Alaska

57° 3′ N 135° 19′ W

www.maxwilderness.com
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightWild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord

Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord

Skip to

Highlights

Coastal Brown Bear catching Salmon, Chichagof Island, Southeast Alaska
  • Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastlines of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world

  • Hike through temperate rainforest on Baranof Island, listening for bald eagles calling out from the towering spruce and hemlock trees

  • Explore Haines, the “adventure capital of Alaska,” via raft, bicycle, or hiking boot, and opt to soar over Glacier Bay National Park on a flightseeing tour

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

  • Meet eagles at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

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

Eastbound


Starts at

Sitka, Alaska

Ends at

Juneau, Alaska

Download Itinerary

Day 1

Sitka / Embark Ship

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.

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, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.

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 & 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 & 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 flightseeing over Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 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: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Haines

A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go flightseeing over Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 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: 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. Cruise through this glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

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. Cruise through this glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Juneau / Disembark Ship

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6

Juneau / Disembark Ship

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

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

Dates & Rates

Newsletter

Be the first to get intriguing travel stories, new destination alerts, tips and special offers

Ships

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.

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

Make a reservation

Book now

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Expedition Extensions

A Grizzly bear walking the tundra in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park Post-Voyage Extension

7 Days

From

$7,790

/ per person

Explore
A Grizzly bear walking the tundra in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park Pre-Voyage Extension

7 Days

From

$7,790

/ per person

Explore

Expedition Team

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.

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

Special Offers

Book before Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT

Book before Jun 30

SOLO TRAVELER SAVINGS

Book before Jun 30

ALASKA 2023 FAMILY OFFER

Take advantage of our additional offers

Guests gather at the bar of the ship National Geographic Orion, sipping on their favorite drinks and engaging in lively conversation as they relish in the camaraderie of good company.

FREE BAR TAB

Drinks are on us!

Guests get up close to calving glacier by zodiac at Sawyer Glacier, Southeast Alaska, USA

COMBINE AND SAVE

A  young traveler enjoys the sun setting and casting a spectrum of warm hues across the sky on the ship National Geographic Orion, Java Sea

BRINGING THE KIDS

Family fun!

Expedition leaders take guests to explore daily by skiff in the Amazon

TRAVELING AS A GROUP

Guests toast to the sunset on the ship National Geographic Quest/Venture

CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES

Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer take the Polar Plunge off ice floe in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, Southern Ocean.

COMBINING OFFERS

Combine now and save!

View our brochure for more details


Indulge your inner explorer on a compact, six-day expedition along the untamed coastal landscapes of Alaska's Inside Passage. This pristine wilderness is home to a rich Tlingit culture, an enduring frontier spirit, and a panoply of wildlife—from high-flying eagles and tail-fluking whales to salmon-fishing bears. Hike through forests of towering trees, kayak in glacier-carved fjords, and raft from an ancient Alaska native village.

From

$4,800

/ per person

Does not include flight

Book Now
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

$4,800

/ per person

Book Now

View our brochure for more details

From

$4,800

/ per person

Book Now
Book before Jun 30

$700 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

View our brochure for more details