small ship adventure cruises®Lindblad's Alaska
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small ship adventure cruises®
On this 15-day adventure between Sitka, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia, visit the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. Sail the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, rich with marine life, including whales and dolphins. Spend a full day among the towering glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. Walk in silent old-growth forests, kayak in secluded coves, and search for foraging bears and soaring eagles in mist-shrouded fjords.
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
15 days / 14 nights —
Seattle, WA to Sitka, AK
From: $10,024
or call us toll-free 1-888-815-5428
Arrive in Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. Embark the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion in the early evening and set out on your expedition. (D)
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. (B,L,D)
Sail through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities. Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the Northwest Coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia, and coppers. Then stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings, and values.” (B,L,D)
Sail northward 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. (B,L,D)
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 food and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay ‘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—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Enjoy a farewell dinner on our final night. (B,L,D)
Disembark after breakfast in picturesque Sitka on the western coast of Baranof Island. Schedules permitting, walk among Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Sitka National Historic Park and visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
| Dates | Ship | Direction | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,024 | $11,656 | $13,488 |
| Thursday, May 2, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Vancouver to Sitka | $13,189 | $16,210 | $19,157 |
| Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Sitka to Vancouver | $12,917 | $15,876 | $18,762 |
| Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Sitka to Vancouver | $12,657 | $15,000 | $17,354 |
| Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | Vancouver to Sitka | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
| Sunday, August 31, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | Sitka to Vancouver | $13,314 | $16,366 | $19,334 |
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | Sitka to Vancouver | $10,542 | $12,964 | $15,316 |
The twin 62-guest expedition ships offer the perfect platform for exploring Alaska. With a shallow draft, they can go where larger ships cannot, nosing up to waterfalls in secluded coves and venturing into narrow channels where humpback whales and orcas come to feed. The ships can accommodate accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The open bow and sundeck have ample space for all guests to stand together and share in the wildlife viewing experience.
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Don’t take our word for it. See for yourself the active adventure Alaska small ship cruise experience aboard National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion.
We both felt the expedition was wonderful. We were the first sailing of the season which lead to excitement with staff and passengers in itself. We sailed from Juneau to Sitka. Being the first sailing we were impressed by the knowledge and efficiency of the staff. No one seemed new, although I am sure some were.
We especially liked the cultural part of the cruise. We loved seeing the different cultures at Alert Bay, Haida Gwaii and then the Tlinget. Haida Gwaii was definitely the highpoint (not just its Unesco site). We had entry to two great carvers/artists homes and workspaces. We saw great dancing and the native people shared their food with us. We did not expect that and it really enriched our understanding of their culture. We especially liked when the native interpreters came on board to share with us their personal insights.
The naturalists on-board presentations were timely and pertinent to our itinerary. The nature walks, they led, were truly enjoyable and always informative. On board they were always approachable to answer our questions.
The crew was great. They took care to keep us safe, everywhere. I had a massage on-board to help with my twisted knee.
The photographic aspect of the expedition offered us several naturalists that were great photographers themselves and generously shared their skills with us. We especially enjoyed working with Mcduff Everton. We will treasure the photos of the trip and of ourselves, that he shared with us.
Food was fine, fresh, creative, generous portions, better than expected. The cabin,Sea Lion, lower twin beds, Category 2, were a little uncomfortable. We are used to our King bed at home, twins took some getting used to. Cabin was clean and fresh. Daily "maid" service was efficient and kept everything in order. Our "maid" had numerous jobs on the ship including servings in the dinning room.
The Zodiac rides were fast and fun. We even saw the northern lights which we were told was very unusual.
We are already considering future Lindblad expeditions and you will hear from us soon. Is there a specific destination that most people take after the Alaska experience? We were thinking Galapagos as a number of people on board were raving about their experience.
Tags: lindblad expeditions, national geographic
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