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.

Seldovia is home to three Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses! Located on the south shore of Kachemak Bay across from Homer, Seldovia is off the beaten path, and accessible only by boat or plane.

Seldovia Nature Tours

Cindy Mom’s background as a land steward and ecologist gives her a unique perspective on how important it is to have a diverse ecosystem, and that tourism can support – rather than detract from – the protection of wild places. She started Seldovia Nature Tours in 2018, and offers a variety of walks and activities: a 1-hour cultural and history stroll of town and the boardwalk, hikes on the Otterbahn and Rocky Ridge Trails, and adventures further afield up to the alpine zone, down into the Barabara Creek Valley, or out to Red Mountain.

Birding, botany, and tidepooling are Cindy’s specialties, but she is an experienced naturalist and can focus on a variety of topics. Seldovia’s rich biodiversity and the cultural heritage of its Indigenous and settler peoples also make for fascinating storytelling.

“Having access to a healthy and intact ecosystem is absolutely vital to the success of my tours. People come to Alaska to experience wild places, and it’s my delight to share Seldovia with them through direct experience. The most satisfying part of my work is when I see people, especially kids, get a look of wonder in their eyes when they learn something new, taste a wild berry, or find an interesting sea creature under a rock. Learning leads to love, and you need to love something before you get interested in protecting it. People write to me, sometimes months after their tour, to tell me how their experience here changed their lives. Seldovia becomes a touchstone for what truly matters.”

-Cindy Mom, Seldovia Nature Tours

Between Beaches Alaska

Between Beaches Alaska is located on MacDonald Spit, about seven miles from downtown Seldovia. Surrounded by water, Between Beaches’ seven comfortable rental cabins offer guests the opportunity to experience the true quiet and beauty of remote Alaska.

Guests take a water taxi from Homer and get dropped off on the property, or at Nubble Point, depending on the tide. Every cabin has access to the beaches, along with the art gallery, sauna, hot tub, kayaks, paddle boards, rowboat, halibut fishing float, and fishing gear. Owner Kristi McLean grew up spending every summer on MacDonald Spit, digging clams, and catching Dungeness crab, shrimp, and silver salmon.

“It’s changed a lot since I was a kid. I want to protect the Spit and the ocean, so I’m continually trying to become more sustainably focused. We get our fresh water directly from the mountain. We clean up plastic and rubbish that washes up on shore. We make sure to properly dispose of what we find, and also love to up-cycle some things into treasures to display on the property. Our landscaping uses local native plants like beach grass, devil’s club, and pushki instead of creating a green lawn, so we don’t need herbicides or fertilizers. The purpose of sharing the experience of this property with our guests is to share the rugged wilderness and beautiful landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of normal life on the road system.”

–Kristi McLean, Between Beaches Alaska

Tutka Tours

Based in Homer, Captain Scott McEwen started his marine tour company in January 2023. Silver Wake, his 30-foot C-Dory catamaran, has efficient twin Honda outboards and is a comfortable and stable platform for exploring the wonders of Kachemak Bay. Scott keeps high-quality 7×50 marine binoculars on board for clients’ use, and has an array of interpretive information, field guides, and tools to assist in encouraging citizen science and understanding of the natural and cultural environment. Scott’s natural teaching ability helps guests delve into history, archaeology, geology, mariculture, and the climate of Kachemak Bay.

While aboard, guests can even use a parabolic dish and professional headphones to listen closely to wildlife, or do a phytoplankton tow to see what kinds of creatures inhabit the ocean water column.

“When my wife and I decided to make our home along the Alaskan coast, we realized that our oceanic expeditions were more than mere recreation. These journeys were a treasure trove of knowledge, waiting to be shared.”

-Scott McEwen, Tutka Tours

Collaborative and Community-oriented

Seldovia Nature Tours and Tutka Tours have partnered for over three season have been working together to help guests explore Kachemak Bay and Seldovia. Both businesses operate under the premise that every tour is a custom tour, and tailor their guided experiences to best fit with the interests and abilities of each client. Sustainability and ecotourism are important values to both companies.

Cindy Mom explains, “We work to be sustainable by minimizing impacts and food waste, practicing leave no trace and responsible wildlife viewing ethics, and engaging clients in education and citizen science. Ecotourism takes it a step further, with the understanding that you give something back to the community.”

Seldovia Nature Tours collaborates with local nonprofits like Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and Cook Inletkeeper. Tutka Tours donates a portion of their proceeds to nonprofit organizations focused on educational and environmental initiatives. Between Beaches works to manage their oceanfront property with an eye toward protecting water quality and marine habitats. A key philosophy for all three of these businesses is the stewardship, protection, and support of Seldovia’s wild character and tight-knit community.

Recently, two Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) staff members had the opportunity to spend time with Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA). Lea Olson, ATIA’s Sales Manager and Graphic Designer, and Emma Waters, ATIA’s Sustainable Tourism Manager, spent four days with the wonderful team at AWA.

Alaska Wildland Adventures offers a wide range of accommodations and guided experiences throughout the Kenai Peninsula, with sustainability woven into every aspect of its operations. Each of AWA’s lodges provides a distinct rustic charm paired with exceptional service. Guests stay in heated cabins that offer scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

At the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, hydroelectric and solar power create a uniquely quiet and immersive experience. The gentle patter of Cottonwood Creek and the rhythmic waves of Skilak Lake serve as a natural soundtrack inside the cabins and while adventuring on the trails. At the Kenai Riverside Lodge, guests enjoy front-row views of the lively Kenai River and engage in meaningful conversations with expert staff while savoring thoughtfully prepared meals.

Alaska Wildland Adventures’ guides ensure a personable and educational experience for guests. Fishing guide Matt Spradling works with anglers of all skill levels. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’ve been fishing your entire life, Matt will help you find the best locations to ensure success. Matt was able to name every turn and landmark on the fishing trip from the Kenai Backcountry Lodge to the Kenai Riverside Lodge. His expertise was complemented by insights into the local wildlife, particularly facts about local bird species.

AWA integrates cultural sustainability into its core operations. In partnership with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe of Cooper Landing, the organization developed a land acknowledgment, personally reviewed and approved by Kenaitze elders. This acknowledgment has since been shared with hundreds of guests, fostering a deeper respect for Indigenous stewardship. Staff and guides honor the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina Peoples, who have cared for Alaska’s lands, waters, and air since time immemorial; recognizing the Elders of the past, present-day Dena’ina communities, and future generations.

“It was important for us to share a sentiment that the Kenaitze felt truly represented by.” — Alaska Wildland Adventures

To deepen cultural education, AWA distributes Alaska Native Cultural Guides to both guests and staff at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Kenai Riverside Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, offering insights into the diverse Indigenous cultures of Alaska.

Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of AWA’s operations. The Kenai Backcountry Lodge is entirely off-grid. Menus across all properties increasingly feature Alaska-grown ingredients, as AWA works to support local food networks through intentional sourcing. AWA also takes an active role in wildlife protection and habitat conservation. As a proud member of WhaleSENSE, AWA upholds best practices for responsible marine wildlife viewing. The company also partners with the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance for annual beach cleanups.

AWA’s dedication to environmental care extends to its longstanding support of conservation organizations, including the Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy of Alaska. Through the “$2 a Day for Conservation” program, guests are invited to contribute directly to local conservation efforts. Over the years, travelers have donated more than $20,000 to these initiatives.

To learn more about Alaska Wildland Adventures, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Scott McEwen offers immersive tours of Kachemak Bay aboard his 30’ C-Dory catamaran, the Silver Wake. As a seasoned naturalist, Scott provides insightful interpretation of the area’s rich natural surroundings. On his three-hour “Touring Kachemak Bay” excursion, guests visit scenic landmarks including Gull Island, Peterson Bay, and Halibut Cove.

The personalized nature of Scott’s tours is the true gem of Tutka Tours. With decades of research and experience in the region, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to share with curious guests. Whether you’re interested in local marine life, bird species, cultural heritage, or the maritime history of Kachemak Bay, Scott’s engaging interpretation has you covered.

Tutka Tours emphasizes personalization and environmental stewardship, ensuring each tour supports both the guest experience and the ecosystems explored. Scott has invested in fuel-efficient Honda outboard engines, which are some of the most environmentally friendly in their class. Tours are adapted based on weather and tides, providing guests with the best possible experience in ever-changing conditions. Passengers are treated to coffee, tea, and muffins from Captain’s Coffee Roasting Co., a local Homer business, enhancing the tour with authentic, local flavor.

Scott McEwen is also passionate about citizen science, inviting guests who partake in his longer tours to contribute to local research initiatives. This educational component benefits not only visitors but also the broader Kachemak Bay community.

“Narratives used in my tours are based on contributions by a historian and archaeologist, a marine biologist, a geologist, several wildlife photographers and artists, ornithologists and professional interpreters who live in the Homer area. Most of these individuals are personal friends who have taken marine trips with me over a long period of time” – Scott McEwen.

Scott’s storytelling brings to life the history of Homer and Kachemak Bay. He shares personal anecdotes from his work with respected organizations like the Alaska Center for Coast Studies and the Kachemak Bay National Marine Estuary Reserve. His collaborative spirit is a model for sustainable tourism; one that prioritizes the well-being of guests, the local community, and the natural environment.

To learn more about Tutka Tours, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

What is the history and function of your business?

Cape Fox Tours is located in Ketchikan, Alaska and originally started out of Saxman, Alaska. Our focus is to offer immersive Tlingit native tours for guests to learn about the history, people, foods, and more of Cape Fox.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We have implemented practices that correlate with cultural, social, and economic pillars since the beginning of the company. We have a deep rooted connection with the communities of both Saxman and Ketchikan that have allowed us to grow and play a significant part in educating the next generation.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Your sustainability program should be a part of the company culture. It needs to be something that the staff and guests can play a role in to support or assist in achieving goals.   

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

Cape Fox Tours has participated in several community food drives, clean ups and fundraising efforts for its shareholders, community members and others. Aside from our community interactions, we have advocated and provided opportunities for shareholders and others of native descent to partake in tourism related career paths. There are several family members and generations of families, that have worked for the company over the years. Our culinary tours have also incorporated using other locally sourced foods and beverages that also keep sustainability practices at the forefront of their businesses.

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Local economy, the environment, Alaska history and culture.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Adventure Green Alaska certification has offered additional marketing efforts and campaigns for our business and products. It has also allowed us to connect with the travelers who are actively looking for businesses with sustainability practices.

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.

About the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center opened in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2008 as a community collaboration to celebrate and share the appreciation Alaskans have of the Interior’s cultures, history, heritage, traditions and lifestyles. Named after Koyukon Athabascan leader Morris Thompson, the center serves as a welcoming hub for visitors and residents alike, offering exhibits, programs, and events that highlight local history, lifestyles, Alaska Native culture and opportunities to explore the Interior.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We’ve incorporated sustainable practices since our inception in 2008. From the beginning, sustainability and cultural stewardship have guided our facility’s operations, programming, and community partnerships.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Start small, remain intentional, and consistently engage your staff and community. Sustainability isn’t just about large-scale actions; it’s built on everyday choices that collectively make a significant impact. Sustainability is frequently better for your bottom line in the long run, with reduced operational costs.

We are particularly proud of our cultural sustainability practices, including strong partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure authentic representation and education. This collaboration directly enriches visitor experiences and supports cultural preservation.

On the facility side, we have converted almost all of our lights to LED fixtures, with a cost savings significant enough that our electric bills now are less than 10 years, even though the effective rate from our electric utility is about 53% higher today. The building’s heat comes from the local hot water feed. MTCVC does not have a boiler using oil or gas, and does not have to maintain storage for heating oil nor have to have a response plan for potential heating oil spills.

The produce that is grown in the garden by the cabin at MTCVC is shared with Breadline, a local non-profit in Fairbanks.

Which pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Our strongest alignments are with cultural sustainability. Our exhibits were developed in partnership with Tanana Chiefs Conference and using the expertise of the National Park Service’s interpretive rangers. Activities at MTCVC include storytelling, traditional skill demonstrations and classes, as well as our Alaska Native Gift Shop offerings are from regional artisans, many of whom are elders, who can share their arts and traditions with our guests.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska Program

Adventure Green Alaska has provided valuable guidance and recognition that reinforces our commitment to sustainability. People like to shop their values, and AGA elevates our profile among environmentally and culturally conscious travelers.

To learn more about the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

About Out to Sea Expedition Company

Founded in 2019 by Ketchikan locals Eric Lunde and Delaney Murphy, Out to Sea Expedition Company is an outdoor adventure business specializing in small group, nature & wildlife eco-tours aboard fully inflatable Zodiacs. The couple was inspired by their mutual love of the pristine wilderness and wildness of Alaska, and a desire to share their beautiful home with visitors from around the world in a way that is both responsible and authentically Alaskan. Eric has worked in the maritime industry in Alaska for over 25 years and Delaney comes from a local commercial fishing family, so they are both at home on the ocean and enjoy sharing the magic of Southeast Alaska with their guests. Out to Sea Expeditions caters to adventurous visitors that want to get off the beaten path and explore Alaska with all of their senses.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Out to Sea Expeditions was established with the belief that we can have fun and explore our world, while also being good stewards of our environment and community. We created our company to be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable, and though starting a small tourism business 8 months before a global pandemic was less than ideal, we never wavered from our commitment. In addition to our Adventure Green Alaska certification, Out to Sea is currently the only 1% for the Planet business operating in Ketchikan. We are also members of Whale SENSE and use our required stewardship project to focus on removing marine debris and participating in citizen science.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

It’s easier to build sustainability into your business from the beginning, but it’s never too late to implement positive change. Tourism businesses do not exist in a vacuum, and we need to consider the way our activities impact the environment and communities in which we operate. Start with identifying areas where your business can improve/reduce negative impacts, then move to finding ways your operations can benefit the surrounding ecosystem (this includes both the natural environment, local communities, cultures etc.) We’re all learning, and you won’t always get it right, but progress is more important than perfection when it comes to developing a more sustainable tourism industry.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

As a part of our participation in Whale SENSE, we conduct an annual stewardship project within our community. Since 2021 our focus has been on removing marine debris from our beaches and waters. This includes at least one beach cleanup each summer and removing items from the ocean on our daily tours. We often return to the same remote beaches each year, and we are proud to say that we have seen a noticeable difference at one site in just a few years of removing marine debris, but there is still a lot of work to do! In 2024, we also began monitoring for invasive European Green Crab as a part of our effort to incorporate citizen science into our stewardship project. The recent discovery of this invasive species in our area is very concerning due to the potential ecosystem impacts. Monitoring can aid in detection of the invasive species, while also providing scientists with baseline data of existing species. This year we hope to increase our monitoring efforts and include this citizen science project into more of our trips!

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

The pillars that most align with our business are local economies and communities and the environment. We chose fully inflatable Zodiac Milpro HD vessels as our platform to explore the waters surrounding Ketchikan because they are quiet, fuel efficient, and they get our guests closer to the environment, letting them experience salty splashes, the sound of calling birds and the distant breath of a marine mammal, or even the feeling of rain that nourishes our forests. It is our responsibility to set a good example for our guests, and when we remove marine debris from the ocean or respectfully view magnificent marine mammals, we have an opportunity to provide education and inspire action about the issues affecting the incredible nature and wildlife they experience while visiting Alaska. Beyond being good stewards of our environment, we must also be good stewards of our community. We are business owners, but we are also community members, and we want to see our community thrive. When we support local events, nonprofits, and other small businesses, we are investing in the future of the place we love.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

The Adventure Green Alaska program has benefited our business by allowing us to connect with other Alaskan businesses that share similar values and provide inspiration that helps us to continuously improve our own sustainability practices.

To learn more about Out to Sea Expedition Company, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

About Alaska Alpine Adventures

Alaska Alpine Adventures was founded with a passion for exploring Alaska’s wildest and most remote landscapes while preserving them for future generations. For over 25 years, we have specialized in small-group, guided wilderness expeditions, taking guests deep into national parks like Lake Clark, Katmai, and Gates of the Arctic. Our mission is to provide transformational experiences that connect people with nature, foster personal growth, create lasting memories – all while maximizing the tenets of sustainable tourism. 

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Sustainability has been at the heart of our operations since day one. From the beginning, we have prioritized Leave No Trace principles, low-impact camping techniques, and responsible wildlife viewing. Over the years, we have expanded our efforts to include carbon footprint reduction, waste minimization, and supporting local communities through ethical partnerships and sourcing. As a proud 1% for the Planet member, we have donated over $125,000 to conservation non-profits, reinforcing our commitment to protecting Alaska’s pristine wilderness.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Start with small, meaningful changes and build from there. Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about process and progress. Begin by adopting Leave No Trace principles, reducing single-use plastics, and sourcing locally whenever possible. Educate both staff and guests on responsible tourism, and be transparent about your efforts. Collaboration is key—partner with like-minded organizations, seek certifications like AGA, and continuously look for ways to improve. Most importantly, integrate sustainability into your company culture so it becomes a natural part of your day to day operations. 

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

We take immense pride in our commitment to low-impact adventure travel. By limiting group sizes, carefully selecting gear and supplies, and training our guides in sustainable practices, we ensure that our trips leave minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, our partnership with 1% for the Planet allows us to support conservation efforts directly, with over $100K contributed to environmental non-profits. Our guests appreciate that their adventure not only enriches their lives but also helps preserve Alaska’s wilderness for future explorers.

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program align most with your business?

Our business aligns most closely with the Local Economies and Communities and The Environment pillars.

• Local Economies and Communities: We support local Alaskan businesses, hire local guides when possible, and promote cultural & community exchange through authentic experiences.
• The Environment: We operate with strict Leave No Trace ethics, reduce waste, and advocate for conservation efforts that protect Alaska’s delicate ecosystems. Through 1% for the Planet, we actively fund organizations working to safeguard these wild spaces.

Collaboration with Adventure Green Alaska

Becoming a certified Adventure Green Alaska business has strengthened our reputation as a leader in sustainable adventure travel in Alaska. It reassures our guests that their experience is both environmentally responsible and socially conscious—aligning perfectly with their values. The program has also connected us with a network of like-minded businesses, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. Ultimately, AGA certification, alongside our 1% for the Planet membership and ongoing conservation donations, helps us inspire trust, attract like-minded travelers, and continue making a positive impact on Alaska’s wild places.

To learn more about Alaska Alpine Adventures, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

About Above and Beyond Alaska

Above and Beyond Alaska is a boutique guiding company that has been operating since 2002. Our priorities are safety, providing outstanding customer service, upholding the highest safety standards, and serving as responsible stewards of the environment. We specialize in small group, high quality wilderness adventures that feature the best of Southeast Alaska – glaciers, bears, and whales. Our tours are sought after those passionate about the environment and sustainability and want to explore off the beaten path adventures. We combine human powered adventures with boat or float plane transport to several of our tour destinations. 

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Since opening our doors in 2002, ABAK has been deeply committed to sustainability by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. We’ve implemented measures such as minimizing paper use, providing reusable aluminum water bottles to reduce single-use plastics, and using reusable snack bags to cut down on waste. Additionally, we actively recycle cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. In 2015, we took another step toward energy efficiency by installing heat pumps to heat our warehouse and office.

What advice do you have for businesses that are beginning their sustainable journey?

Make sustainability a key value proposition for your company. Create clear sustainability policies, gather input from your team, and promote them on your website and social media platforms. Maintain consistent follow-through to demonstrate your commitment.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

In 2022, we partnered with the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund (ACRF) to help meet our sustainability goals and became the first tourism company to participate and raise funds for heat pumps to be installed in low-income family homes. Over the span of 2022-2024, ABAK successfully raised over $22,000 to support this endeavor, contributing to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund’s mission. The Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund replaces oil-burning heating systems with efficient, emissions-free air source heat pumps. This initiative offers heating assistance to lower-income families in Juneau, helping reduce housing costs by significantly cutting annual heating bills. By using heat pumps, the reliance on diesel fuel is eliminated, preventing the release of tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Which pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Environmental sustainability is deeply aligned with our business values. We strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles on all our trips, ensuring we pack in and pack out everything. Our mission is to explore, educate, and promote environmental conservation in our own backyard. We believe that exploration, paired with education, inspires conservation, and this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Joining the Adventure Green program has given us the opportunity to highlight the sustainability practices we’ve embraced since the inception of our business. Our commitment to environmental responsibility and operating in a way that minimizes our carbon footprint has not only reinforced our mission but also helped set a higher standard for tourism operations across Southeast Alaska.

To learn more about Above and Beyond Alaska, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

About Wrangell Mountain Air

Wrangell Mountain Air was founded by Kelly and Natalie Bay in 1992 as a small but ambitious air taxi service in McCarthy, Alaska—one of the most remote towns in the country, nestled deep inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This is no ordinary park; it’s the largest in the United States, dwarfing Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the entire country of Switzerland combined! From the beginning, our mission has been simple: connect people to this vast and wild landscape in a way that’s safe, responsible, and awe-inspiring.

Our services range from daily flights between Chitina and McCarthy—helping visitors skip the notorious McCarthy Road—to private charters, backcountry drop-offs, and flightseeing tours over some of the tallest peaks and largest glaciers in North America. In fact Wrangell – St. Elias NP has over 3,100 glaciers, making it the park with the most glaciers in Alaska as well! Over the years, our fleet has grown to include a mix of aircraft suited for both front-country and deep wilderness operations, including Cessna 172, 185, and 206s, a Piper Super Cub, and a DeHavilland Beaver. The original owners have since passed the torch to a new generation of pilots, but they’re still here, still flying, and still very much a part of our community.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

Sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s baked into the reality of operating in McCarthy. This has always been an off-the-grid community, which means every watt of electricity we use, we have to generate ourselves. Solar panels power much of our operation, but on cloudy days, we’re hyper-aware of how much energy we’re consuming, so as not to rely heavily on generators. Water is another limited resource; we pump and haul it from Clear Creek, which makes conservation a daily habit rather than an abstract goal. Waste management is another challenge. We’re responsible for hauling all of our organization’s waste on an eight-hour drive back to Anchorage for proper disposal. That makes waste reduction a necessity. We prioritize composting, recycling, and eliminating excess wherever possible. Our staff not only work here, but most live on site, so we organize bulk grocery runs in combination with our trash hauls to reduce long drives to Anchorage to just once a month. Living communally as we do, we practice sharing resources whenever we can to keep waste minimal. Beyond infrastructure, sustainability informs how we operate in the park itself. We work to minimize environmental impact in our flightseeing and backcountry services, ensuring that visitors experience the grandeur of Wrangell-St. Elias without leaving a lasting footprint.

What advice do you have for businesses that are beginning their sustainable journey?

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s an order of operations. Start with reduction. Where can you use less? Less energy, less waste, fewer single-use materials? Small changes—switching to LED lighting, cutting unnecessary packaging, going paperless, encouraging carpooling—add up fast. Only once you’ve minimized waste should you focus on reuse: repurposing materials, finding second (or third) lives for equipment, and encouraging sustainable habits within your team. Recycling is last on the list for a reason—it’s important, but it’s a last resort, not the first step. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, track your progress, and always ask how we can do more and build from there.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

A few years ago, one of our pilots, Bill McKinney, posed a challenge: Could we make our flight operations carbon-neutral? It was an ambitious idea, and we started small. First, we crunched the numbers—calculating our carbon emissions per flight hour. The result? Offsetting our flights would cost between $1.75 and $2.75 per hour. Not a huge sum, but a meaningful one.

We began with a tip jar in the office, labeled as a kind of “thank-you to the Earth” fund. Bill, ever dedicated, often donated much of his own tips. Our company matched contributions up to $1,500. Then we expanded—offering credit card donations, adding offset contributions to invoices, and this year partnering with travel agents to integrate carbon offsets directly into bookings.

The results have exceeded our expectations. In previous summers, we hustled to meet our fundraising goals. Now, with these new partnerships, we’ve already surpassed our target—and summer is still months away. Even as the average individual donation shrinks, the number of people participating is growing, which is exactly the kind of broad-based engagement we hoped to inspire. We hope that getting more people involved will lead to more discussions about what else one can do to make their vacation to Alaska more sustainable. 

Which pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

While we value every pillar — it’s the environment that defines our work. Our entire business exists because of the natural beauty of Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, and we take that responsibility seriously. We know that flying burns fossil fuels, and we don’t pretend otherwise. We chose to do something about that. Through our carbon offset program, we’ve kept our air operations carbon-neutral. Every flight we operate is an opportunity to educate passengers—not just about the grandeur of the park, but about the very real changes happening here, from retreating glaciers to shifting ecosystems.

To ensure we’re sharing accurate information, our pilots receive annual training from National Park geologists. And because Wrangell-St. Elias doesn’t require backcountry users to attend ranger-led briefings, we step up—educating our clients on Leave No Trace principles and implementing our own internal system to prevent overuse of sensitive areas. We’re not just flying over this land; we’re working to protect it.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Being part of Adventure Green Alaska means more than just a certification—it connects us to a network of businesses that share our values. We’ve built partnerships with like-minded operators across the state, helping travelers move through Alaska in ways that align with their environmental commitments.

Sustainable tourism isn’t just about minimizing harm; it’s about actively doing good—supporting local economies, educating visitors, and making sure that the landscapes we cherish remain intact for future generations. We’re grateful to be part of a program that prioritizes exactly that.

To learn more about Wrangell Mountain Air, visit their Green Business profile and 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.

About Seward Ocean Excursions

Seward Ocean Excursions was founded in 2016 by a local Seward family, Bixler and Krystin McClure. Bixler has strong family ties to Seward spanning multiple generations, and Krystin has roots in Fairbanks, Alaska. Bixler has an M.A. degree in Environmental Geography from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His thesis was on the environmental and social impacts of SCUBA diving in several locations around Hawaii, and he worked as a researcher for several sustainable tourism groups through the University. Krystin has an M.S. in Ocean and Resources Engineering from University of Hawaii at Manoa, which focused on the sustainable use of the ocean’s resources. Their education and work experience fostered an interest in sustainable tourism.

Bixler and Krystin dreamed for years about sharing their beautiful neck of the woods (and ocean) with visitors, and in 2016 they decided to give it a go and started Seward Ocean Excursions. In 2016 Seward Ocean Excursions was just Bixler and Krystin and one boat. Over the course of several years, they expanded to three boats and a handful of other captains. Seward Ocean Excursions offers year-round small group (a maximum of 6 guests per boat) wildlife and sightseeing tours in Seward, Alaska.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We have been implementing sustainable practices since the very beginning, even before purchasing our first boat. We wanted to share the small group experience on a very fuel-efficient boat. We conducted a lot of research, ran a lot of Excel spreadsheets, looked at a lot of boats, and talked to many boat builders before finally deciding on the boat that met our criteria. Since starting operations in 2016 all of our other practices have been in place (i.e. recycling, being open year-round, providing donations, conducting beach cleanups, etc.)

What advice do you have for businesses that are beginning their sustainable journey?

Brainstorm ideas on how you can lessen your impact from your operations. Never forget that it isn’t just the natural environment we are talking about. Be sure to keep in mind your impact on the social, cultural, and economic environments that you operate in as well.

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

While we are proud of everything we do, we are most proud of our positive impact on the community. From running free trips for local families, to involving the community in beach cleanups, to donating to countless local causes, Seward Ocean Excursions is a positive and impactful member of the local community. While all our other practices are important as well, we believe helping the community that we live and operate in has a great effect, especially being located in a small town.

Which pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

It is hard to pick one, but if we had to, we would say the environment. The environment (living and non-living) is why people come out on the water with us. They want to experience all the amazing aspects our beautiful waters and land have to offer. Besides having fun and enjoying the views, we share tons of information with our guests and hope to instill in them the inspiration to learn more about the natural world. Also, we hope to plant in them both the importance of sustainable practices in their future tours and travel, as well as in day-to-day life, to make sure future generations have the same opportunities that we do.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Besides Adventure Green Alaska showcasing companies like ours and other responsible local operators of many different branches of Alaskan tourism, being a part of Adventure Green Alaska has helped us codify and grow our sustainable practices.

To learn more about Seward Ocean Excursions, visit their Green Business profile and their website.