Alaska, British Columbia & the San Juan Islands

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Seattle/Embark Ship

Embark the ship in the heart of Seattle, with the Olympic Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline as the backdrop. (D)

Day 2 — San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are the gems of northern Washington State and today we explore them with the freedom of no specific plan. We explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands with varied coastlines offering wonderful opportunities to observe seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and orcas as sea birds form patterns in the sky overhead. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait

We arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured, 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.

Back on board we head to Johnstone Strait. Johnstone Strait is one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the entire Northern Hemisphere and since nineteen whale pods are known to spend part of the year here, there is a chance of exciting whale watching. (B,L,D)

Day 4-5 — Inside Passage of British Columbia

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. In such a populated and busy world, these opportunities are tonic for the mind, body and soul. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Misty Fiords

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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle which you may see keeping watch atop a tall spruce. As for whales, it’s not uncommon here to see herds of up to 30 humpbacks or orcas. We’ll then get to observe fascinating behavior — breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding — as we fill the deck, delighting in their activities and listening to the play-by-play from our expert Naturalists, as our skilled Captain and crew keep us in perfect proximity. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Sitka

Whale sightings may make for some exciting diversions en route to Sitka. In the native Tlingit language, Sitka means the village behind the island and it has been home to various cultures for thousands of years. Sitka has a strong Russian heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church with its onion domes right in the middle of town. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords

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. (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Glacier Bay National Park

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. (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Point Adolphus & Chichagof Island

Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored area for marine mammals. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Juneau, Alaska/Disembark Ship/Seattle

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau, Alaska's state capital. Here we'll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska's native peoples and natural history. Explore on your own before flights home in the afternoon. Fly from Juneau to Seattle. (B)

Dates & Rates

Book by June 30, 2012 for free one-way air from Alaska to Seattle plus a $500 B&H Photo/Video Gear Certificate per person on the April 30 and May 1, 2013 departures.

*Reverse itineraries
†Photography-themed sailings

Map

Ships

National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion

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. View ship details...

Land Tours

Denali National Park Extension

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 3-5 — 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 Hotel Captain Cook. (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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