Sustainability Spotlight: Alaska Fjordlines, Inc.
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.