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 and spot whales, raptors, dolphins, and bears.
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 September departure is designated as a photography expedition.
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.
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Ralph Lee Hopkins is a popular photo workshop instructor based in Santa Fe. His wildlife images have appeared in National Geographic's books, magazines, and online galleries, and are represented in the National Geographic Image Collection.
Ralph Lee will join the following departure:
Sep 05 - 16, 2010
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2010
- Apr 27 - May 08, 2010
![[SL]](/images/icon_ship-sl.png)
- Apr 28 - May 09, 2010
![[SB]](/images/icon_ship-sb.png)
- Sep 05 - 16, 2010
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
.
The September departure is designated as a photography expedition.
National Geographic Sea Bird 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.
Special Offer
Book by March 31, 2010 and receive $1,000 off per person plus complimentary one-way airfare between Seattle and Juneau on our April 27 and 28 departures.
