UPDATED COVID-19 RESPONSE
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the whole world operates, including our little corner of Alaska. As an owner-operated small business, we’re fortunate to have the ability to adapt quickly. This is an unprecedented time, calling for unprecedented measures in everything from staffing to logistics. At the forefront of all of our decision-making is the safety and well-being of our guides, guests, and community. We want to share with you the changes we have made and will continue to assess as we move forward. In a world where the tranquility of nature and power of connection matter more than ever before, we look forward to sharing this special place with you.
Updated on May 4, 2020
1. State Mandates & Re-Opening Plans
The state of Alaska has enacted Health Mandates surrounding travel and business operations, which we have conscientiously followed to help protect our fellow Alaskans and communities. If you are unfamiliar with these, we recommend you learn more about Alaska’s covid-19 response. We will continue to modify our operations to reflect the guidelines and best practices provided by government and public health officials. While you are traveling, we ask that you also abide by all state and local restrictions to promote the safety of our communities.
Per State of Alaska Mandate 10, interstate and international travel restrictions and quarantine requirements are scheduled to extend until May 19th and will be re-evaluated at that time.
2. Revised Cancellation Policy
We have implemented a special Cancellation Policy:
For our Hiking Tours, you may cancel up to 3 days before your trip for a full refund.
For all Boat & Hiking Combo Tours, you may cancel up to 15 days before your trip for a full refund.
*Full refunds include: trip fees, add ons, and taxes & fees, minus $10 per person booking fees.
As we prepare for the season, we are thinking of the safety and enjoyment of our guests and guides. We recognize that things are changing daily in all our lives, and we hope this updated cancelation policy allows you to focus on your family and your own well-being by providing relief from the stress of prematurely changing your plans.
If your trip is canceled by Seward Wilderness Collective, for weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we will refund you in full, minus the booking fee.
If you decide to cancel your trip with us, please consider transferring your payment to a gift card. That way you can join us in the future, whether it’s this summer or a future season, providing an easy way to postpone your vacation plans while continuing to support our small, locally-owned business.
3. Transportation
We typically travel from our shop & office on Third Ave in downtown Seward to the trailhead or water taxi pick up location in our 15 passenger vans. Due to increased risk of covid-19 transmission in enclosed spaces, we ask that you meet us at our shop to check in, meet your guide, pick up any rental equipment, and then drive your own vehicle to the start location of your trip. We will provide parking directions and instructions. If you do not have a vehicle with you, please be in touch in advance as we can provide transportation on a request basis (operations will be in compliance with current state health regulations).
4. Sanitation Practices
Our sanitation practices have always had our guest and guide well-being as our first priority. In response to COVID-19, we are introducing even more thorough cleaning procedures:
- We will meet and check in guests outside the office (on the deck or front yard) when possible to limit indoor interactions.
- We will ask that guests enter the office one booking group at a time for merchandise purchases, bathroom use, or any other reason.
- We will clean & sanitize high-touch surfaces indoors (bathroom, reception area, doorknobs) after each trip arrival and departure.
- We will clean & sanitize any group or individual equipment (trekking poles, rental day packs, etc.)
- We will continue to provide only snacks in individual packaging.
- Hand sanitizer will continue to be available on all trips and offered at all snack and meal times.
5. Staff Health
We will ask that our staff stay home and self-isolate if feeling unwell or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. We will monitor all staff for health concerns daily.
We ask that you, our guests, follow the same precautions in order to keep our guides safe and our business able to operate.
6. Our Tours Have Always Been Private
Our tours were designed from the very beginning to run as private tours. That means we never put separate booking groups together on the same trip. It’s just you, your friends or family, and your guide. You get to move at your own pace, dig into the conversation topics you’re excited about, and not stress about whether other people in your group are properly social distancing.
The water taxi rides on all of our combo tours are designed as private boat tours, so you won’t have to share the boat with other visitors. Your experienced captain and guide are there to facilitate an epic day out. And it’s just you and the rugged fjord country all around you!
Thank you for standing with us, for trusting us, and for providing motivation for us to creatively problem-solve in this tenuous time. As always, please be in touch with questions or concerns. We look forward to providing meaningful, memorable, and inspiring experiences this summer and beyond.