Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through lush forests and muskegs, kayak into secluded inlets, and cruise by Zodiac among electric blue icebergs and curious wildlife
• By special permit, spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
• If schedules permit, our conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation will come aboard to meet with us and speak about the local whale population
• Discover Alaska's seldom-seen, vibrant marine life revealed by our undersea specialist
• With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this wild corner of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales

ITINERARY

 2024
EXPEDITION (EASTBOUND)
Sitka, Alaska - Juneau, Alaska
Start date
May 19
Jun 2
Jun 16
Jun 30
Jul 28
Aug 11
Aug 25
 2025
May 25
Jun 8
Jun 22
Jul 6
Jul 20
Aug 3
Aug 17
Aug 31

DAY 1

Sitka, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time.
Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.

DAY 2

Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays & Fjords
Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.
Today, nature is our guide as we set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are common. If conditions permit, we will do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.

DAY 3

Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Explore among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside. We will search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.

DAY 4

Glacier Bay National Park
We spend the entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Witness glaciers that end abruptly at the water's edge and observe them calving, when tons of ice separate and crash into the water accompanied by a thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals, Steller sea lions and puffins are some of the creatures we may observe. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside.

DAY 5

Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may 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. We will explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, we have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration.  

DAY 6

Petersburg
Visit the small, true Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast.  

DAY 7

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns.  

DAY 8

Juneau, Alaska / Disembark Ship
After breakfast we disembark in Juneau. Take time to visit the local shops before exploring the newly constructed Alaska State Museum, with its sprawling collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home.
Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time.
Meals Included: Breakfast


 2024
Expedition (Westbound)
Juneau, Alaska - Sitka, Alaska
Start date
May 26
Jun 9
Jun 23
Jul 7
Aug 4
Aug 18
Sep 1
 2025
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jun 29
Jul 13
Jul 27
Aug 10
Aug 24
Sep 7

DAY 1

Juneau, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.

DAY 2

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and arctic terns. 

DAY 3

Petersburg
Visit the small, true Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast. 

DAY 4

Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may 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. We will explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, we have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration. 

DAY 5

Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Explore among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside. We will search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.

DAY 6

Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Witness glaciers that end abruptly at the water's edge and observe them calving, when tons of ice separate and crash into the water accompanied by a thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks, as well as harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins, are some of the creatures we may observe. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside.

DAY 7

Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays, and Fjords
Today, nature is our guide as we set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are common. If conditions permit, we will do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.

DAY 8

Sitka / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka—Southeast Alaska's only oceanfront town. Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit the onion-domed St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, enjoy up-close views of species normally seen at a distance in the wild, such as bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Seattle.

Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time.
Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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 our 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
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll.  Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
• Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II 
• Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
• 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 
• 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 
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships) 
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes 

Pricing Does Not Include

• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.