ADVENTURE GREEN ALASKA

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.

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. offers small-group dog sledding tours and expeditions in the Alaskan Interior and the Arctic. Founded in Fairbanks in 2016, they are one of the few dog sledding companies in Alaska that operates overnight and multiday wilderness trips. Arctic Dog Adventure Co. provides guests with a deeply immersive and ethically-rooted experience of Alaskan landscapes. These experiences that foster connection with nature, animals, and a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel.

They center their operations around the health and happiness of their dogs, the safety of their guests, and the preservation of the wild places they explore. Their sled dogs live with them year-round, retire on-site, and are treated as partners and companions. Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is committed to offering high-quality jobs and paying living wages, and they collaborate with local organizations to support conservation and educational efforts.

Sustainability has been foundational to Arctic Dog Adventure Co. from day one. The business was created with the explicit goal of doing things differently, from building a low-impact homestead base to choosing expedition-style trips that emphasize self-reliance, minimal resource use, and a respect for wild spaces. They’ve never seen sustainability as an add-on. Responsible tourism has been baked into their decisions since before their first guest ever stepped onto a sled.

For businesses that are just starting their sustainability journey, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. recommends starting small by identifying the values that guide your business and then let those values shape your operations.

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is most proud of their commitment to ethical animal care. Their dogs are the heart of the company, and they’ve built their business model around ensuring the dogs have the best possible lives, not just during their working years, but for their entire lives. They limit the number of guests they take, they retire dogs on-site, and they make decisions based on their dogs’ wellbeing.

By joining the Adventure Green Alaska program, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. has been provided with visibility among travelers who care about responsible tourism, and that’s exactly who they want to attract. Adventure Green Alaska certification has also given them a framework to reflect on and communicate the values that have always guided their business. Through the program, they’ve connected with like-minded businesses and found inspiration in the diverse ways other Alaskans are prioritizing sustainability. To Arctic Dog Adventure Co., Adventure Green Alaska is more than a certification, it’s a community.

To learn more about Arctic Dog Adventure Co., 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.

Kantishna Roadhouse is owned and operated by Doyon, Limited. Doyon, Limited is the for-profit Alaska Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Kantishna Roadhouse is a backcountry lodge offering guests an immersive Alaskan wilderness experience. Situated along the banks of Moose Creek and deep within Denali National Park, Kantishna Roadhouse provide activities, such as gold panning, guided hiking, and cultural sharing.

In 2018, they earned gold-level LEED certification, a reflection of their longstanding efforts to operate responsibly. Kantishna Roadhouse incorporates energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures, non-toxic cleaning products, and an active recycling program. They prioritize sourcing supplies from local vendors and using post-consumer recycled materials to minimize their footprint.

When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 closed the Denali Park Road, they adapted by transitioning to a fly-in-only model. That change not only allowed them to continue welcoming guests – but it also enhanced the exclusivity and sustainability of the experience they offer, keeping their impact on the land as low as possible. From cultural presentations that share their Athabascan heritage to daily operational choices that protect the environment, they are deeply proud of the way their values are reflected in everything they do.

At Kantishna Roadhouse, the sustainable practice they’re most proud of is their ability to offer an immersive, low-impact wilderness experience deep in the heart of Denali National Park while protecting the environment and honoring the culture that surrounds them. They’re proud of how they’ve adapted to challenges in ways that reinforce their values. When the Pretty Rocks landslide in 2021 forced the closure of the Denali Park Road beyond mile 43, they could have seen it as a setback. Instead, they embraced it as an opportunity to deepen their commitment to sustainability by becoming a fly-in only lodge. This change dramatically reduced visitor volume in the area, helping preserve the delicate ecosystem that makes Kantishna so special. It also allowed them to provide a more intimate, intentional guest experience – one that’s rooted in nature, connection, and respect for the land. Beyond logistics, they’re proud of how they incorporate Athabascan cultural education into the guest experience. Kantishna Roadhouse believes that sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s also about sustaining identity, language, and heritage. By sharing their stories and traditions, they’re helping guests form deeper bonds with Alaska, and supporting a tourism model that’s not only responsible, but meaningful. That combination, of operational choices that reduce impact and cultural practices that foster respect is at the heart of what makes their sustainability efforts something they’re deeply proud of.

Alaska History and Culture aligns the most with Kantishna Roadhouse. They proudly share and celebrate Athabascan culture through educational programming, storytelling, and traditional knowledge. For them, cultural sustainability is just as important as environmental protection – it connects their guests to the land in a more meaningful way and ensures that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of Alaska’s tourism narrative.

To learn more about Kantishna Roadhouse, 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.

Cindee Brown-Mills founded Breathe Alaska in 2023 after a 20-year corporate career. She found herself burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed by grief and panic attacks. Discovering breathwork was truly life-changing. It offered her a way to reset the nervous system, release deeply held emotions, and reconnect on a more meaningful level.

Cindee became certified as a breathwork coach and launched Breathe Alaska with the intention of helping others, especially women, who feel stuck, stressed, or emotionally exhausted. She wants to create experiences that offer a real sense of relief and reconnection.

Today, Breathe Alaska offers both in-person and virtual breathwork sessions, along with their signature Mindfulness in the Wilderness program. This one-of-a-kind experience combines guided meditation, immersive time in nature, and nourishing local meals designed to quiet the mind, restore balance, and foster a deep sense of emotional freedom. It’s wellness, Alaska-style: wild, intentional, and deeply healing.

Sustainability has been a core value of Breathe Alaska since day one. Cindee has been committed to creating experiences that not only support personal wellbeing but also respect and protect the natural environment she’s privileged to work in. Mindfulness and sustainability go hand in hand. Both are about intentional choices, presence, and long-term care. Whether it’s minimizing impact on trails, supporting local food systems, or partnering with like-minded organizations, sustainable practices are woven into everything Breathe Alaska does.

Cindee’s advice for tourism businesses starting their sustainable journey is to start simple, stay intentional, and let your values lead the way. Sustainability isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset. She argues that businesses don’t have to overhaul everything overnight, and instead small, consistent actions make a big difference. These changes are as simple as looking at your daily operations and asking, “How can we reduce harm and increase care?” Whether it’s minimizing single-use items, choosing local suppliers, or educating guests on how to be good stewards of the land, every choice matters. Also, sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about creating meaningful, respectful connections with people and place.

Cindee is most proud that sustainability has been a foundational value of Breathe Alaska from the very beginning, not an afterthought or an add-on. These practices have been woven into how they guide experiences, care for the land, and engage with their community. From minimizing environmental impact on trail to educating guests on respectful interaction with nature, every decision is made with sustainability in mind.

Breathe Alaska aligns most closely with the environment and Alaska history and culture pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program. Their work is rooted in helping people reconnect with the natural world through breath and mindfulness, and they take great care to guide our experiences in a way that honors and protects the land. Breathe Alaska also acknowledge and respect the deep cultural history of the places where they operate, especially the unceded lands of the Áakʼw Ḵwáan and they incorporate that awareness into the way they lead and speak about their experiences. For Breathe Alaska, sustainability isn’t separate from mindfulness, it’s an extension of it.

Breathe Alaska was recently awarded Adventure Green Alaska certification, and they’re honored to be recognized alongside other businesses committed to sustainable tourism. “While we’re still in the early stages of sharing this achievement, we see it as a powerful way to show visitors that they can experience Alaska in a meaningful, mindful way while also supporting sustainability. This recognition helps us communicate our values more clearly and encourages travelers to choose experiences that care for both people and place,” says owner Cindee Brown-Mills.

To learn more about Breathe 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. 

Lighthouse Excursions has been a fixture of Ketchikan’s tourism scene since 2001, when locals Rob and Pamela Holston founded the company to share the remarkable nearshore waters of the Tongass Narrows with visitors. Today, under the ownership of Jeff Karlson, who purchased the business in 2018, Lighthouse Excursions offers wildlife viewing and sightseeing cruises that bring guests face-to-face with American Bald Eagles, the Alaska Native clan house and totem poles of Totem Bight State Park, and the iconic Guard Island Lighthouse.  

While some sustainable practices – like recycling aluminum cans and cardboard – were already in place when Jeff purchased the business, the majority of their sustainability practices were implemented in the unexpected down-time following the 2020 COVID-19 shut down of the cruise and tourism industry. The shut down actually gave the team breathing room and time – something small business owners rarely have enough of – to build a stronger tour product with a much more intentional approach to environmental stewardship, crew well-being, and community investment.  

That commitment now touches every pillar of the Adventure Green Alaska program. Lighthouse Excursions prioritizes sourcing supplies and retail goods from other small businesses in Ketchikan and Alaska. Guides are thoroughly trained on Alaska history and culture, so that the stories they share with guests are authentic and respectful of the communities that call Ketchikan home. And on the water, the team operates with a careful eye toward minimizing the impact on the wildlife and wild places they encounter.  

Perhaps what the company is proudest of, though, is something less visible to guests: the sustainability of their crew’s livelihoods. Lighthouse Excursions offers competitive wages, meaningful benefits, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance. They recognize that a thriving team is just as foundational to a sustainable business as any environmental practice.  

Lighthouse Excursions believes that the Adventure Green Alaska program helps create what they call “positive peer pressure:” “Sometimes, all it takes is seeing another company doing something that helps them stand out to inspire others to try it too. Adventure Green Alaska provides a platform to businesses to share their stories, and an increasingly recognizable badge for businesses to work towards achieving.” – Rebekka Esbjornson, Operations & Finance Manager.  

To learn more about Lighthouse Excursions, 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. 

Northern Epics launched in 2023 with a single guide, two unreliable vans, and a clear-eyed vision: to create hiking experiences in Alaska that prioritize safety, sustainability, and deep immersion. That debut season, the company introduced 200 guests to the wonders of Denali. By 2025 Northern Epics has grown into a thriving operation with 10 guides, six dependable vans, and nearly 4,000 guests exploring Alaska’s trails in a single season.  

Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Northern Epics’ philosophy since before the first hike ever began. Each year, Northern Epics donates 5% of its net profits to conservation efforts in the areas where they guide. Their team practices Leave No Trace principles, organizes trail cleanups, and looks forward to collaborating with organizations like the Denali Education Center to protect Alaska’s natural beauty. Beyond these tangible efforts, Northern Epics creates lasting impact by educating guests about the environment and the realities of climate change, inspiring many to become advocates for conservation in their own communities. 

Cultural sustainability is equally important to their work. Guides receive thorough training on Alaska Native tribes and cultures, ensuring guests gain a deeper understanding of the land and its people. The company partnered with Alyssa London to support her Culture Story initiative, which is aimed at sharing authentic Indigenous narratives with the tourism industry – a testament to their dedication to preserving cultural heritage. 

Despite these achievements, Northern Epics acknowledges there’s always room for improvement. Reducing single-use plastic water bottle use, improving vehicle fuel efficiency, and navigating Alaska’s limited interior recycling infrastructure are all ongoing priorities. Acknowledging those gaps is a key step in their sustainability plans, which emphasize relentless continuous improvement. “Don’t try to do everything at once. Start with one change that makes you 1% better. Over time, those small steps add up to big impacts.” — Trinidad Collier, Northern Epics Co-Founder & Guide 

For Northern Epics, sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By blending adventure with education and stewardship, they are helping ensure that Alaska’s wild beauty and cultural richness endure for generations to come. 

To learn more about Northern Epics, 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. 

Avens Alaska began life over 60 years ago as a rugged outpost built from bridge timbers salvaged during Alaska’s early road-building days. For decades, it served as a rustic hunting and fishing lodge and later as a tavern and gathering place on the far-flung Nabesna Road, one of only two roads in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve. 

When Michael and Victoria Rego purchased the property in 2018, they saw its potential to become something more: a true wilderness retreat that balanced comfort with stewardship. What began as a resource-extractive business (trophy hunting/fishing) has since transformed into a sustainable, renewable one: a full-service off-grid lodge, offering plumbed cabins, premium yurts, chef-prepared meals, and warm hospitality within Alaska’s (and North America’s) largest national park. 

Avens Alaska’s mission is simple: to help guests experience and connect with the extraordinary wonders of Wrangell—St. Elias with ease, confidence, and respect for the wild land. Guests can explore stunning scenery on quiet trails, canoe pristine lakes, or watch the northern lights dance over three mountain ranges before returning to a cabin or yurt that feels like home, any time of year. 

Given their remote location, sustainability has been Avens Alaska’s practice since day one. One of their first actions as owners of the property was to install a solar array and battery bank, dramatically reducing diesel consumption. “For the first time since the lodge was built, the nights were free of the generator’s low rumble and we could hear wood frogs and loons calling in the lakes out back. That quiet moment was when we knew we were on the right path,” said Michael. “Seeing caribou at ease and hearing so many songbirds without the hum of a generator are the moments that make it all worthwhile.” 

From there, they expanded renewable systems to include additional solar, wind, and biomass energy, replacing aging oil-fired heat stoves with high-efficiency wood pellet heaters. By transitioning their energy sources in combination with weatherizing building and updating to LED lighting and high-efficiency fixtures, Avens Alaska now runs almost entirely on renewable energy. They have reduced generator fuel use by roughly 90% in the summer and 75% in the winter. 

To provide fresh and local food in their remote location, they grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers on site, raise chickens for eggs, and practice responsible foraging in the surrounding wilderness. For anything not grown on the property, they source supplies as locally as possible: first looking in regional communities, then turning to Alaska and the USA before going international. This keeps money moving within their local economy, while reducing their carbon footprint and reliance on increasingly unreliable supply chains.  

Michael and Victoria advise businesses beginning their sustainability journey to “track your progress and include your customers in your story. Visitors are curious and inspired when they see how you can live off-grid or how your systems work. And celebrate each step. Sustainability is a practice, not a finish line, and sharing your steps can help others see that it’s achievable anywhere—even deep within Alaska’s wild heart.”  

The lodge sits at the crossroads of two pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) program: the environment and Alaska’s history and culture. With structures built from reclaimed materials, surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring wild places on Earth, every choice they make honors this special land and the people who came before them. 

“Adventure Green Alaska has connected us with a community of Alaskans who care deeply about how tourism shapes the future, as well as mindful travelers who recognize their power to promote sustainability,” the Rego’s share. “It connects us to like-minded operators and gives travelers confidence that our commitment to economic, environmental, and social responsibility is more than words- it’s verified, measurable, and ongoing. AGA challenges us to keep improving while helping share our work with guests who value authenticity and stewardship. It is a shared commitment to keeping Alaska wild, welcoming, and thriving.” 

To learn more about Avens 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. 

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.

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.

Two Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) staff members had the opportunity to spend time with Adventure Green Alaska certified Kayak Adventures Worldwide (KAW) on their wonderful half-day trip on Resurrection Bay.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide is a small, family-run company that offers kayaking tours in Resurrection Bay. Groups meet at their shop in Downtown Seward before heading off on expeditions around Resurrection Bay. Adventures vary from 3-hour daytrips to multi-day cabin or camping based trips. Kayak Adventures Worldwide is one of the original members of Adventure Green Alaska, first certified in 2010 and continuing to honor their commitment to sustainability to this day!

Staff members attend a three-week orientation before the start of the summer season. This orientation dives into safety procedures, emergency rescue protocols, and a breadth of education on Alaska history, ecology, and culture. Part of this training involves each staff member selecting a topic to delve into and teach the rest of the staff about. This knowledge is built upon year after year as returning staff undergo this training annually. KAW’s thorough orientation results in interpretation delivered to guests that is rooted in place-based knowledge about Resurrection Bay.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide guide, Abby Lang, had arrived in Alaska in May, two months before guiding ATIA staff. Her narrative invoked local wisdom effortlessly by engaging in groups’ points of interest and being up to the challenge of answering any question that came her way. Resurrection Bay’s history is steeped in World War II history, which she was able to educate the group about, even on the three-hour half day trip. Due to her KAW training, Abby had learned about Indigenous knowledge of the area, resulting in her being able to point out edible kelp and sea greens that the group was able to enjoy.

This hands-on experience made the half day trip feel like nothing but fun, while guests came away from the experience as if they had spent the day in a classroom. Abby’s knowledge is indicative of the thought and care put into staff orientation at KAW that directly improves the guest experience.

“Paddling in one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, we have a responsibility to steward this place and teach others how to do the same all over the world. That is exactly what I get to do every day, and as a result, it’s the most rewarding job I have ever had.” – Abby Lang

Community involvement is an integral part of Kayak Adventures Worldwide. KAW is a member of 1% for the Planet. This pledge commits at least 1% of their annual sales to nonprofit environmental organizations. Involvement in this initiative is part of the guest experience, as each guest learns about their choice of three environmental nonprofits in Alaska and “votes” with a wood token for the nonprofit they would like 1% of the cost of their trip to go towards. In 2025, KAW is working to support Native Conservancy, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and North Gulf Oceanic Society. Since the start of this initiative Kayak Adventures Worldwide has donated over $90,000 to their nonprofit partners.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association is proud to certify and continue to support Kayak Adventures Worldwide. Kayak Adventures Worldwide’s business practices are a model for the tourism industry in Alaska through their emphasis on place-based learning, preservation, and low-impact activities in Resurrection Bay.

To learn more about Kayak Adventures Worldwide, 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.

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.