National Geographic Sea Lion

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

Overview

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.

 

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.

(5) National Geographic Sea Lion Itineraries

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

Alaska

Canada

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

Duration

15 days
  1. Apr
  2. May
  3. Aug
  4. Sep

From

$10,126

Prices are per person

Highlights

Alaska

Canada

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

Duration

15 days
  1. Apr
  2. May
  3. Aug
  4. Sep

From

$10,126

Top Highlights

  • With very special access, spend four days in Haida Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, learning from Haida interpreters about their living 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

Pacific Northwest

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

Duration

8 days
  1. Apr
  2. Sep
  3. Oct

From

$5,827

Prices are per person

Highlights

Pacific Northwest

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

Duration

8 days
  1. Apr
  2. Sep
  3. Oct

From

$5,827

Top Highlights

  • Indulge in gourmet menus guided by the rhythms of the season, featuring sustainable ingredients sourced exclusively within 250 miles of our route
  • Witness the region’s geological wonders—from the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock—and explore up close and at water level while hiking, kayaking, or Zodiac cruising
  • Taste more than 40 of the region’s best wines, sampling bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle

Alaska

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

Duration

6 days
  1. Apr
  2. May
  3. Jun
  4. Jul
  5. Aug
  6. Sep

From

$4,000

Prices are per person

Highlights

Alaska

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

Duration

6 days
  1. Apr
  2. May
  3. Jun
  4. Jul
  5. Aug
  6. Sep

From

$4,000

Top Highlights

  • Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines of Chichagof Island which harbors 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.

Alaska

Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell & the Misty Fjords

Duration

6 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$4,000

Prices are per person

Highlights

Alaska

Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell & the Misty Fjords

Duration

6 days
  1. May
  2. Jun
  3. Jul
  4. Aug

From

$4,000

Top Highlights

  • Venture by Zodiac into a fjord laden with blue ice from the Leconte or Baird glacier
  • Sail Behm Canal into Misty Fjords National Monument in search of humpbacks, killer whales and sea lions, then hike the moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce forest of nearby islands
  • Roam small, uninhabited islands, hiking through the moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce or tidepooling along the craggy shores

Baja California

Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Duration

6 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar

From

$3,677

Prices are per person

Highlights

Baja California

Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Duration

6 days
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar

From

$3,677

Top Highlights

  • Search for gray whale mothers and their calves aboard Zodiacs and local pangas, delighting in up-close encounters
  • Kayak and paddleboard stunning mangroves, or beachcomb along endless beaches
  • Explore diverse landscapes, and ride a fat-tire bike along desert island terrain

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure

Talk to an experience specialist

1-800-397-3348

Make a reservation

Book Now

View or order a brochure

View brochure