Experience the remarkable beauty of southeast Alaska on a voyage aboard the Sea Lion or one of our new vessels, the Quest or  Venture. Discover a rugged landscape of mist-shrouded fjords, tidewater glaciers, and islands teeming with wildlife—from bald eagles and brown bears to orcas and humpback whales. Kayak into secluded inlets and around dramatic icebergs, spend a full day in spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, and learn firsthand about Alaska’s rich Native American heritage.

Highlights:

• The National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, and National Geographic Sea Lion are each equipped with a fleet of expedition landing craft and kayaks, allowing for in-depth exploration of icebergs, calving glaciers, and hidden coves.
• Glimpse Alaska’s seldom-seen marine life alongside our undersea specialist, and listen to communication among whales with the ship’s hydrophone.
• Hear a Tlingit cultural interpreter share the oral lore of Alaska’s indigenous populations.
• Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the behaviors of the area whale population.

Day 1 — Juneau, Alaska
Arrive in Juneau. Meet our naturalists and visit the newly constructed Alaska State Museum—home to an impressive collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. Tour downtown Juneau, and settle into your cabin before dinner. Later, explore the port of Juneau on your own.
Meal: Dinner

Day 2 — Tracy Arm Fjord—Fords Terror Wilderness
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. See the soaring South Sawyer or Dawes Glacier up close, and take a cruise in an expedition landing craft for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, and arctic terns.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Petersburg
Search for humpback whales as we head toward the small Alaska town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen. Explore Southeast Alaska’s muskeg, an area with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for bike riding or optional flightseeing (weather permitting). Enjoy a crab feast for dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters often offer great whale watching. Look for Steller sea lions stretched out on the rocky islands that dot the channels, and take a walk with naturalists along a quiet forest trail or kayak in the area's tiny coves. Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation—whose work is supported by a grant from the Lindblad Expeditons-National Geographic Fund—and discuss some of their recent discoveries about the region's marine mammal population.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Icy Straits and Inian Pass
Cruise among the Inian Islands, home to an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for marine mammals in the rich waters off Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, we’ll lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on the whales’ communication.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 — Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

By special permit, explore Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve today. See glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge, and observe them calving—when tons of ice crash into the sea. Wilderness abounds—mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to discuss indigenous culture, and a National Park Service ranger will offer insights on the natural world.

Please note: The 2019 National Geographic Sea Lion departures have a modified itinerary and do not visit Glacier Bay National Park. Instead, guests will have an opportunity to explore the rarely visited outer bays—either Dundas Bay or Fern Harbor—where they will have the opportunity to go on naturalist-led hikes in search of wildlife, kayak into secluded coves, or cruise around sea stacks on expedition landing crafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 — Exploring Alaska's Islands, Bays, and Fjords
Today, nature is our guide. We may explore an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools and beachcomb, hike stunning forest trails, or see bear tracks worn into the soil while walking through an isolated meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we’ll go kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 — Sitka/Seattle
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. At the Alaska Raptor Center, get an up-close view of species normally seen at a distance. Drive to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

Call us for latest pricing and seasonal availability.

TOUR CODE: NG