Join a 15-day cruise on the National Geographic Sea Lion and explore the wild coastlines of Alaska, British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii. Begin in Sitka, Alaska, then sail through Glacier Bay and cruise past calving glaciers in Tracy or Endicott Arm. Spot whales, dolphins, bears, and sea lions by kayak or Zodiac in Misty Fjords and the Inian Islands. Visit the fishing town of Petersburg. Then, spend four days exploring Haida villages, meeting artists, and viewing totems at SG̱ang Gwaay. Learn from Haida interpreters and explore the Haida Heritage Centre. Continue through British Columbia’s Inside Passage, stopping in Alert Bay to experience Kwakwaka’wakw culture and the U’Mista Cultural Center. Conclude in Vancouver after an unforgettable adventure of glaciers, wildlife, and Indigenous culture.
Highlights
Explore Haida villages, meet artists, view totems, and learn culture
Cruise Glacier Bay’s monumental ice cliffs teeming with wildlife
Explore Petersburg, a quaint Alaskan fishing village by bike
Visit U’Mista Center in historic Alert Bay’s Kwakwaka'wakw homeland
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in the charming coastal town of Sitka, rich in Tlingit traditions and Russian history. In the evening, board the ship, enjoy welcome cocktails, and meet the friendly staff and crew.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Day 2-3: Glacier Bay National Park | Inian Islands | Chichagof Island
Spend the day in Glacier Bay, seeing glaciers up close and taking in the natural surroundings. Take a Zodiac to the Inian Islands to look for wildlife, or choose to hike and kayak on Chichagof Island. Later, cruise through Icy Strait to look for whales and other marine animals. If conditions are right, you might even use a hydrophone to hear them underwater.
With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs.
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional foods and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay 'Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SG̱ang Gwaay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas.
Sail southward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.
Day 13: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia
Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. Then stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings, and values.” Sail south through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities.
Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Day 15: Vancouver | Disembark Ship
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Vancouver and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,1892-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Crew gratuities
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Gratuities for the Expedition Leader
Waterproof Boots. If you are interested in renting boots, we strongly recommend visiting www.gearupexpeditions.com for more information about Alaska Boot Rental.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
