What is your Booking and cancellation policy?

The pricing on our site includes the 7% City of Seward sales tax and the Seward harbor fees of $3.50 per passenger and processing fees. We use upfront pricing with no hidden fees to take the guesswork out of the booking process.

We require a minimum of a 20% deposit at the time of booking to secure your trip. The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to departure and will be charged to the card on file unless otherwise specified.  

Split the remaining balance equally amongst your party via electronic invoice when an email list is provided during the checkout process. Charters booked within 7 days of departure will still have the connivence of splitting the remaining balance, all funds need to be collected prior to departure.  

Abbreviated or canceled trips due to weather, sea conditions or mechanical issues will be prorated in accordance with the duration of the tour or a full refund will be issued. We try to give ample amount of notice if this will be the case, we recommend purchasing travel insurance prior to your trip.

 • Cancellations made greater than 14 days of the scheduled trip receive a full refund on fully paid invoices minus 3% processor fees. 

• Cancellations made under 14 days of the scheduled trip receive a 50% refund on fully paid invoices. 

• Deposits are refundable on cancellations made greater than 14 days of the scheduled trip minus 3% processor fees. 

• Deposits are non-refundable on cancellations made under 14 days of the scheduled trip. 

• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled trip or no-shows receive no refund.

Please call if you have questions or need to notify us about any last minute changes regarding your trip at (907) 671-6596

Alaska Residents & Military Personnel Discounts!

Alaska residents never pay full price! Get 10% off your purchase at checkout by using code: AKRESIDENT10

We offer a 10% discount to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as appreciation. Use Code: MILITARY10 at checkout.

Where are you located?

Closer to the Wild is located at the Seward Boat Harbor, 1300 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664. Pick up will be at the South Boat Launch Docks.

What are the weather conditions?

The summer temperatures in Seward are typically in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (just under 20°C). However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach the 70s. The area is known for its coastal rainforests and mountain ranges, contributing to a varied climate. Alaska is known for those low-hanging clouds in a marine environment with rain being a common occurrence. We could encounter different types of weather as we cross into the different regions.

What clothing should I wear?

Dress in layers to be comfortable during the different stops along the way. A waterproof jacket is a good choice as well as gloves and hat. We will be riding in the heated cabin, but you will want to get out during the wildlife sightings, and it can be cold while we are at the glaciers. Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses.

Do you offer food and beverages?

We offer basic drinks and snacks, but you are encouraged to bring some items to keep you satisfied for the duration of your trip.

What time should I arrive at the boat dock?

You should arrive to the boat dock location 15 minutes prior to the departure time on your itinerary.

Where do I need to go on the day of our charter?

Seward boat harbor’s South Boat Launch is where the boat will be located to board. Look for the Closer to the Wild branding on the boat on one of the two available docks. Park in a nearby parking lot and pay the parking kiosk. Parking is $10.00 for the day.

What will we see?

On all the charter durations you will see beautiful coastlines and rocky outcroppings, fjords, islands, wildlife and glaciers. To see the tidewater glaciers, you will need a 6-hour minimum charter. Wildlife possibilities on any of our trips: Puffins (Horned and Tufted), Orca AKA Killer Whale, whales (Humpback, Fin, Minke, and Gray), Dall's Porpoise, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, Mountain Goats, birds of all kinds, Bald Eagles, black bear and many many more.  Check out our “What’s Out There” Page for more.

How does this charter compare to the bigger whale watching boats?

Our custom curated adventures are different on all fronts. Being on a smaller private charter allows you to be in a more intimate setting with a small group of your family and friends enjoying a personal trip while having the freedom to stay at a sighting longer to really soak in the beauty or spend extra time with the wildlife to get a certain behavior or shot you have been dreaming of. Avoiding the crowds really allows you to get dialed into your photography and leave with priceless memories that will last a lifetime.

Is motion sickness an issue?

If you are prone to getting motion sickness, we would encourage you to take medication ahead of your trip to assure a good experience. With that being said - we will be in protected waters for most of the journey and if you are feeling like you may be getting seasick, we can make quick accommodations to find smoother water or take a break. If you are taking medication, make sure to take it well before the start of the charter to assure that it will be effective. I would recommend taking "less drowsy" Dramamine prior to the trip, or if you don't like the side effects of Dramamine we can provide ginger gum which is a good natural substitute.

Does the boat have all the required safety equipment?

Absolutely! Safety is our top priority for our guests while on our vessel. We have an obligation to our guests as well as the US Coast Guard regulations to operate our vessel safely. The boat does come equipped with life jackets accessible at moment’s notice. We also carry self-inflatable style life vest that you can opt to always wear for extra safety and comfort. Other items include a throwable floatation ring, emergency satellite communications, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, flares, and distress beacon. The boat is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics such as a radar system designed for marine navigation and collision avoidance. The chart plotter GPS system will easily navigate the hundreds of coves and outcroppings we will encounter. We have multiple Sonar depth finder units that help us keep track of the depth of the ocean floor and our VHF Marine Radio keeps us in contact with other boats and the Coast Guard if an emergency should arise. The captain is certified in First Aid and CPR.

Do you accept Tips?

Tips are not required but appreciated if you feel that we did a good job at meeting your needs. We strive to make sure the time you spend with us is high quality and unforgettable.

Do you cancel a trip due to inclement weather?

We don’t cancel tours for rain typically. The sea state and wind are factors that we take into consideration when assessing the conditions. If swells are too big or conditions too rough, we may cancel the trip with a full refund. We try to give you ample amount of notice if this will be the case. Plan on going out if the weather and seas allow, if we need to adjust trips based on the seas, we will prorate the expense of the trip if we need to cut the duration short.

How late can I book a private charter trip?

We usually accept bookings 12 hours in advance. Call to find out about last minute availability as same day custom itinerary’s may be available. Our phone number is (907) 671-6596

Do you make accommodations for evening charters?

Call or inquire on our contact page to explore custom charters and hours.

Do you allow pets onboard?

We don’t allow pets onboard our vessel. Please inquire about the need for a pet sitter as we have options we have used in the past.

What kind of photography gear should I bring?

Bring what you enjoy shooting with! The effective focal length range would be between 24mm to 500mm. These tours are catered to photographers as we work towards a variety of images from seascapes, glaciers and wildlife. Tripods are not very effective on boats so most photographers shoot handheld. For video shooters a gimbal stabilizer is really helpful.

Wide angle 24mm-105mm covers most landscapes, maybe wider if you want the full width of a glacier while we are close to the face.  

Zoom lenses are the most versatile and should be at the ready if we spot whales as the range can vary as they can approach from farther out, to very close. I have had good success with the 100mm-500mm range, but this can be achieved with a 70-200, 100-300, and 100-400, 200-600 as well. 

Super Telephoto Prime lenses can be a good choice too for birds as we should have opportunities to have Puffin's in-flight as they fly to and from the cliffs as we hold a position. The extra reach can be handy for birds in the water or high up on the cliffs. There will be repeatable behavior to get dialed in. The best focal length for birds would be 400mm or greater.  

Binoculars: We will have a couple pairs of Binoculars to pass around and feel free to bring your own as they are very handy when looking for wildlife.  

Extra cards and Batteries: you know the drill here we are running and gunning and some days are nonstop action. Don’t be left on the sidelines due to a full memory card or depleted batteries.

Consolidate equipment whenever possible as space can be limited inside the cabin.