Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
Cruise Highlights:
- Spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park under special permit.
- Kayak and Zodiac among icebergs with a five-person expedition team.
- Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and St. Michael’s Cathedral in Sitka.
Book by June 30, 2012 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on select May & June 2013 departures.
At a glance
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Coverage: Roundtrip Juneau
From: $5,990
Season: May - August
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Photography, Zodiacs
Southeast Alaska is a vast wilderness of narrow channels, small coves and abundant wildlife. It is also a bustling tourist destination, with massive ships cruising there every day.
Travelling with us, however, will introduce you to an Alaska that others never see, much less experience. Our intimate ships connect you to Alaska from the moment you wake up, whether at morning stretches on deck with a mountain range backdrop or getting within feet of a tumbling waterfall from the ship’s bow. You’ll spend each day at small, uninhabited islands and hike on bear trails through verdant rain forest. You’ll do more than just see Alaska through an observation lounge; you’ll be an active participant in all that it has to offer, from Zodiac rides around impossibly blue ice to savoring locally caught seafood at dinner.
First timers as well as old hands love kayaking several times in a week, poking around the intertidal zone for sea stars or a chance to paddle close to shore where a bear ambles undisturbed. Our nimble fleet of Zodiacs will enable everyone to explore along the coast, or watch 2-ton Steller sea lions curiously frolic under your boat. Children get just as excited as grandparents over getting close enough to hear humpbacks’ massive spouts carry across the water, and everyone listens with curiosity as a Naturalist drops a hydrophone to hear them communicating underwater. You’ll see krill magnified under a video microscope, giving you a complete picture of Alaska, from grand to microscopic.
Throughout your expedition, the experience will be defined by our large staff of expert Naturalists. Exceptionally knowledgeable, but also extremely accessible and friendly, they’ll show you Alaska not just as guides, but also as fun, amiable companions. And over the years, we’ve cultivated friendships that bring a greater depth to your experience.
So, come sail a week in Alaska, and be sure to experience the true wilderness, only found on board an expedition with Lindblad and National Geographic.
We hiked, we kayaked, we swam, (it was so warm we jumped in for no more than 3 seconds), we made new friends, we ate, we learned, we loved every minute of it.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Juneau, Alaska/Embark Ship
Take an early afternoon flight from Seattle to Juneau. Before embarking the ship, we stop by the Alaska State Museum for an artful introduction to this unique state. We also visit Mendenhall Glacier, set in the dramatic Mendenhall Valley, located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Embark the ship and take the time to settle into your cabin before dinner. After dinner onboard, take a few hours to yourself and explore the port of Juneau. (D)
- Day 2 — Tracy Arm
This morning, we enter Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, a spectacular fjord, with waterfalls cascading from its glacially carved walls. We’ll also pass the Sawyer Glacier, which has been described as bluer than any blue on earth, or the towering Dawes Glacier. If conditions permit, we'll use our Zodiacs to provide unparralelled up close views of the glacier. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and porpoises, Arctic terns and Bonaparte gulls.(B,L,D)
- Day 3 — Petersburg
Search for humpback whales as we head toward LeConte Bay, a virtual sculpture garden of grounded and floating icebergs. Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to join our naturalists in Zodiacs amid the ice. Later we head to the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, where there is an opportunity for optional flightseeing. Bicycles are available for rides through town or join naturalists for a walk in the nearby bog. The ship remains at the dock until we’re called to dinner for a dungeness crab feast. (B,L,D)
- Day 4 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
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. We may also see sea lions hauled out and the majestic bald eagle. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up close exploration. (B,L,D)
- Day 5 — Glacier Bay National Park
We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers 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, Steller's sea lions and puffins are some of the creatures we may observe in these icy waters. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. (B,L,D)
- Day 6 — Point Adolphus and Inian Pass
Hike, kayak and search for whales in the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored feeding area for humpback whales. Keep watch on deck with our marine mammal experts. Under the right conditions, we'll lower the ship's hydrophone to listen in on the whale's communication. After some thrilling whale watching, we'll cruise Inian Pass in search of playful sea otters. (B,L,D)
- 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. This area is home to the highest density of nesting bald eagles in the world, so sightings are very common. If conditions permit, we'll do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. (B,L,D)
- Day 8 — Sitka/Disembark Ship/Seattle
After breakfast we disembark in Sitka, southeastern 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. Gaze up at the grand totem poles that line the wooded trails through Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have close views of species normally seen at a distance in the wild — bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. After our visit, we’ll drive to the airport for our afternoon flight to Seattle. (B)
Dates & Rates
Book by June 30, 2012 and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on select May & June 2013 departures.
| National Geographic Sea Bird / Sea Lion | Cabin Categories | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| May 12*, 13*, 19, 20, 26* 27* | $5,990 | $6,790 | $7,890 |
| June 2, 3, 9*, 10*, 16, 17, 23*, 24*, 30 | $5,990 | $6,790 | $7,890 |
| July 1, 7*, 8*, 14, 15, 21*, 22*, 28, 29† | $5,990 | $6,790 | $7,890 |
| August 4*, 5*†, 11, 12, 18*, 19*, 25†, 26† | $5,990 | $6,790 | $7,890 |
| 2013 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| May 11*, 12*†, 19†, 25*, 26* | $5,990 | $6,990 | $7,990 |
| June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 | $5,990 | $6,990 | $7,990 |
| July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | $5,990 | $6,990 | $7,990 |
| August 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 | $5,990 | $6,990 | $7,990 |
*Reverse itineraries
†Photography-themed sailings
Included in Cruise Fare
- 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, special access permits
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available)
- Gratuities (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew)
- Taxes and service charges
- Services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff
Not Included in Cruise Fare
- 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, and laundry
- Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
Cruise Reviews
- National Geographic Sea Bird - August 2011
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The trip was extraordinary, beyond our expectations. The staff and crew on the ship couldn't have been more helpful and professional, and we were very sad at the end to separate from them. I was ready to stow away for another week! All the naturalists were so knowledgeable and went out of their way to answer any questions and give complete explanations for what we were seeing. We ended up feeling as though we had made many new friends. In fact, I coincidentally discovered that an old high school friend was on the ship with her family and we had a delightful time getting reacquainted.
- National Geographic Sea Lion - June 2011
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Our trip to Alaska was wonderful in every way. To put this comment into perspective: this was our 7th trip to Alaska, and it is tied for first place on the list. (The other 1st place trip was a totally different kind of experience and therefore impossible to compare.) Another perspective is that I previously had 5 of what I call "trips of a lifetime", and to include this one, I am either going to have to go to 6 or bump another trip from my list of favorites.
- National Geographic Sea Bird - June 2011
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It was OUTSTANDING! You would not believe how perfect the weather was… We had less than an hour of rain in a whole week! (It rained some at night, but not when we were awake.) The glaciers were awesome. Wow. We also had unbelievable “luck” with animals. Spent 3-4 hours watching humpbacks bubble-net feed, saw porpoise, sea otters, bears, lots of bald eagles, mountain goats, sea lions (feeding!) and seals, tons of birds/ducks… and got a glimpse of orcas. Perhaps I’ve forgotten something, but you get the idea. The kids enjoyed it all immensely, even despite being quite short on sleep. (We all went to bed on Alaska time -3 hours earlier than home- and got up on home time! :0) Everyone is ready to go again.
Alaska's Southeast, Touring the Inside Passage - by Mike Miller - $17.95
Alaska By Cruise Ship - by Anne Vipond - $21.95
The Inside Passage to Alaska - by Art Wolfe - $22.95