Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page. 

For over three decades, Alaska Fjordlines, Inc. has been a cornerstone of sustainable travel in Southeast Alaska. Founded as the Haines-Skagway Water Taxi in 1990 and later evolving into the Fjord Express to Haines, Skagway, and Juneau in 2000, this family-owned company has remained committed to preserving the beauty and integrity of Alaska’s waterways while offering unforgettable experiences to travelers. 

From the very beginning, Alaska Fjordlines has embraced environmentally conscious practices, continuously refining its operations to minimize environmental harm. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: keep it small, keep it personal, and keep it sustainable.  

Alaska Fjordlines’ sustainability motto is “One Boat, One Bus. Keeping our company small and the quality of passenger experience high.” By keeping their business small, Alaska Fjordlines can best cater to the independent traveler, maximizing the benefits their business brings to the local economy.  

In addition to bolstering independent travel in Haines, Alaska Fjordlines demonstrates their commitment to strengthening the local economy by hiring local staff and sourcing goods from nearby businesses, serving treats such as Rusty Compass blueberry muffins, Wild Oven sourdough bread, and Lynn Canal salmon aboard its cruises. Many passengers are locals themselves, traveling between Haines, Skagway, Juneau, and the Yukon for appointments, events, and everyday needs. 

Their vessel, a professionally designed fiberglass catamaran, has been in service for 25 years and remains in excellent condition thanks to preventive maintenance and skilled local labor. Onboard operations prioritize compostable and recyclable materials, and the team actively recycles cardboard, plastics, and aluminum cans.  

Alaska Fjordlines champions a balanced approach to tourism: protecting natural resources, supporting local communities, and delivering authentic experiences for independent travelers. Their story is a testament to how small-scale, thoughtful operations can make a big difference in preserving the places we love. 

To learn more about Alaska Fjordlines, Inc, visit their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page. 

In 2023, a new eco-tourism venture, Lady of the Sea Adventures, set sail with a mission to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, while keeping sustainability at its core. This small-group adventure cruise offers an intimate experience for up to six passengers, with trips ranging from day excursions to six-day overnight journeys. Guests immerse themselves in Alaska’s wild landscapes through activities like hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, and scenic cruising. 

From the very beginning, sustainability was woven into the fabric of Lady of the Sea Adventures. Every business decision was made with environmental responsibility in mind, ensuring that operations highlight Alaska’s natural wonders without compromising their integrity. The company’s philosophy centers on “human-powered adventures,” favoring activities like kayaking and hiking over motorized thrills. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also allows guests to experience Alaska up-close, absorbing Alaska’s culture, traditions, and acclaimed wilderness at a slower, meaningful pace. 

While Lady of the Sea aligns with many pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) program, they most closely reflect environmental stewardship and Alaska history and culture. By emphasizing eco-conscious practices and sharing local traditions, the company creates experiences that connect travelers deeply with both nature and heritage.  

Achieving AGA Certification in 2025 validated the choices Lady of the Sea made since day one and provided a confidence boost that reinforced their identity as an eco-tourism operator. In addition to the network of like-minded businesses that AGA connects them to, AGA serves as a marketing strategy to reach sustainability-conscious clients.  

When asked for advice to other tourism businesses starting their sustainability journey, owners Lauren and Rand Seaton emphasize simplicity: “A lot of changes that you can make are very simple and are easy switches that can save you money in the long run. If you provide reusable water bottles, for example, you don’t have to continuously resupply that inventory. Looking through the Adventure Green Alaska program can give you other ideas as well.” 

For Lady of the Sea Adventures, sustainability isn’t just a practice, it’s a promise. Every adventure is designed to protect Alaska’s wild beauty while sharing its rich cultural tapestry. Guests leave not only with unforgettable memories but also with a deeper appreciation for the land and the importance of preserving it. 

To learn more about Lady of the Sea Adventures, visit their website.