“People tend to protect what they love.”
—Hunter McIntosh / President of The Boat Company
History
Michael McIntosh, Sr. wanted to bring Southeast Alaska into the minds and hearts of people who could make a difference: major environmental donors, political leaders, and concerned citizens with an established voice in wilderness preservation efforts.
In 1980, he converted an ex-US navy minesweeper for use as a tour boat and set out to introduce as many people as he could to the area—exploring, fishing, naturalist talks by day, gourmet dinners, wine and private cabins by night.
The response was immediate and revolutionary. Many guests went on to write articles, talk to their legislators, or send letters to the various federal agencies whose job it is to represent the taxpayers’ interest in Alaska.
In turn, The Boat Company has shared efforts in raising millions of dollars to preserve the Alaska wilderness.
The fight to save the Tongass continues today. For more information on specific conservation issues in the area and our efforts, stay tuned to our news.
The beginning of The Boat Company marks the beginning of the nonprofit.
The Boat Company skiffs head to Dawes Glacier during the M/V Mist Cove’s summer 7-day cruise.
Mission
The Tongass National Forest is this earth’s last substantially intact, temperate rainforest. The area it encompasses contains 17 million acres and covers almost 95% of the area known as “Southeast” Alaska (larger than the state of Texas).
We aim to protect the flora and fauna of this vast area by actively working the halls of Congress and other government agencies.
We cruise the Tongass with the intent of introducing people, in an intimate way, to one of the world’s greatest places, in the hopes that they too would feel that the area was worth conserving for the generations to come.
The Tongass is home to an incredible array of wildlife: whales, salmon, eagles, sea lions, bear, sea otters, deer, orcas, puffins, et al. Its topography of high mountain peaks, glaciers, deep fiords, islands and thick forests, allows for few roads.
Impact
The Boat Company has been honored to fund every major environmental lawsuit to protect the Tongass for the past 40 years—either from our organization or in partnership with other foundations.
From our organization directly, we have invested over 30 million dollars to Alaska conservation.
We invite you to take a look at the data of our efforts in the following graphic.
Contribute a custom amount
The Boat Company as a nonprofit has contributed over $30 million back into the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska.
We invite you to be an integral part of our efforts.
Your contribution will help us charge forward in our partnerships with organizations such as Sitka Trail Works as they address the needs of a trail system in the Tongass, organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and others to defend the Roadless Rule, and more.
Your donation is tax-deductible. Attendance not required for sponsorship.
Contribute to The Tongass through our nonprofit
Skiff Sponsorship: $5,000
Sponsor one of our “skiffs,” and name it for the entire season!
These are the tenders that can crunch through ice, bringing us to the majesty of the glaciers, and to a variety of fishing and land expeditions.
Contribution: $5,000. Limited to 9 for the 2025 season. Like attendance on our expeditions, your donation is tax-deductible. Attendance not required for sponsorship.
Name a Skiff or Kayak for an Entire Season!
We will update quantities available here. You can also contact us directly.
7 out of 9 available
Kayak Sponsorship: $300
Sponsor one of our kayaks, and name it for the entire season!
Our kayaks bring our passengers their own private joy in the early mornings, afternoons and evenings as they get close and intimate with the Tongass.
Contribution: $300. Limited to 27 for the 2025 season. Like attendance on our expeditions, your donation is tax-deductible. Attendance not required for sponsorship.
We will update quantities available here. You can also contact us directly.
25 out of 27 available