Alaska, British Columbia & San Juan Islands

Seattle to Juneau

(Or in Reverse Direction)

Coastal Cruising | 11 Nights | Polar Expedition, Whale Watching

Top▲Highlights

The coast of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is a maze of fjords, channels, rivers and glaciers gliding towards the sea. This majestic region is ideally suited for small ship cruising that enables up close and personal exploration from Seattle, Washington to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park, including the San Juan Islands. This wilderness expedition travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, sailing past mist-shrouded fjords and tidewater glaciers. These waters are among the best for whale watching, with good chances of finding humpback and orca whales. Along the way, meet people of Native American, Russian and Scandinavian ancestries. Kayak, beachcomb and explore forest trails under the guidance of our expert Naturalists. You may also join our optional land extension to Denali National Park.

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

April to September

Cruising available in April and September only.

Cost Per Person Double / Sole Occupancy and Single cabins also available.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

• All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
• All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
• Air transportation where indicated as included
• Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees
• Ttransfers to and from group flights
• Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits
• Use of kayaks (where available)
• Tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew
• Taxes and service charges
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 2 - Explore the San Juan Islands (San Juan Islands)

  Today we explore the San Juan Islands with the freedom of no specific plan. With kayaks and Zodiacs at the ready, we are able to explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands.

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  Day 3 - U'Mista Cultural Center (Alert Bay)

  We make our way to the U'Mista Cultural Center, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. At the Center, anyone related to any member of this tribe is able to trace their ancestry. We then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements.

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  Day 4 - Watching for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife (British Columbia Coast)

  You'll feel like a true explorer as we continue northward looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rain forest still exist — and where an expedition ship proves to be the perfect vessel. Without a specific plan, open to spontaneity and adventure, we’ll freely rove within the near-limitless expanse of pristine wildness — to explore any intriguing bay or inlet we happen upon, or reverse course to follow a sighted whale pod. Our small ship gives us this freedom. Our onboard kayaks and Zodiacs can be lowered swiftly to bring it all closer. Wherever we choose to stop and explore, we’re certain to be the only human life, accompanied by spectacular birds and animals.

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  Day 6 - Misty Fiords National Monument (Misty Fjords National Monument )

  Misty Fiords National Monument, often referred to as "Yosemite of the sea" for its sheer majesty, is 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness that will leave you with exquisite memories of your stay in Alaska. Head out on a personal kayak reconnaissance or take a Zodiac cruise beneath glacier-carved cliffs with saw-tooth tops. Float past sheer cliffs and icy waterfalls, easily navigating in and out of areas the “big white boats” that ply Alaska’s waters can't get near.

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  Day 7 - Naturalists guided walk along a forest trail (Frederick Sound)

  Our skilled Captain and crew keep us in perfect proximity to see both killer whales and humpback whales. We may also see Steller's sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands and dozing. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail, accompanied by our Naturalists. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for appreciating this area close up.

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  Day 8 - Sitka National Historic Park (Sitka)

  Gaze up at the grand totem poles throughout Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have views of species normally seen in the wild — bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Sitka’s oceanfront setting is framed by the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small islands. The crystalline waters of Sitka Bay abound with sea stars and translucent moon jellyfish.

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  Day 9 - Many options for landings on islands such as Baranof and Chichagof (Alaska Coast)

  Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. There are many options for landings on islands such as Baranof and Chichagof, where bald eagles nest and brown bears make themselves at home. If you’re a beachcomber, the shoreline is rich with treasures. The forest trails are dense and beautiful, whether you choose the long walk option or a short stroll, accompanied by one of our Naturalists familiar with the local terrain. Hemlock and spruce abound in the old-growth forest. When kayaking, we always offer choices. If you’re looking for exercise and excitement, choose a more strenuous course. If you want scenery and relaxation, you’ll have the option to paddle slowly — exploring, poking into little inlets and relishing the quiet and up-close, personal view.

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  Day 10 - Coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay (Glacier Bay)

  We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll see glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them “calving” — tons of ice crashing into the sea — accompanied by an exhilaratingly thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals and Steller's sea lions are some of the creatures we may observe in these icy waters. You may have the opportunity to see not only one, but two kinds of puffins: the tufted and the horned puffin. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. If the timing is right, a bear and her cub may be playing in the water. We’ll watch their interactions, knowing the cub will be on its own next year.

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  Day 11 - Watching for whales (Alaska)

  Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored feeding area for humpback whales. Keep watch on deck and you may find yourself rushing to the side as a pod of whales begins lunge-feeding right off our bow. As we watch with awe, our Naturalist lowers the hydrophone and we’re not only watching the whales, we’re listening in on their communications. A sense of wonder pervades. When questions come up, as they surely will, our marine mammal expert can tell you everything you want to know and more. After some thrilling whale watching, you’ll cruise the intricate coastline of Chichagof Island, looking for playful sea otters. (B,L,D)

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  Day 12 - Alaska State Museum (Juneau)

  Here we'll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska's native peoples and natural history.

Top▲What's NOT Included

• Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Accomodations or Meals: Trip Extension - Denali National Park

  $4390 (US Dollar)

  Double Occupancy - $4,390
  Single Occupancy - $6,580

  Denali National Park is one of North America's natural treasures, crowned by Mt. McKinley, the highest peak on the continent at 20,320 feet. By staying at North Face Lodge, the most exclusive property in Denali National Park, we are able to travel deep within the park and remain there. And with space for only eighteen guests on this extension, you know you'll always be part of a very intimate experience.

  Winding through the remote Alaska Range, deep into the heart of the park, the "Park Road" offers opportunities to see Denali's famed wildlife: grizzlies, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, eagles, and weather permitting, views of magnificent Mt. McKinley. Other highlights include a visit to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum and a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad.
  DAY 1 — Fairbanks, Alaska
  Arrive in Fairbanks and transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your leader and traveling companions at a welcome dinner. (D)
  DAY 2 — Fairbanks / Denali National Pk / North Face Lodge
  In the morning visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum featuring collections that represent over 11,000 years of cultural traditions in the north. In the late morning we depart for Denali National Park and North Face Lodge. There we are met by the Naturalist guides of the North Face Lodge, who lead us on a six-hour, 89-mile journey into the heart of the park on the restricted access Denali Park Road, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. (B,L,D)

  DAY 3, 4 — Denali National Park / North Face Lodge
  North Face Lodge lies in the heart of the Park, beneath the shadow of Mt. McKinley. It provides accommodations in well-appointed rooms with private bath. Delicious meals and fresh baked goods are featured in the dining room. Daily activities have a strong natural history focus including wildlife observation and hikes led by staff naturalists. Canoeing, fishing and biking are also available. Nightly programs focus on various aspects of Denali�s natural and cultural history, including birds, mammals, wildflowers, tundra ecology, geology, mountaineering, land use and natural resource issues. (B,L,D)

  DAY 6 — Denali National Park / Anchorage
  This morning we enjoy a wildlife drive back out the park entrance, where we board the Alaska Railroad for the trip to Anchorage, with dinner en route in the Dining Car. Overnight at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel. (B,L,D)

  DAY 7 — Anchorage / Sitka or Juneau / Home
  This morning fly to either Sitka or Juneau to begin your Alaska voyage. Or if your extension is taken after your voyage, transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. (B)

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  Accomodations or Meals: Trip Extension - Kenai Peninsula

  $4030 (US Dollar)

  Fish, hike and whitewater raft in this dramatic landscape. Ride a tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for an incredible view of glacier-capped mountains. Trek through Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge then relax in a wood fired sauna. Visit Anchorage’s acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center.

  DAY 1 — Anchorage, Alaska
  Check into a downtown hotel and gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

  DAY 2 — Anchorage/Kenai Peninsula
  A scenic 21/2 hour drive to Kenai Peninsula circles Turnagain Arm (where you may spot bad eagles or elusive beluga whales) and winds throughs snow-capped mountains. At Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge set off for a casual hike with lunch on the trail. (B,L,D)

  DAY 3 — Kenai Peninsula
  Don river gear for a day of rafting on the Kenai River to scan for eagles, salmon, trout and possibly moose or bear. (B,L,D)

  DAY 4 — Kenai Peninsula
  Fishing or hiking – it’s your choice. Fishermen will have a day of salmon fishing in the Kenai River. A guide and the best gear and tackle will be provided.* And hikers will trek through the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Later, relax on the riverside deck or treat yourself to our wood fired sauna. (B,L,D)
  * Please note: must be 12 or over to participate.

  DAY 5 — Girdwood
  Girdwood is a quaint ski town in the midst of hanging glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. From here we fly to glaciers high on the snow pack to try your hand at dog-mushing, either driving or riding a sled, through the landscape. Later, ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for a view of glacier-capped mountains. Overnight at Hotel Alyeska. (B,L,D)

  DAY 6 — Girdwood/Anchorage
  A guided hike, gold panning at a local mine or relaxing are this morning’s options. Then, visit Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Center before this evenings festive farewell dinner. Overnight in downtown Anchorage. (B,L,D)

  2009 Departures
  Double Occupancy - $4,030
  Single Occupancy - $6,040

Top▲Vessel Information

National Geographic Sea Bird

Motor Vessel | 62 Passengers | Operated by Lindblad Expeditions,

Our twin expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.

Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it. Public Areas: Our twin sister ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Observation Deck; partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables, and LEXspa. Our "Open Bridge" policy provides guests and opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.

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