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Alaska's Inside Passage

  • 8 days aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird
  • Departures every Saturday and Sunday from May to August
  • Explore Alaska's remote wilderness with a team of experts
Request a ReservationClick to see dates

Expedition Details

Experience the remarkable beauty of southeastern Alaska on a voyage into a land of mist-shrouded fjords, tidewater glaciers, and islands teeming with wildlife. Sailing aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or the National Geographic Sea Bird, search for orcas and humpback whales, kayak around dramatic icebergs, spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park, and learn about Alaska's rich Native American heritage.

Our approach during this voyage is one of discovery. We take time to stop and explore this beautiful and intriguing land up close, in the company of expert naturalists who have an intimate knowledge of the region. Our small ship has the flexibility to take you ashore to places that few others see. The long days of summer allow for wildlife viewing well into the evening hours.

Trip Highlights

  • Sail aboard the comfortable 62-passenger expedition ship National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion, equipped with Zodiacs and sea kayaks.
  • Kayak into protected lagoons and look for sea otters, seabirds, and whales.
  • Hike through lush forest trails to cascading waterfalls, and take a Zodiac into sheltered coves where brown bears feed.
  • Watch for calving ice in the iceberg-laden waters of Glacier Bay National Park.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 — Seattle/Juneau, Alaska

Fly from Seattle to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska's natural history and cultures. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we embark the ship in the late afternoon.
National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird (D)

Day 2 — Tracy Arm Fjord

Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord where waterfalls cascade from towering, glacially carved walls. We maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye out for feeding bears on the shoreline and mountain goats on the cliffs above.
(B,L,D)

Day 3 — Petersburg

Discover the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen. A visit to Petersburg provides a glimpse of a true Alaskan town. There is an opportunity for optional flight-seeing via floatplane or helicopter over nearby LeConte Glacier (weather permitting) and for hikes on forest trails. Later, cruise out to look for whales in the southern part of Frederick Sound, or explore LeConte Bay, a virtual sculpture garden of grounded icebergs.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters often make for great whale watching. Look for Steller sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands that dot the channels. Take a walk with naturalists along a quiet forest trail or kayak in the tiny coves in this area. Meet Fred Sharpe to learn about his work with the Alaska Whale Foundation—supported by a grant from the Lindblad/National Geographic Fund—which has recently made some fascinating discoveries about the region's marine mammal population.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Point Adolphus/Chichagof Island

Look for humpback whales at Point Adolphus, a favored feeding area. Then cruise along the northern coastline of Chichagof Island and find playful sea otters. Keep an eye out for eagles, which are commonplace in the surrounding Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Spend the day exploring magnificent Glacier Bay, where enormous glaciers flow from the ice fields far above. Watch and hear glaciers calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near islets that are home to seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, and look for humpback whales and orcas. Walk ashore among towering spruce trees and meadows of wildflowers.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Exploring Alaska's Islands, Bays, and Fjords

Beachcomb, hike forest trails, explore by kayak, or cruise along Admiralty Island, where the massive brown bear is found, along with perhaps the world's highest density of nesting bald eagles. If conditions permit, explore the coastlines of some remote islands by kayak. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — Sitka/Seattle

After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a striking testament to Alaska's roots prior to the U.S. purchase of the territory from Russia. Then explore Sitka National Historical Park, where totem poles line serene wooded trails. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Seattle.
(B)

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Expedition Team

Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.

Kim Heacox

Kim HeacoxWriter, photographer, and conservationist Kim Heacox has lived in Alaska for 25 years and has written four books for National Geographic. He spends much of his time writing about and photographing life in earth's Arctic regions.

Kim will join the following departures:

Jul 10 - 17, 2011 • Jul 17 - 24, 2011

See other experts »

Photo Gallery

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Lindblad/National Geographic Logo

This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.

Expedition Dates

2011
  • May 01 - 08, 2011 [SB]
  • May 07 - 14, 2011 [SL]
  • May 08 - 15, 2011 [SB]
  • May 14 - 21, 2011 [SL]
  • May 15 - 22, 2011 [SB]
  • May 21 - 28, 2011 [SL]
  • May 22 - 29, 2011 [SB]
  • May 28 - Jun 04, 2011 [SL]
  • May 29 - Jun 05, 2011 [SB]
  • Jun 04 - 11, 2011 [SL]
  • Jun 05 - 12, 2011 [SB]
  • Jun 11 - 18, 2011 [SL]
  • Jun 12 - 19, 2011 [SB]
  • Jun 18 - 25, 2011 [SL]
  • Jun 19 - 26, 2011 [SB]
  • Jun 25 - Jul 02, 2011 [SL]
  • Jun 26 - Jul 03, 2011 [SB]
  • Jul 02 - 09, 2011 [SL]
  • Jul 09 - 16, 2011 [SL]
  • Jul 10 - 17, 2011 [SB]
  • Jul 16 - 23, 2011 [SL]
  • Jul 17 - 24, 2011 [SB]
  • Jul 23 - 30, 2011 [SL]
  • Jul 30 - Aug 06, 2011 [SL]
  • Jul 31 - Aug 07, 2011 [SB] (waitlist only)
  • Aug 06 - 13, 2011 [SL]
  • Aug 13 - 20, 2011 [SL]
  • Aug 14 - 21, 2011 [SB]
  • Aug 20 - 27, 2011 [SL]
  • Aug 21 - 28, 2011 [SB]
  • Aug 27 - Sep 03, 2011 [SL]
  • Aug 28 - Sep 04, 2011 [SB]

Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary .

[SL] National Geographic Sea Lion
[SB] National Geographic Sea Bird

Expedition Costs

2011 All
2011
Prices for the 2011 season.
Category 1
 		$5,990
Category 2
 		$6,790
category 3
 		$7,890

« 2010 costs

View Ship/Deck Plan Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2010, add $2,820 in Category 1 and $3,240 in Category 2. For a single cabin in 2011, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,400 in Category 2.

Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from Seattle to Juneau, and return from Sitka, is $600 (subject to change).

Special Offer

Book by October 29, 2010 and receive $500 off per person plus complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska on the May 7, 8, 14, 21, and 22, 2011 departures.
-OR-
On the May 28 and 29 and June 4 and 5, 2011 departures, receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska.

Request a ReservationClick to see dates
Your participation in a National Geographic Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.