Major Marine Tours is committed to giving back to our community and promoting environmental responsibility in Alaska. Many of us call Alaska home and we are dedicated to supporting the communities that help support us. We are committed to protecting Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes so we can continue sharing Alaska’s grandeur and beauty with our guests.
All of our vessels comply with current Environmental Protection Agency and Coast Guard regulations regarding emissions, and several of our vessels have been outfitted with environmentally-friendly engines and other innovations to further reduce emissions and save fuel. The Skana, Spirit of Matushka, Orca Song, Kenai Fjords 360, Glacier Express, Fairweather Express II, and Spirit of Adventure are equipped with new, EPA Tier III Scania or Caterpillar engines. The Viewfinder is equipped with an EPA Tier II fuel-efficient and low emissions engine. We will continue to invest in technology to reduce fuel usage, emissions, noise, and wake.
We use environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions, Coast Guard-approved sewage treatment systems, biodegradable wildlife-safe hydraulic oil, and eco-friendly vessel bottom coatings. All engine oils are recycled and used as heating fuel for buildings. We recycle when possible and promote recycling on our cruises.
Single-use plastic can be detrimental to the environment and is particularly harmful to marine animals. Over 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year, and about 90% of that is single-use plastic. We are currently working on ways to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastics, such as:
Major Marine Tours partners with the Alaska SeaLife Center to promote marine research and wildlife rehabilitation in Alaska. Our guests are invited to donate to the Alaska SeaLife Center at the time of reservation to raise funds for the Wildlife Response Program, which responds to and rehabilitates wildlife that has been abandoned, stranded, or injured throughout Alaska. All of the proceeds from our boarding photos are donated to the Alaska SeaLife Center and we conduct other fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the SeaLife Center. Additionally, we have helped the Alaska SeaLife Center release rehabilitated wildlife into Kenai Fjords National Park from our vessels.
Alaska SeaLife Center Harbor Seal Release into Northwestern Fjord
Major Marine Tours is a proud participant of Whale SENSE, a voluntary education and recognition program sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Whale SENSE recognizes whale watching companies that are committed to responsible whale watching practices. Major Marine Tours has committed to the following Whale SENSE guidelines:
Major Marine Tours and our partner company Harbor 360 Hotel are both certified “Green Businesses” through the Adventure Green Alaska program, the only sustainable tourism certification program in Alaska. This voluntary certification process, overseen by the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, recognizes tourism businesses who practice economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
Major Marine Tours has partnered with and supported the following non-profit organizations:
