Alaska, New and Noteworthy
61° 7′ N 146° 20′ W
The Glaciers of Prince William Sound
Highlights
Be one of few to explore a hidden realm of Alaskan wildness known for rugged islands, towering forests, and more than 150 glaciers
Travel in the wake of John Muir and the 1899 Harriman Expedition through College Fjord, then described as “a great ice chest”
Encounter diverse marine life including humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, and seals from the bow of our small ship or at water-level on Zodiacs
Hike or join a white-water rafting trip outside Valdez after strolling its streets and learning its fascinating modern history
Visit the quintessential Alaskan town of Cordova and taste its famed Copper River salmon
Day by Day
Cordova, Alaska
Cordova, Alaska
Day 1
Cordova / Embark Ship
Arrive in Cordova by early afternoon. Explore the quaint downtown of this fishing community that is only accessible by air or sea. Visit the Cordova Historical Museum or Southeasterly, Cordova’s Fisherman’s Memorial by local sculptor Joan Bugbee Jackson. Board National Geographic Sea Lion in the afternoon, and enjoy a special welcome dinner of salmon fished directly from the famed Copper River salmon run.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Cordova / Embark ShipArrive in Cordova by early afternoon. Explore the quaint downtown of this fishing community that is only accessible by air or sea. Visit the Cordova Historical Museum or Southeasterly, Cordova’s Fisherman’s Memorial by local sculptor Joan Bugbee Jackson. Board National Geographic Sea Lion in the afternoon, and enjoy a special welcome dinner of salmon fished directly from the famed Copper River salmon run.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Esther Passage and College Fjord
Cruise through serene Esther Passage walled by steep, tree-covered hillsides of the Chugach National Forest, then arrive at College Fjord. Naturalist John Muir and professor Charles Palache of the 1899 Harriman Expedition named the glaciers lining the fjord after renowned East Coast colleges. Pass Wellesley and Barnard, and gaze up at Amherst and Dartmouth Glaciers, as you make your way to Harvard Glacier, a one-and-a-half mile wide and 200-foot-high formation at the end of the bay. Cruise for an unbeatable view, keeping an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions and arctic terns.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Esther Passage and College FjordCruise through serene Esther Passage walled by steep, tree-covered hillsides of the Chugach National Forest, then arrive at College Fjord. Naturalist John Muir and professor Charles Palache of the 1899 Harriman Expedition named the glaciers lining the fjord after renowned East Coast colleges. Pass Wellesley and Barnard, and gaze up at Amherst and Dartmouth Glaciers, as you make your way to Harvard Glacier, a one-and-a-half mile wide and 200-foot-high formation at the end of the bay. Cruise for an unbeatable view, keeping an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions and arctic terns.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Esther Island
Wake up this morning in Esther Bay, in the northwestern portion of Prince William Sound. Explore this remote area on the water via Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, or follow a naturalist on a hike along the coast or through the forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Esther IslandWake up this morning in Esther Bay, in the northwestern portion of Prince William Sound. Explore this remote area on the water via Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, or follow a naturalist on a hike along the coast or through the forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Valdez / Shoup Bay
Known as “Little Switzerland” because of its mountainous surroundings, Valdez was once a starting point for miners headed to the Klondike Gold Rush. Today the town is the southern terminus of the trans-Alaska pipeline from Prudhoe Bay. Visit the Valdez Historical Museum and the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. Later, opt for a naturalist-led hike to Shoup Bay State Marine Park, keeping a lookout for mountain goats and black bears on the mountainsides lining the bay. Choose from a variety of active options including white-water rafting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Valdez / Shoup BayKnown as “Little Switzerland” because of its mountainous surroundings, Valdez was once a starting point for miners headed to the Klondike Gold Rush. Today the town is the southern terminus of the trans-Alaska pipeline from Prudhoe Bay. Visit the Valdez Historical Museum and the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. Later, opt for a naturalist-led hike to Shoup Bay State Marine Park, keeping a lookout for mountain goats and black bears on the mountainsides lining the bay. Choose from a variety of active options including white-water rafting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Exploring
Today’s destination in the east sound area will be determined by the Captain and your Expedition Leader. Spot wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and sea birds with the help of your naturalists; explore by ship, Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on foot. Later this evening, enjoy the lavender glow of the landscapes as the midnight sun dips just behind the mountain tops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
ExploringToday’s destination in the east sound area will be determined by the Captain and your Expedition Leader. Spot wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and sea birds with the help of your naturalists; explore by ship, Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on foot. Later this evening, enjoy the lavender glow of the landscapes as the midnight sun dips just behind the mountain tops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Cordova / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark in Cordova and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Cordova / Disembark ShipAfter breakfast, disembark in Cordova and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates & Rates
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National Geographic Sea Lion
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Cabins
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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.
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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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Venture far beyond the large ports of Southeast Alaska on an unprecedented expedition to the isolated, glacial-ringed Prince William Sound. Home to rugged islands, the second largest national forest in the U.S., and an astounding 150 glaciers, this remote region offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, as well as wildlife, history, and the charm of remote Alaska villages.
From
$4,950
/ per person
Does not include flight
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$4,950
/ per person
From
$4,950
/ per person