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Seward Ocean Excursions is a locally-owned and family-run business, who pride themselves in providing custom, small group trips all year long. In fact, they boast the title as Seward’s only year-round on the water boat business!
On the boat, you're an active member of the trip. Unlike the big boats, you aren't just a passenger being talked to through a PA system. We are right here on the boat next to you. Have questions? Just ask! Want to go somewhere else, linger with an animal, or change angles for photography? Of course we are here to help you with that.
Our trips run with anywhere from 1 to 6 people. The means that it is a unique, customizable experience. Even with multiple parties on the boat, there's a lot of flexibility in the itinerary.
We love our "job" (it really doesn't feel like work!) So if you call us at 6PM and want a quick evening trip, we will do it if we can!
We love the community of Seward and give back to local charities, sports associations, schools, and the Alaska Sealife Center.
We are a proud member of Whale SENSE, a voluntary education and recognition program for responsible whale watching practices. Seward Ocean Excursions follows and promotes sustainable tourism and has achieved AGA (Adventure Green Alaska) certification.
We got to interview Bixler McClure - Owner & Boat Captain of Seward Ocean Excursions | Seward, AK:
So we decided, why not start our own business! The rest is history!
The uniqueness of our coastline (and land) gives so many opportunities to get out and see things and explore. I love checking out remote beaches, exploring remote forests, and discovering new things out there. It’s amazing to me how quickly in Alaska (and perhaps especially Seward) you can feel like you’re alone in nature, even if you’re close to town.
Besides those aesthetic things, I love doing outdoor activities with my wife and son including camping and staying at remote cabins, fishing, snowmachining, and flying our airplane.
What's your favorite season to get out on the water? Do you have favorite spots to bring guests? Or favorite animal to spot in Res Bay?
I get asked this question a lot on the phone and on trips, but I usually tell people that all the seasons are my favorite - just different. Growing up in California, I never really had true seasons, and now that I live in Alaska I love the changing seasons, conditions, and activities that happens over the course of the year.
If I had to pick a favorite season to be on the water, it’s definitely the shoulder/winter season though. The views with the snow and ice are epic, and there’s still a ton of wildlife to see. And, of course, less boat traffic which makes it feel like we have the whole ocean to ourselves
My favorite spot in Resurrection Bay is hard to pin down. I also often get asked this, and I jokingly say it all is. I find myself on tours saying “this is my favorite spot” over and over, and it’s funny when people call me on it! But, if I had to pick, either Humpy Cove or Thumb Cove for the tranquility. For favorite beach, Bulldog Cove by Bear Glacier. Favorite island would be Rugged Island.
My favorite land-based animal to see in the Bay is definitely a mountain goat. I love how stable they are on the cliffs. For marine animal, definitely orcas (we see them year-round!).
Advice for aspiring small business owners:
"Set realistic goals and change them if you need to! Don’t start too big! You can always grow later!
Network a lot with other local businesses/etc. Word of mouth is HUGE, and having a good reputation with other local businesses helps. We get (and give) so many referrals from and to local businesses. A strong internet presence is great of course, but word of mouth means a ton."
Seward Ocean Excursions is located at Seward Harbor Slips M-3 & M-5
Seward, AK 99664. They are open year-round for charters & boat taxies and offer local (AK Resident) and military discounts.
Visit their website, or follow their social media ( FB | IG ) to see their incredible views, tour or taxi bookings, and some of what Seward has to offer!
