This 15-day expedition starts in Vancouver, British Columbia, and sails to Seward, Alaska. Cruise among the temperate rainforests and wildlife-rich waters of coastal British Columbia and explore the fjords, villages, and wildlife of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Drive to Yakutat and Disenchantment Bays, and walk along the shores of Hubbard Glacier, seven miles long and up to four miles wide. Visit Prince William Sound, famous for its dramatic mountains and enormous tidewater glaciers. Keep track of seabirds and marine mammals as you explore nature by Zodiac, kayak, or stand-up paddle-board among islands whose diverse ecosystems are home to a diverse range of wildlife aboard National Geographic Orion.
Highlights
Witness nature’s frozen sculpture garden on a Zodiac cruise through LeConte Glacier.
Discover the Inside Passage’s hidden gems such as Pinta Bay and Slocum Arm.
Learn about the rich indigenous culture in the coastal village of Sitka.
Encounter the stunning variety of marine and wildlife in the Inside Passage.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of clouds drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as we sail through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs.
Explore the rocky coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and go ashore to beach comb and discover the fascinating inter-tidal zone with our naturalists. Set sail on the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales and pods of killer whales gliding through the clear water around our ship. Fix your binoculars on the banks of Kuiu Island to spot moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon.
Today, maneuver past the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face and get caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photo ops, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. Our experienced captain will read the ice and bring us as close as possible to the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. In the afternoon, visit the small Alaskan fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town or explore downtown on your own.
These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It’s not uncommon to observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping, and variations on feeding—as we fill the deck and listen to the play-by-play from our expert naturalists. If schedules allow, we will be joined by our conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation who will come aboard and speak about the local whale population.
This morning, step ashore in Peril Straits in the morning where we follow bear trails and salmon streams. The still waters are excellent for kayaking. In the afternoon, explore the former 2022 Departure Dates: 12 Jun, 26 Jun Advance Payment: $2,500 Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, capital—Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and stroll the forested trails of the Sitka National Historical Park. Rich in history, the 113-acre park features roughly 20 majestic Haida and Tlingit totems scattered along the scenic coastal trail.
Located on the outer coast of Chichagof Island, this wilderness offers a rugged, wave-pounded coastline open to the mighty Pacific Ocean as well as quiet, protected bays and inlets ideal for exploring by ship, kayak, and Zodiacs. Western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees blanket the area along with muskeg and river estuaries, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem.
Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in the lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.
Start the morning in the Gulf of Alaska, transiting up the coast to Yakutat Bay. The scenery along the way is rugged and beautiful. Be on the lookout for a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather (over 15,000 ft.). Late in the day, we will enter the bay and head toward the face of Hubbard Glacier. This mammoth sheet of ice is more than six miles wide at its face and is contained within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending on ice and conditions, we may deploy our Zodiacs to explore.
This uninhabited island is best known as the location where members of Bering’s Great Northern Expedition of 1741 set foot in Alaska. Here, naturalist Georg Steller found a jay now named for him and recorded over 150 plants new to science. Conditions permitting, we hope to make a landing to explore this small, jagged island and to cruise by Zodiac near Cape St. Elias and its lighthouse.
Spend the day exploring majestic Prince William Sound which is filled with glaciers and ringed by the Chugach Mountains. Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty as we take advantage of the best conditions and opportunities that arise that day.
Wake up in Kenai Fjords National Park, known as an iconic location in the region and, for many, a challenging place to visit. The day will be spent exploring the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay by ship and Zodiac. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for horned and tufted puffins, marbled murrelets, black oyster catchers, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and fin, minke, and killer whales who make their summer home in the park.
Day 15: Seward | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Seward and transfer by motorcoach to Anchorage for your return flight 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.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 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
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
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)
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)
Map
When to Go
Jan
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
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!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
