This cruise has already sailed

7 Night Exploring Alaskas Coastal Wilderness Cruise from Sitka

Ship: National Geographic Venture

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 from Sitka, United States

Ended: Saturday, Aug 13, 2022

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 departure of the National Geographic Venture. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

Want to book National Geographic Venture
64 Departures. Starting from $3609

Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Aug 6, 2022

Sitka, United States

Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables you to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska. To begin your Alaska cruise, fly from Seattle to 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. 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. Gather for a welcome dinner this evening. (D)

Day 2 - Sunday - Aug 7, 2022

Coastal Navigation, United States

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 very common. If conditions permit, we'll do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Monday - Aug 8, 2022

Icy Strait Point, United States

Inian Islands, United States

Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, we'll lower the ship's hydrophone to listen in on the whales' communication. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Tuesday - Aug 9, 2022

Glacier Bay, United States

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 exhilarating 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. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us onboard to share the legend of the area. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Wednesday - Aug 10, 2022

Frederick Sound, United States

Cruising Chatham Strait, United States

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'll explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. 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 6 - Thursday - Aug 11, 2022

Petersburg, United States

Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small, true Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Explore a unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the "muskeg", with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flightseeing or bike riding. Enjoy a Dungeness crab feast this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Friday - Aug 12, 2022

Cruising Sawyer Glacier, United States

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. 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 expedition landing craft to provide unparalleled up close views of the glacier. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises and arctic terns. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Saturday - Aug 13, 2022

Juneau, United States

Disembark this morning in downtown 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. (B)