A Humpback Whale pod bubble-net feeding in Southeast Alaska, USA
A Humpback Whale pod bubble-net feeding in Southeast Alaska, USA
ExpeditionsAlaska Epic Escape: Complete Inside Passage

Alaska Epic Escape: Complete Inside Passage

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Embark on the ultimate 11-day Alaska expedition combining two distinct wilderness experiences through Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. Experience untamed coastal landscapes rich with Tlingit culture and abundant wildlife—from eagles and whales to salmon-fishing bears. Witness electric blue icebergs in LeConte Bay, navigate Misty Fjords' narrow channels, cycle along glacial fjords in Haines and kayak among towering glaciers. This comprehensive adventure showcases the full spectrum of Alaska's Inside Passage wilderness. 

Highlights

Guests kayaking are watching a brown bear from a safe distance in Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park located on Chicagof Island, Alaska, USA
  • Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastlines of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world

  • Explore Haines, the “adventure capital of Alaska,” via raft, bicycle and hiking boot, or go fly fishing in the river for salmon and trout

  • Cruise by Zodiac and kayak among abundant sea lions and search for whales in the Inian Islands

  • Explore the wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest

  • Venture by Zodiac into a fjord laden with blue ice from the Leconte or Baird glacier

  • Visit a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs on remote Wrangell Island, or take a jet boat excursion up the Stikine River

From

$8,260

/ per person

Does not include any flights

View our brochure for more details

Alaska

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$8,260

/ per person

View our brochure for more details

Alaska

From

$8,260

/ per person

View our brochure for more details

Alaska

Itinerary

Multiple routes available

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


Starts atSitka, Alaska
Ends atKetchikan, Alaska

Day 1

Sitka / Embark Ship

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Sitka

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Sitka / Embark Ship

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Sitka

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island

Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof. Both islands are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines and go hiking through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island

Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof. Both islands are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines and go hiking through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in lush temperate rain forest where bald eagles dot the canopies.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in lush temperate rain forest where bald eagles dot the canopies.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Haines

A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden trout or choose from an array of world-class hikes. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River. This day brims with options.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Haines

A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden trout or choose from an array of world-class hikes. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River. This day brims with options.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness. This area features some of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers, getting caught in shallow moraines and along the shorelines as they float out of the bay. Cruise through a glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness. This area features some of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers, getting caught in shallow moraines and along the shorelines as they float out of the bay. Cruise through a glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Juneau

Spend the day in Juneau, Alaska's capital city—one of only two U.S. capitals inaccessible by car. Explore the city independently with an all-day Mt. Roberts tram ticket for panoramic views. Today marks a transition, as some guests conclude their voyage while others embark to begin their adventure.

Note: Some staff may rotate, bringing fresh energy and expertise for the journey ahead. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Juneau

Spend the day in Juneau, Alaska's capital city—one of only two U.S. capitals inaccessible by car. Explore the city independently with an all-day Mt. Roberts tram ticket for panoramic views. Today marks a transition, as some guests conclude their voyage while others embark to begin their adventure.

Note: Some staff may rotate, bringing fresh energy and expertise for the journey ahead. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm

Today you’ll explore either LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm. Your experienced captain will evaluate the underwater moraine outside of LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, where you'll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from your certified photo instructor. Keep an eye out for curious harbor seals lounging on nearby icebergs.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm

Today you’ll explore either LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm. Your experienced captain will evaluate the underwater moraine outside of LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, where you'll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from your certified photo instructor. Keep an eye out for curious harbor seals lounging on nearby icebergs.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Sumner Strait

Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around the ship. Explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams. Along the way, learn about the rainforest ecosystem from naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to search for Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Sumner Strait

Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around the ship. Explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams. Along the way, learn about the rainforest ecosystem from naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to search for Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Wrangell

This morning, arrive in the small town of Wrangell. The Tlingit and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Take an optional jet boat journey up the Stikine River or explore town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings. This afternoon, cruise the Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where other ships rarely venture. 

On select departures, choose an optional day trip to Anan Creek Bear Observatory to witness black and brown bears feasting on salmon runs (additional $390 per person). Speak with your expedition specialist for details.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Wrangell

This morning, arrive in the small town of Wrangell. The Tlingit and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Take an optional jet boat journey up the Stikine River or explore town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings. This afternoon, cruise the Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where other ships rarely venture. 

On select departures, choose an optional day trip to Anan Creek Bear Observatory to witness black and brown bears feasting on salmon runs (additional $390 per person). Speak with your expedition specialist for details.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Misty Fjords National Monument

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of cloud drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as you cruise through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Misty Fjords National Monument

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of cloud drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as you cruise through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Ketchikan / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Ketchikan and transfer to the airport for flights home. 

Departure Time: Depart after 10:30 a.m. local time.  
Departure City: Ketchikan, Alaska 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11

Ketchikan / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Ketchikan and transfer to the airport for flights home. 

Departure Time: Depart after 10:30 a.m. local time.  
Departure City: Ketchikan, Alaska 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ships

Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Sea Bird, Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska, USA

National Geographic Sea Bird

GUESTS 62

CABINS 31

DECKS 3

National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.

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A view of the ship National Geographic Sea Lion in Alaska, USA.

National Geographic Sea Lion

GUESTS 62

CABINS 31

DECKS 3

National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.

VIEW SHIP

Expedition Extensions

A Grizzly bear walking the tundra in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Extension
Pre-Voyage

Denali National Park Pre-Voyage Extension

Duration7 Days

Starting from

$10,900

/ per person

Explore
A Grizzly bear walking the tundra in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Extension
Post-Voyage

Denali National Park Post Voyage Extension

Duration7 Days

Starting from

$10,900

/ per person

Explore

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

Special Offers

View our brochure for more details

Alaska

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