The Glaciers of Prince William Sound

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. (D)

Cruise through serene Esther Passage walled by steep, tree-covered hillsides of the Chugach National Forest that become increasingly narrow before opening into College Fjord. Naturalist John Muir and professor Charles Palache of the 1899 Harriman Expedition named the glaciers lining the fjord after their Ivy League alma maters. 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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

Known as “Little Switzerland” because of its mountainous surrounding, 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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark in Cordova and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)