Expedition Details
The northwest seaboard of North America is an unspoiled labyrinth of tiny islands, spectacular fiords, and abundant wildlife. Trace the coast from Seattle to Alaska in our nimble expedition ship, the National Geographic Sea Lion or the National Geographic Sea Bird, and explore narrow fjords, hidden coves, and stunning archipelagos by kayak and Zodiac. As you cruise from the lush San Juan Islands to the ice floes of Glacier Bay, learn about native cultures, spot whales, raptors, dolphins, and bears and get shooting tips from an on board National Geographic photographer.
Itinerary - 12 Days
Day 1 — Seattle, Washington
Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the ship.
National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion. (D)
Day 2 — San Juan Islands
Navigate these emerald isles in search of porpoises, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Hike or kayak this afternoon.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 — Alert Bay/Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Sail into Alert Bay to see Native American artifacts at the U'mista Cultural Centre. Continue to Johnstone Strait, a narrow channel favored by orcas.
(B,L,D)
Days 4 & 5 — Inside Passage of British Columbia
We continue our journey North along the Coast of British Columbia, searching for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit we may go ashore to explore or kayak.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Misty Fiords
In these majestic fiordlands, kayak beneath glacier-carved outcrops and float past icy waterfalls in a Zodiac, easily navigating narrow waterways that slice between sheer cliffs.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
Join naturalists on deck to observe the antics of the killer and humpback whales that frequent these waters. Keep an eye out for Steller's sea lions and go ashore for a forest walk.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Sitka
Experience the diverse cultures in Sitka, where the onion domes of St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church co-exist with Tlingit totem poles. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, get an up-close view of bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords
Take advantage of an unscheduled day to hike on remote islands, comb the beach, walk through old-growth forest, or trace the shoreline in a kayak.
(B,L,D)
Day 10 — Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the day exploring the coves, fiords, tidewater glaciers, and freshwater lakes of Glacier Bay National Park. Watch calving glaciers and mountain goats scampering on the peaks, and look for puffin and brown bears.
(B,L,D)
Day 11 — Point Adolphus & Chichagof Island
The waters off Point Adolphus are prime feeding grounds for humpbacks. With a marine mammal expert, use a hydrophone to listen to the whales communicate. Cruise the intricate coastline of Chichagof Island, where you might spot sea otters at play.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 — Juneau, Alaska
Disembark in Juneau, and transfer to the airport for flights home.
(B)
Note: The May 1 and 2, 2012 departures are not designated as photography expeditions and will not have a National Geographic photographer on board.
Related Trips
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Michael Melford
National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight covers. On assignment for National Geographic for the past ten years, Michael has often used photography to bring attention to the planet's wonders and the need to preserve them. He shot the cover story, "Places We Must Save," for the October 2006 issue of National Geographic Traveler, as well as a cover story on threats to America's national parks for National Geographic magazine. Michael enjoys giving seminars and workshops on photography and sharing his love of nature and his extensive knowledge of the digital medium.
Michael will join the following departure:
Sep 02 - 13, 2012
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
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![[SB]](/images/icon_ship-sb.png){kind=icon}
National Geographic Sea Bird![[SL]](/images/icon_ship-sl.png){kind=icon}
National Geographic Sea LionExpedition Costs
Third person rates are available in a limited number of Category 3 cabins at one half the double occupancy rate.
- September 01 - 12, 2012
National Geographic Sea Lion
(waitlist only) - September 02 - 13, 2012
National Geographic Sea Bird - April 30 - May 11, 2013
National Geographic Sea Lion - May 01 - 12, 2013
National Geographic Sea Bird - August 31 - September 11, 2013
National Geographic Sea Lion - September 01 - 12, 2013
National Geographic Sea Bird
