Closer to the Wild offers private boat charters and wildlife photography tours departing from the stunning coastal town of Seward, Alaska. Join us as we explore the rugged fjords of Resurrection Bay and venture into the breathtaking wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park—one of Alaska’s most spectacular marine ecosystems.
Along the way we search for the incredible wildlife that calls these waters home: humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and the colorful puffins that nest along the cliffs and rocky islands.
Experience Alaska the way few people ever do
“This is not a crowded tour boat experience. This is Alaska—up close, personal, and unforgettable.”
Built for Adventure & Photography
Our trips are designed specifically for wildlife viewing and photography. You'll travel aboard our brand-new 2026 Hewescraft Alaskan vessel, allowing us to safely navigate deep into the fjords while staying low to the water for incredible viewing angles and photography opportunities.
The result?
“Closer encounters, better images, and a far more personal experience.”
With small groups and plenty of space, photographers can bring the gear they need to capture images of a lifetime.
Guided by a Professional Wildlife Photographer
Your captain and guide is a published Alaska wildlife photographer with years of experience photographing the animals and landscapes of this region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll receive helpful guidance on:
Wildlife photography techniques
Camera settings and composition
Anticipating animal behavior
Capturing unique moments in the wild
Because our trips are small and personalized, we can communicate easily and position the boat to give you the best opportunities possible.
Witness Glaciers in Motion
Towering above the fjords lies the massive Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within the United States. Stretching roughly 30 miles wide and 50 miles long, and reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet, it feeds the spectacular tidewater glaciers that flow into the ocean.
From the safety of the boat, cameras ready, we often witness the dramatic moment when huge blocks of ice calve from the glacier face and crash into the sea below—one of Alaska’s most powerful natural spectacles.
No Rush. No Fixed Route. Just Wild Alaska.
Without a strict itinerary, we can follow wildlife activity and spend time where the action is. Want to linger with whales? Spend extra time photographing puffins? Watch glaciers or sea otters longer?
No problem.
Every trip is different, and every trip is designed to give you the best opportunities the day has to offer.
Your Alaska Adventure Starts Here
“If you're looking for an authentic wildlife experience, incredible photography opportunities, and a truly personal adventure in Alaska's wild fjords, you're in the right place.”
Come experience Alaska —
Closer to the Wild®
Meet the Captain
Captain Daniel Carline holds a United States Coast Guard issued Merchant Mariner Credential OUPV Operator License. Daniel is also certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and is fully insured.
During the summer of 2011 Daniel boarded one of the many large whale watching boats in the Seward harbor with a camera around his neck and binoculars in hand. On the journey he was awestruck by the beauty and wildlife he encountered with the friends that introduced him to the area. After many annual visits to Alaska on photo excursions Daniel and his wife Tiffany moved here in 2019 to pursue adventure. Having a strong passion for the ocean, wildlife and photography lead Daniel to obtaining a Captains License to view and photograph wildlife here in Alaska with guests.
Welcome Aboard!
Our season begins aboard our brand-new 2026 Hewescraft 250 Alaskan, featuring a fully enclosed heated cabin designed to keep you comfortable while enjoying unobstructed 360° views of Alaska’s incredible coastal wilderness. Built for true ocean performance, this 28-foot vessel delivers exceptional ride quality and safety while offering added comforts such as suspension seating and a full-size onboard restroom.
Explore the bays and fjords the way locals do aboard our custom aluminum vessel. Its low-profile design allows us to approach wildlife with a unique perspective, keeping your viewing angle close to the waterline—perfect for photography and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
When the weather turns, guests can stay warm and dry inside the heated cabin while still enjoying excellent visibility. The spacious rear deck provides plenty of room to step outside, and the forward windshield hatch allows easy access to the bow for capturing every angle. Large sliding windows on both the port and starboard sides bring the action right to your seat.
The boat comfortably accommodates up to six passengers plus the captain, with two suspension captain’s chairs and two large bench seats. There’s also ample storage space for photographers and their equipment, so you can bring everything you need to capture the images of a lifetime.
Our vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art marine electronics to ensure a safe and efficient journey. These include a marine radar system for navigation and collision avoidance, a chart plotter GPS for navigating the countless coves and outcroppings, and sonar depth finders to monitor the ocean floor and activity below the surface. A marine VHF radio keeps us in communication with other vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring we never miss wildlife sightings and remain prepared in case of emergencies.
Powered by twin 200 HP outboard engines, the vessel provides the speed and maneuverability needed to quickly reach wildlife locations and position the boat perfectly for viewing and photography.
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FAQ's
Find the answer to the most common questions we get about our charters.
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Gear Up!
Find out the best gear to bring on your private charter trip.
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Conservation Efforts
Learn how Closer to the Wild adheres to responsible practices to ensure minimal disturbance to whale populations and their habitats while promoting sustainable tourism.
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What's Out There?
What can you expect to see on the various charters and species of wildlife?
