19 minute read

Voyage to the Great Bear Rainforest

• Seek out the rare, white-furred Kermode “spirit bear,” only found in the Great Bear Rainforest. • Hear a cultural interpreter tell ancient legends of the region’s native people. • Spot orcas and humpbacks from the deck, and seek out grizzlies and black bears along the shore. 8 DAYS FROM $5,290

DAYS 1–2 I KETCHIKAN, ALASKA, U.S./ PRINCE RUPERT, CANADA Arrive in Ketchikan, then view the priceless collection of 19th-century Tlingit totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center. Embark our ship and voyage to Prince Rupert, where we’ll get immersed in First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia. National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage I Meals: 1B, 1L, 2D DAYS 3–6 I GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST Cruise into the spectacular fjords of British Columbia's Coast Mountains. Here, a cultural interpreter joins us on board to share the lore of the region’s indigenous people. We'll circumnavigate Gribbell Island to seek out the Kermode bear, a rare white-furred subspecies of black bear known as the spirit bear. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, including Gilttoyees Inlet and Owyacumish Bay. Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAY 7 I GRENVILLE CHANNEL/LOWE INLET MARINE PROVINCIAL PARK Sail Grenville Channel, a narrow waterway that appears to fade into the surrounding scenery, and watch for orcas swimming alongside our ship. Explore Lowe Inlet Marine Provincial Park by Zodiac and kayak, and watch for black bears fishing for salmon in Verney Falls. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8 I KETCHIKAN, ALASKA, U.S. Disembark the ship in Ketchikan. Transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Meals: 1B

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic Fellow and large carnivore ecologist Rae Wynn-Grant will join the September 21, 2021 departure.

INFORMATION

2021 Dates: Sept. 7–14 | Sept. 14–21 | Sept. 21–28

See page 66 for the ship description and deck plan. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $7,940. Airfare is not included in the price.

Book by December 31, 2020 and receive FREE roundtrip airfare between Seattle and Ketchikan on select departures.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

TREASURES OF THE INSIDE PASSAGE: ALASKA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA

• Navigate narrow inlets on the lookout for humpbacks, orcas, and bears. • By special permission, spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. • Meet with members of a Kwakwaka’wakw indigenous community and attend a performance. 14 DAYS FROM $10,430

DAYS 1–7 I SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S./ SAN JUAN ISLANDS/VICTORIA, CANADA/ GULF ISLANDS/ALERT BAY/BRITISH COLUMBIA’S INSIDE PASSAGE Arrive in Seattle and embark our ship. Explore the San Juan Islands and the charming city of Victoria, and enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre. Kayak in search of seals and seabirds among the lush Gulf Islands, and watch a traditional performance by the Kwakwaka’wakw people in the village of Alert Bay. Continue north while exploring secluded inlets by kayak and on foot. National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage I Meals: 6B, 6L, 7D

DAYS 8–11 I MISTY FJORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, ALASKA , U.S./PETERSBURG/ TRACY ARM—FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS/ GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE Cruise amid the cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, and search for whales as we navigate to the fishing village of Petersburg. Enter the soaring fjords of Tracy or Endicott Arm, and board a Zodiac to glide among icebergs. By special permission, spend a day exploring the spectacular landscapes of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve alongside a Tlingit interpreter and a National Park Ranger. Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAYS 12–14 I INIAN ISLANDS/BARANOF OR CHICHAGOF ISLAND/SITKA Hike and kayak among the Inian Islands and explore either Baranof or Chichagof Island by foot and kayak. Disembark in Sitka to visit several fascinating sites, and then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. Glaciologist and geographer M Jackson will join the May 3, 2021 departure.

INFORMATION

2021 Dates: May 3–16 | May 9–22 | Sept. 11–24

See page 66 for the ship descriptions and deck plans. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $15,590. Airfare is not included in the price.

All departures are family friendly and are staffed by National Geographic–certified field instructors. See details on the National Geographic Global Explorers Program on page 13.

Book by December 31, 2020 and receive FREE one-way airfare from Sitka to Seattle (or vice versa) on all departures.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS VOYAGE

• Retrace Lewis and Clark’s trailblazing expedition through the Pacific Northwest. • Explore the shoreline of the stunning Palouse River by kayak or expedition landing craft. • Enjoy springtime blooms or fall foliage in Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge. 8 DAYS FROM $5,590

DAY 1 I PORTLAND, OREGON After boarding our ship, cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland, passing under the city’s 12 eclectic bridges. National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage I Meals: 1D

DAY 2 I ASTORIA Sail to the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria. Explore the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, where the explorers first sighted the Pacific in 1805. Enjoy views of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the north jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River. At the Columbia River Maritime Museum, learn about the history of navigation on the river. Venture into downtown Astoria and explore this historic city, the first permanent United States settlement on the Pacific coast. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAYS 3–4 I COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE/ HOOD RIVER Continue east on the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Deepening canyons signify the beginning of the 100-mile stretch known as the Columbia River Gorge. Spend two full days in the heart of the Gorge and nearby Hood River, located at the foot of majestic Mount Hood. Learn about the region’s natural and cultural history at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Hike up Beacon Rock, where Lewis and Clark first noted the effect of the ocean’s tides on the river on their way west. Enjoy the fruits of the valley’s orchards at a farm-to-table lunch; then choose to visit the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, home to one of the largest collections of stillfunctioning antique cars and planes in the country, or take in the stunning river vistas while walking through the twin Mosier Tunnels on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAY 5 I COLUMBIA RIVER/SNAKE RIVER Today we cruise through some of the most scenic stretches of the Columbia River, including the Columbia Plateau. Hear from our onboard geologist and naturalists about the cataclysmic floods and basalt lava flows that sculpted the landscape between 13,000 and 15,000 years ago. We then sail up the Snake River, the Columbia River's largest tributary, which is over a thousand miles long. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 6 I PALOUSE RIVER Explore the calm waters of the Palouse River—a tributary of the Snake River—by expedition landing craft or kayak (conditions permitting). Disembark for a closer look at the steep basalt cliffs and the 200-foot cascade of Palouse Falls. The surrounding canyon is part of the Channeled Scablands, geographical features carved by the periodic Missoula Floods that once swept across the region. Enjoy onboard talks by our naturalists, photograph stunning landscapes from the top deck, or unwind with a massage from our wellness specialist. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 7 I CLARKSTON, WASHINGTON Cruise past the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers at Clarkston, Washington. Named for William Clark, the city is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho— named for Meriwether Lewis. Travel by jet boat into spectacular Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge. As you zip across eddies and rapids, spot pictographs and petroglyphs created by the gorge’s first inhabitants, the Nez Perce tribe. Later, gather in the ship’s lounge to hear songs and stories performed by a local Nez Perce storyteller. In the evening, welcome a winemaker on board and sip local vintages while learning about the characteristics of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, the newest American Viticultural Area (eastbound departures only). Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 8 I CLARKSTON Disembark in Clarkston and transfer to Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington for your flight home. Meals: 1B

ADD TO YOUR EXPERIENCE APRIL SPRING BLOOM DEPARTURES

Instead of visiting Astoria, April departures will visit Walla Walla, Washington, where we will drive through bright, rolling green fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and the famous Walla Walla sweet onions. Enjoy a special lunch and tasting at one of the city’s celebrated wineries.

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Melissa Farlow will join the April 14 and 21, 2021 departures.

INFORMATION

2021 Dates: Apr. 14–21† | Apr. 21–28*† | Sept. 19–26 Sept. 26–Oct. 3 | Sept. 26–Oct. 3* | Oct. 3–10* | Oct. 3–10 Oct. 10–17* | Oct. 17–24 | Oct. 24–31*

*These departures follow the itinerary shown, but in the reverse order. †These departures follow a modified spring bloom itinerary. See the box at left. See page 66 for the ship descriptions and deck plans. Prices are per person, double occupancy, vary by cabin category, and are subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $8,390. Airfare is not included in the price.

Book by December 31, 2020 and receive a $500 AIR CREDIT on select departures. Call for details.

Lewiston History and Wine Tour Post-trip Extension | 2 days from $650 Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

BAJA CALIFORNIA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES

• Voyage to Bahía Magdalena to observe gray whales and their calves. • Explore with our naturalists, discovering sand dunes, a cactus forest, and deserted islands. • Go snorkeling amid sea lions, king angelfish, and brilliant blue damselfish. 8 DAYS FROM $6,270

DAYS 1–2 I LORETO, MEXICO/SAN CARLOS/ BAHÍA ALMEJAS/ISLA MAGDALENA Arrive in Loreto and transfer to San Carlos to board our ship. Awake in Bahía Almejas, where gray whales gather to breed. Glide past a frigatebird colony, and explore Isla Magdalena during a walk to one of the Pacific coast’s most pristine beaches. National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage I Meals: 1B, 1L, 2D DAYS 3–4 I BOCA DE SOLEDAD/BAHÍA MAGDALENA/HULL CANAL Transfer overland to Boca de Soledad and spend a full day observing gray whales. Later, set out by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or Zodiac to explore the coastal mangroves of the Hull Canal. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 5–6 I GORDA BANKS/CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK/LOS ISLOTES/ LA PAZ Arrive at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Snorkel coral reefs in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and swim among sea lions in the waters off Los Islotes. Step ashore at La Paz and learn about the history and culture of this colorful city. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 7–8 I SEA OF CORTEZ/LORETO Spend time on the lookout for whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; or venture to some of the many uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez. Disembark in Loreto to connect with your flight home. Meals: 2B, 2L, 1D

YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. A National Geographic Expert will join select departures.

INFORMATION

2022 Dates: Jan. 8–15* | Jan. 15–22 | Jan. 22–29* Jan. 29–Feb. 5 | Feb. 5–12* | Feb. 12–19 | Feb. 19–26* Feb. 26–Mar. 5 | Mar. 5–12*

*These departures follow the itinerary shown, but in the reverse order.

See page 66 for the ship description and deck plan. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $9,550. Airfare is not included in the price.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

EXPLORING THE SEA OF CORTEZ: SEA LIFE AND DESERT ISLES

• Cruise the Sea of Cortez to spot many whale species and pods of dolphins. • Explore sea caves by kayak or Zodiac, and snorkel among sea lions. • Meet researchers on Isla Raza and witness the nesting of thousands of Heermann’s gulls. 8 DAYS FROM $6,690

DAY 1 I LORETO, MEXICO Fly into Loreto and transfer to the ship to set sail on the Sea of Cortez. National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage I Meals: 1D

DAYS 2–7 I AT SEA/SEA OF CORTEZ Our route is designed with flexibility to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

ISLA SAN JOSÉ: Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island's eastern shore, hike an "enchanted" arroyo, or visit an abandoned salt works.

ISLA SAN MARCOS: Swim, snorkel, and kayak in a beautiful cove, and navigate the whale-rich waters near the mouth of Bahía Concepción.

BAHÍA DE LORETO: Search for blue and fin whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; explore one of the islands of Bahía de Loreto Marine Park; and enjoy a beach barbecue.

LOS ISLOTES AND ISLA SAN FRANCISCO: Snorkel with sea lions at Isla Los Islotes, and navigate the pink sea cliffs and half-moon bay of Isla San Francisco, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez.

DAY 8 I LORETO Disembark in Loreto and spend a day exploring this quaint seaside town. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 1B

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. Educator and marine biologist Tierney Thys will join the April 12, 2021 departure.

INFORMATION

2021 Dates: Apr. 12–19 | Dec. 19–26 Dec. 26, 2021–Jan. 2, 2022

See page 66 for the ship description and deck plan. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $9,990. Airfare is not included in the price.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

BAJA CALIFORNIA: A REMARKABLE JOURNEY

• Get up close with California gray whales, and search for sperm, blue, and fin whales. • Snorkel among sea lions, and kayak in turquoise bays beneath dramatic cliffs. • Take your photography to the next level with tips from a National Geographic photographer. 15 DAYS FROM $10,610

DAY 1 I LORETO, MEXICO/SAN CARLOS Arrive in Loreto and travel to the fishing community of San Carlos to board our ship. National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Sea Lion for the entire voyage Meals: 1D

DAYS 2–4 I BAHÍA MAGDALENA/ LAGUNA SAN IGNACIO Hop into Zodiacs to explore the beaches, inlets, and coves of Bahía Magdalena, home to frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, ibises, and a range of other bird species. Then spend time exploring the spacious bay of Laguna San Ignacio, where gray whales pause to birth and nurse their calves during their yearly migration. We will observe and photograph mother whales and their calves up close as they interact with one another or approach our Zodiacs to play “hide and seek.” Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D

DAYS 5–14 I AT SEA/SEA OF CORTEZ Travel south along the peninsula’s Pacific coast, then round the cape and arrive in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. With nature as our guide and cameras in hand, we'll explore the incredible desert islands scattered along the coast: Los Islotes, Isla Raza, and more. Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End, and choose to visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Snorkel among sea lions and colorful fish, kayak in turquoise bays edged by dramatic cliffs, and discover endemic flora and fauna on naturalist-led hikes. Meals: 10B, 10L, 10D

DAY 15 I LORETO Disembark in Loreto, tour the Loreto Mission, and then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 1B, 1L

YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. A National Geographic photographer or expert will join select departures. See website for details.

INFORMATION

2022 Dates: Mar. 14–28 Apr. 11–18 | Mar. 28–Apr. 11*

*This departure is aboard the National Geographic Venture and follows the itinerary shown, but in the reverse order.

These departures are designated as photography expeditions and accompanied by a National Geographic photographer. See our website for details.

See page 66 for the ship descriptions and deck plans. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $17,450. Airfare is not included in the price.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

SAILING THE CARIBBEAN

• Sail aboard the elegant Sea Cloud, once owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post. • Explore seldom visited Caribbean islands, including Dominica and Bequia. • Encounter sea turtles and a rainbow of tropical fish while snorkeling turquoise waters. 8 DAYS FROM $9,290

DAYS 1–2 I BARBADOS/AT SEA Arrive in Barbados and embark our exquisite ship. Relax with a book on deck, watch the sailors raise the sails in the morning, and attend talks by our experts. Sea Cloud for the entire voyage I Meals: 1B, 1L, 2D DAYS 3–4 I DOMINICA/ÎLES DES SAINTES Go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling in Dominica, known as the "nature island" for its spectacular beauty and protected reserves. Hike in a mountain rainforest where wildlife and birds abound, and discover waterfalls and hot springs created by active volcanoes. Join our historian to learn about Dominica’s turbulent colonial history at Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison. Explore the colorful main town of Terre-de-Haut in the Îles des Saintes, and visit Fort Napoléon, a 19th-century French barracks-turned-museum.

Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D DAYS 5–6 I THE GRENADINES Sail to the golden beaches and coral reefs of the Grenadines, and delve into the unique culture of Bequia Island, once home to a diverse group of seafarers, whalers, and buccaneers. Stroll the markets of Port Elizabeth, and snorkel or swim in secluded coves alongside sea turtles and tropical fish. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 7–8 I ST. LUCIA/BARBADOS Anchor under St. Lucia’s iconic twin peaks, Les Pitons. Visit the fishing port of Soufrière, explore the otherworldly landscape of St. Lucia’s active volcanic crater, and discover island wildlife on a nature walk to Diamond Falls. Disembark in Barbados and tour the island before flying home. Meals: 2B, 2L, 1D

YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists, will accompany this trip. A National Geographic photographer or expert will join select departures. See website for details.

INFORMATION

2022 Dates: Feb. 6-13 | Feb. 13-20 | Feb. 20-27 See page 68 for the ship description and deck plan. Price is per person, double occupancy, varies by cabin category, and is subject to change. Single-cabin pricing is from $13,940. Airfare is not included in the price.

NOW INCLUDED

We will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew.

Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

| MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE NORTH AMERICA |

EXPLORING BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

8 DAYS FROM $5,290 | DEPARTURES IN OCTOBER 2021 AND 2022

Discover the pristine coastal wilderness of British Columbia and the most remote of the San Juan Islands aboard the National Geographic Venture. Explore hidden coves and stunning archipelagos by kayak and Zodiac, and venture ashore to hike through misty forests. As we voyage from the lush San Juan Islands to the Gulf Islands to Vancouver, spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles; visit picturesque coastal towns; and learn about the native cultures that call this region home.

Call or visit our website for dates, itineraries, extensions, inclusions, and more.

FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO BAJA: SAILING THE PACIFIC COAST

12 DAYS FROM $7,930 | DEPARTURES IN DECEMBER 2021 AND 2022

Traveling aboard the National Geographic Venture, visit diverse nature reserves including Channel Islands National Park, the UNESCO-listed Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno, and the marine protected area of Cabo Pulmo National Park—and hear from conservationists working to protect these ecosystems. Sample the celebrated wines of Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe, glimpse Baja culture in sleepy and secluded coastal towns, and encounter the incredible wildlife for which the peninsula is renowned.

Call or visit our website for dates, itineraries, extensions, inclusions, and more.

Prices are per person, double occupancy, vary by cabin category, and are subject to change. Airfare is not included in the price. Call or visit our website for full itineraries, inclusions, and more.

From the Canadian Maritimes to the Sea of Cortez, set sail to discover pristine isles and nature reserves, dazzling marine life, and fascinating coastal cultures.

THE CANADIAN MARITIMES AND NEWFOUNDLAND

9 DAYS FROM $9,950 | DEPARTURES IN SEPTEMBER 2021 AND 2022

Trace the footsteps of Vikings, European explorers, and inventors on a special voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park and the remains of the 11th-century Viking village at L'Anse aux Meadows. Set foot on Saint-Pierre Island, part of France's oldest remaining overseas territory; and explore Cape Breton Island, the remote isles of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the rugged and breathtaking coast of Newfoundland.

Call or visit our website for dates, itineraries, extensions, inclusions, and more.

WILD BAJA ESCAPE: SERENITY AND SEA LIFE IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ

5 DAYS FROM $2,880 | DEPARTURES IN JANUARY 2022

Cruise the wildlife-rich Sea of Cortez, exploring secluded isles replete with natural wonders. Using the National Geographic Venture as your floating base camp, indulge in a variety of wellness activities on board and on shore. Join our naturalists on hikes across volcanic landscapes, and go on mindfulness walks along sugar-white sands. Snorkel waters harboring sea lions and colorful fish, skim turquoise seas in kayaks or Zodiacs, and spend your evenings sharing stories around a beach bonfire.

Call or visit our website for dates, itineraries, extensions, inclusions, and more.

This article is from: