InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises is in a unique position to educate and inform guests—some of whom are influential business leaders, politicians and public figures—that choose to travel on our expedition ships and upscale yachts. We use that platform in a positive manner to educate these guests, who in turn educate others, on the frailties or vulnerabilities of our environment and why that environment needs to be supervised in order for critical natural treasures such as glaciers, rain forests, cacti, shorelines and wildlife to remain in balance.
The most important element we offer to protect the natural world for future generations is the essence of what we do - small group travel. Our few people leave only footsteps behind, but they also leave with a renewed spirit about how amazing nature and its wild inhabitants can be. As stewards of the environment we do the following:
- Adhere to the Marine Mammal Viewing Code of Conduct from the National Marine Fisheries Service. We respect wildlife and their habitat and work hard to be unobtrusive when viewing wildlife.
- Expert naturalists/expedition leaders on every cruise. The sharing of in-depth knowledge on the flora and fauna of a destination provides guests with a new appreciation of the environment to share with others.
- Whale specialists. Since whales are an integral part of four out of five destinations, many of our staff have extensive training, through education and research, in the various species of whales.
- On board conservation. We provide guests with reusable water bottles, eco-friendly amenities, encourage less frequent washing of linens and exceed regulatory requirements for disposal of wastes.
- Support local communities. We support the local economy by visiting towns and villages where our small numbers don’t overpower the population, and we buy ship supplies and fresh food that are locally produced whenever possible.
- Paperless documentation. Reservations and documentation are completed electronically.
- Permit Use. We are an equal opportunity provider, operating in Alaska on the Tongass National Forest under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. Access to Glacier Bay National Park is granted by special use permit from the National Park Service.
- Alaska Geographic. American Safari Cruises provides each guest traveling on an Alaska yacht cruise in 2012 an introductory membership to Alaska Geographic. Alaska Geographic is a non-profit devoted to the mission of connecting people to Alaska's magnificent wildlands. Members receive many benefits, including discounts on Alaska books, maps, films, and more at over 40 locations around Alaska, as well as online at www.alaskageographic.org. Proceeds support education and interpretive projects within Alaska's parks, forests, and refuges.
We believe it is a privilege to explore the world’s natural wonders, step ashore in remote destinations and meet the people living in these breathtaking wilderness environments. While employing sustainable travel principles and management practices to ensure we are responsible stewards of the environment is a core part of our business, we also strive to leave a positive impact on the people and communities we visit around the world. InnerSea Discoveries’ office and vessel personnel support the following organizations with donations or volunteer time.
Organizations supported
SEAtrails; Discovery Southeast; Shakes Island; Village of Kasaan, Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House Restoration Project; Alaska Raptor Center; Maui Reef Fund and Isla Coyote.
We are also proud members of Sustainable Travel International which focuses on promoting responsible travel and ecotourism, supporting sustainable development and helping travelers and travel providers protect the cultures and environments they visit.
Members of: Slow Food USA, Chefs Collaborative, Sustainable Travel International
