, the number rises to 450 if you include exposed rocks and small islands. Many of the islands not accessible by public ferry have public parks that can be reached by private boat, such as Stuart, Jones, Lucia, Clark, Patos, and Matia. Having been to the San Juans by public ferry many times, I wanted to experience more of the San Juans.
Bear Paw can get to these places but it also offers an amazing on-board experience. Bill and Chrystal are both seasoned Captains. Between them you’ll hear true stories of life on the sea. Bill has worked in many capacities at sea, including many years rescuing mariners who ran their vessels onto rocks. With him at the helm, there is no need to worry as he knows all rocks in the Salish Sea! Chrystal serves are First Mate, Chief Hospitality Officer, and Head Cook. (She too has Captain credentials and crewed her own boat for many years.) Chrystal strives to ensure guests never go hungry. The meals are creative, colorfully plated, and plentiful. Our group loves seafood, and seafood we had! Fresh crab, spotted prawns, black cod, salmon smoked by Chrystal, and halibut were some of the delectables we were served.
The yacht is very comfortable, with only 3 guest cabins. For a 90 foot yacht, having so few guest cabins means lots of space. Each cabin has an ensuite bathroom with a marine-size shower, conventional flush toilet, and small sink. There was plenty of closet and drawer space for two of us. The king-size bed was super comfortable. Each guest cabin has a king-size bed, so the yacht is ideally suited for couples or friends who don’t mind sharing a bed.
Bill and Chrystal anchor the yacht every night. This ensures a quiet sleep. Commercial small boat cruises often cruise during the night or start out at sunrise, which means engine noise. Bear Paw favors the slower paced cruise life over cranking out the miles.
Most of the main deck is devoted to the dining and living space. If the weather is cool, this is a great place to sit, sip on coffee, and gaze out the many windows. The upper deck has a seating area with an outdoor fire pit. At night, I enjoyed sipping on wine and gazing at the full moon and its reflection on the water.
I consulted with Chrystal to put together the itinerary. One of my party had never been to the San Juans. Another only once, and the rest of us had been there numerous times. We decided to include a standard stop, a new stop, and a unique experience. In between, we cruised past islands looking for wildlife and whales.
On our first evening, we tendered ashore at Roche Harbor to view the Colors Ceremony, a tradition since 1957. The next morning we tendered back to Roche to hike to Afterglow Vista and then on to the outdoor sculpture garden. In the afternoon we stopped at Stuart Island for a rigorous hike to the old schoolhouse and then on to the lighthouse. The last full day Bill ran us out to the Smith and Minor Island Aquatic Reserve in the “rib” (a fast, inflatable, double-hulled boat with GPS instruments). Few people ever get to these exposed islands. With a flat sea that day, we were able to visit. It was a truly special experience! We saw seals, cormorants, eagles, gulls, and guillemots. (Other times of the year puffins and rhinoceros auklets nest there.) On the return, we went through Deception Pass and then on to our night moorage off Lopez Island. On our fourth day it was drizzling, so we opted for a leisurely cruise back to Friday Harbor. On the way we looked for whales, seals, and eagles.
We were sad to disembark! The next stop for Bear Paw was Alaska. One day I hope to travel with Bill and Chrystal to see bears and experience the beauty of Alaska. They both know Southeast Alaska quite well, having worked in many capacities (including the fishery) prior to starting their charter business. I can’t imagine any better people to travel to Alaska with.
Titanic
Amazing! Can´t speak enough of how amazing this trip is and how wonderful Bear Paw is! Thank you for showing us your world Bill and Chrystal!
-T.Oliver
Fancy Nancy
Just wow!! My day trip experience on Bear Paw was amazing! Fabulous food and the yacht was over the top!! Loved the firepit area and my friends loved it!
Fantastic!
Thank you for such and amazing vacation. We enjoyed everyday of our stay. The food, excursions and scenery were fantastic. Would love to do it all over again!
Meredith, Hunter, Grace, Alexander & Caroline
Dynamite Duo
Bill and Chrystal...what a wonderful trip!!! It was the adventure of a lifetime for the four of us. We loved everything about this week and the wildlife delighted us! Chrystal´s fantastic cooking kept us happy, full, and marveling how she could create such culinary deliciousness in a the galley of a boat. Bill´s masterful captaining kept us on-course and successfully finding the most beautiful anchorages.
Thank you Bill and Chrystal for taking such good care of us - for inviting us into your home with such warm hospitality and custom tailoring our itinerary to perfection. You are a dynamite duo!!
With love & gratitude,
Cynthia, Erich, Devin and Annika
Best vacation of our lives
We have been planning this trip for so long, and you both have made it a dream come true!! From the moment we got on the boat, we knew we had the best crew ever!! All the food and drinks were amazing - Chrystal made everything look effortless. I love watching Bill and Chrystal´s teamwork. You can tell they truly love what they do and are good at it! We went to so many memorable places and we love all the recommendation and fly by the seat of your pants changes due to the weather.
Thank you for making this experience better than we could have imagined. You two truly made this the best vacation of our lives!!
Until we see you again!!
Krista and Clay
Amazing Vacation!
After I booked 6 nights, I began to have questions. Could we spend 6 nights in tight quarters with these two strangers and all get along? Could just the five of us (including 2 teen boys) all get along?? Would we get seasick? All my fears and apprehensiveness melted away as soon as we stepped foot on the boat and met Bill and Chrystal. From start to finish, Bill and Chrystal couldn´t have been more gracious or accommodating.
Bill and Chrystal have a true gift of being able to read their guests. They truly want to please you and make this a trip of a lifetime. As I look to returning home, I know I will miss waking up on this amazing boat and being taken care of by Bill and Chrystal. We had an amazing vacation. Thank you with all of our hearts!!
What a blast!
Thank you for opening up your home to us and showing us this beautiful part of the world! The paddle boarding was a blast!! Thank you for your efforts and it was truly enjoyed and appreciated. The food was delicious and plentiful. Thank you for the hard work you put in on the boat. I am sue there were challenges, but we certainly did not see them Your generosity and hospitality provided a great example of boat life!
All the best,
Matt, Melanie & Katherine
Sept 2023 Alaskan Charter
My family had the most amazing Alaskan charter experience aboard Bear Paw! Captain Bill and Chrystal´s expertise was far far beyond my expectation. They made my family feel comfortable, safe, fulfilled and loved. A thousand ´thank you´s´! would not scratch the surface of expressing my gratitude. We are truly blessed to have connected with you.
