Private Charter Overview
Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure with Big Jim’s Charters. All our trips are private charters, so your group will have the boat to yourselves — no strangers, no mixing groups. Whether you’re arriving via cruise ship in Juneau or a local guest, we provide flexible schedules to accommodate your arrival and departure times.
Our Boats are set up for Sportfishing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching. All boats are 30 feet long with heated cabins, refrigerator, comfortable seating for 6 and a private head(bathroom) the deck is not covered and requires rain gear.
Fish Processing costs extra, we will clean your catch and bag it up for you to take home or we can send it to a fish processor and they will trim it, portion it, vacuum seal and flash freeze it. They have a large freezer and will hold it until you arrive back home and then overnight it to your home via FedEx. The least expensive way to take fish home is to have your frozen catch put in an airline approved box (a foam with cardboard around it) and check it as baggage, the processor has the boxes and they also have them at the grocery stores and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Please purchase your Alaska State Sportfishing License from the Department of Fish and Game Website. They do not put the prices of fishing licenses up due to them changing yearly. A Sportfishing license is required for 16 and older, you should purchase a one day or multi day license if you’re going to be fishing somewhere else. There is always a chance that you will catch a legal King Salmon and you should purchase a King Stamp, an adult must be licensed when fishing with youth. Read more information on License Requirements to go fishing.
Fishing Boat Features
- Seating for up to 6 fisherman or women enclosed head private room.
- All safety equipment required by the Coast Guard.
- Heated cabin with ample window to enjoy the views of the wildlife.
- All fishing tackle for Halibut and Salmon with electric downriggers.
- All charters are Exclusive Private for 1 to 4 persons with a extra charge up to 6 people per boat.
Trip Durations and Options
We Offer Multiple Charter Durations to Fit Your Schedule and Interests
All trips are fully equipped with gear, bait, and safety equipment. Guests keep their catch, and we provide cleaning and bagging services at the dock. Business hours Alaska time zone open for 6am to 6pm daily through our season May to September. Normal start times for:
- 4-hour charter is 8am to 12 noon and 1pm to 5pm. Perfect for a half-day adventure or quick stop for cruise passengers.
- 6-hour charters are 8am to 2pm. Ideal for a full fishing experience or sightseeing along the Glacier Highway.
- 8-hour charter is 8am to 4pm. Maximum time to explore, fish, and enjoy wildlife like humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Charters are not fixed in stone and we can custom plan your charter to meet your schedule. 80% of our charters are with fishermen off the cruise ship.
Our Whale Watching and Sightseeing Tours are normally 3 hours and we can adjust the times to meet your schedule, we provide 4, 6, and 8 hour tours.
We are available to take reservations 24/7 and 365 days, call us, send us an email, or fill out the form. If we don’t answer, please leave a message and we will get back to you.
Transportation for Cruise Passengers
If you’re arriving on a Juneau cruise, we can arrange round-trip transportation from the cruise terminal to Auke Bay Harbor. Standard round-trip transportation: $100 per group. If you have your own rental car or local transportation, you can meet us directly at the marina. We’ll coordinate pickup via phone or meet you holding a Big Jim’s Charters sign for easy identification. We recommend providing your ship’s arrival time so we can schedule your charter accordingly.
What’s Included
- Private boat charter with experienced captain
- Fishing gear and bait (for fishing trips)
- Fish cleaning and bagging service
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Snacks and beverages on request
Alaska Fishing License Requirements
Guests 16 years and older must purchase an Alaska fishing license online prior to the trip. Licenses are no longer sold on the boat. Purchase online at Alaska Department of Fish & Game (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov) – Save a digital copy or print the license; it will be scanned via QR code before boarding – Required for all fishing trips.
Family-Friendly and Private
- Children are welcome on all charters
- Private charters only — you decide who joins your trip
- Flexible scheduling allows you to tailor the trip for families or photography
What to Bring
- Layered clothing for changing weather conditions
- Non-slip shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife and scenery
Safety and Weather Policy Safety is our top priority. In the event of inclement weather or unsafe sea conditions, we will reschedule your charter or provide a full refund.
Booking and Contact
Ready to reserve your private Juneau charter? Contact us today by calling (907) 463-1254 – Toll-free: (866) 244-5467 OR Email: mhbonfils@msn.com. For more details on frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page (https://www.bigjimscharters.com/faq/).