Alaska’s Inside Passage

TRAVELER FAVORITE

8 DAYS FROM $7,200

• Get up close to icebergs and wildlife, exploring by kayak and Zodiac. • Learn about the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit from a native cultural heritage guide. • Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the local pods.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAY 1 I JUNEAU, ALASKA Arrive in Juneau. Meet our naturalists and visit the Alaska State Museum—home to an impressive collection of natural and cultural artifacts. Tour downtown Juneau before embarking our ship. National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage Meals: 1D DAY 2 I TRACY ARM—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 a Zodiac for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, and arctic terns. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 3 I PETERSBURG Search for humpback whales as we head toward the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than a hundred years ago by Norwegian fishermen. Explore Southeast Alaska’s muskeg, an area with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town, before enjoying a crab feast for dinner this evening. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 4 I FREDERICK SOUND AND CHATHAM STRAIT These waters often offer great whale watching. 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 (schedules permitting)—whose work is supported by a grant from the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund—and discuss some of their recent discoveries about the region's marine mammal population. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 5 I INIAN ISLANDS/ICY STRAIT Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an upwelling of undersea organisms attracts an abundance of marine life. 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 whale communications. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 6 I 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 here—mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and sea otters, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. A native cultural heritage guide joins us to discuss the Huna Tlingit’s ancestral homeland of Glacier Bay, and a National Park Service ranger will offer insights on the natural world. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 7 I ALASKA'S ISLANDS, BAYS, AND FJORDS Today, nature is our guide. We may explore an isolated beach to go beachcombing and peer into tide pools, 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: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8 I SITKA After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center, enjoying a close view of species normally seen at a distance. Then take a walk in Sitka National Historic Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Later, drive to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 1B

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GLOBAL EXPLORERS PROGRAM

Young travelers are invited to participate in the National Geographic Global Explorers Program. Developed with National Geographic Education, this hands-on program teaches kids and teens how to develop the attitude, knowledge, and skills of an explorer. Our certified field educators are trained to optimize the myriad learning opportunities found in Alaska. Kids of all ages will hone their observation skills and learn to capture and share their experiences through photographs, videos, maps, drawings, and more. With a range of activities to choose from, our program encourages young travelers to explore their own interests, whether it’s marine biology or photography.

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists will accompany this trip.

Tierney Thys Marine Biologist and Filmmaker National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys (2004) has received numerous grants from the Society for projects including satellite tracking marine megafauna and mapping connections between nature and human wellbeing.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered from May through September. All departures are family friendly and feature the National Geographic Global Explorers Program (see box at left). Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

SPECIAL OFFER: FREE airfare on select departures. Call for details.