Alaska

53° 3′ N 132° 6′ W

Guests in zodiac get a close-up encounter with a Killer whale in Alaska
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightA Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii 

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Highlights

A guest photographs the totems of Haida Gwaii at SGang Gwaay, Anthony Island, British Columbia, Canada
  • With very special access, spend four days in Haida Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, learning from Haida interpreters about their ancient culture and exploring these remote islands

  • Sail deep into fjords and cruise rugged coastlines in search of humpback whales, dolphins, bears, and more

  • Explore by Zodiac in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm for an up-close view of calving glaciers, towering forests, and seals afloat on iridescent icebergs

  • Kayak or stand-up paddleboard near cascading waterfalls and hike in soaring old-growth forests

  • Explore the picturesque fishing village of Petersburg, and spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

Spring 2023 (Northbound)


Starts at

Seattle, Washington

Ends at

Sitka, Alaska

Download Itinerary

Day 1

Seattle / Embark Ship

Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Seattle / Embark Ship

Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Gulf Islands, British Columbia

Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Gulf Islands, British Columbia

Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia

Visit the U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to watch traditional First Nations performances and learn about the art and culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia

Visit the U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to watch traditional First Nations performances and learn about the art and culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

Inside Passage of British Columbia

Sail northward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

Inside Passage of British Columbia

Sail northward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-9

Haida Gwaii

With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional food and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-9

Haida Gwaii

With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional food and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 10-12

Alaska's Inside Passage

With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 10-12

Alaska's Inside Passage

With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-14

Glacier Bay National Park / Inian Islands / Chichagof Island

By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share local Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history of the area. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Enjoy a farewell dinner on our final night. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-14

Glacier Bay National Park / Inian Islands / Chichagof Island

By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share local Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history of the area. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Enjoy a farewell dinner on our final night. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Sitka / Disembark / Seattle

See the picturesque city of Sitka on Baranof Island and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15

Sitka / Disembark / Seattle

See the picturesque city of Sitka on Baranof Island and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

Please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria for hiking activities on this voyage.

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Ship National Geographic Sea Lion

National Geographic Sea Lion

Guests

62

Cabins

31

A U.S.-flagged vessel, she and her sister National Geographic Sea Bird discover domestic waters

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. Nimble, reliable, and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Her inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a rewarding sense of community and esprit de corps. National Geographic writer Andrew Evans called National Geographic Sea Lion the “closest thing to Cousteau’s Calypso” he’s ever had the pleasure to be on.

Ship National Geographic Sea Bird

National Geographic Sea Bird

Guests

62

Cabins

31

American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Sea Lion, are ideal for discovering domestic waters

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

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By special invitation, visit the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. Sail the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, rich with marine life, including whales and dolphins. Spend a full day among the towering glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. Walk in silent old-growth forests, kayak in secluded coves, and search for foraging bears and soaring eagles in mist-shrouded fjords.

From

$12,160

/ per person

Does not include flight

Book Now
duration
15 Days
Book before Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

From

$12,160

/ per person

Book Now
duration
15 Days

View our brochure for more details

From

$12,160

/ per person

Book Now
duration
15 Days
Book before Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

View our brochure for more details