Day 1 - Tuesday - Sep 3, 2024
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 Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
Day 2 - Wednesday - Sep 4, 2024
| Captain's Choice, United States |
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Day 3 - Thursday - Sep 5, 2024
| Glacier Bay, United States |
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Day 4 - Friday - Sep 6, 2024
| Inian Islands, United States |
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Day 5 - Saturday - Sep 7, 2024
| Icy Strait Point, United States |
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By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share local Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history of the area. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak the Chichagof Island. Later, cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications.
Day 6 - Sunday - Sep 8, 2024
| Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States |
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With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm-both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs.
Day 7 - Monday - Sep 9, 2024
| Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States |
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Day 8 - Tuesday - Sep 10, 2024
| Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States |
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Day 9 - Wednesday - Sep 11, 2024
| Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States |
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Day 10 - Thursday - Sep 12, 2024
| Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada |
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With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional foods and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas.
Day 11 - Friday - Sep 13, 2024
| Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada |
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Day 12 - Saturday - Sep 14, 2024
| Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, United States |
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Sail southward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets.
Day 13 - Sunday - Sep 15, 2024
Visit the U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to watch traditional First Nations performances and learn about the art and culture of the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
Day 14 - Monday - Sep 16, 2024
| Cruising the Gulf Islands, Canada |
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Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Day 15 - Tuesday - Sep 17, 2024
After breakfast disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city and the major port for all western Canada. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home.
