Lindblad's Alaska
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Brown bear sitting in fast moving stream fishing

Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

On this 8-day Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness cruise, explore Southeast Alaska on an unrivaled experience, guaranteed of in-depth encounters with all its wonders. Their expedition ships are fully equipped with tools for exploration.

Do more than just see Alaska—be an active participant in all that it has to offer. Voyage into majestic fjords, come face to face with glaciers, and kayak along the coast in search of marine life. Learn about whale behavior and watch for breaching and spy-hopping humpbacks and orcas. Enjoy a full day immersed in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park with insights from a Tlingit cultural interpreter.

Highlights

  • Hike through lush forests and muskegs, kayak into secluded inlets, and cruise by Zodiac among electric blue icebergs and curious wildlife
  • By special permit, spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
  • If schedules permit, our conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation will come aboard to meet with us and speak about the local whale population
  • Discover Alaska’s seldom-seen, vibrant marine life revealed by our undersea specialist

Every day is active and engaging

You’ll have the opportunity to hike over spongy earth on trails used by bears for centuries or along boardwalks built over bogs and winding through forests. You’ll take expedition landing craft past floating icebergs for closer looks at glaciers, and each day you’ll have the option to walk or kayak, and to join a different naturalist as you choose: there are no assigned groups.

Encounter iconic and abundant wildlife

Brown bears. Humpback whales. Orcas. Steller sea lions. Bald eagles. Sure-footed mountain goats on steep cliffs. The wildlife of Alaska is legendary—see it in abundance.

Travel in excellent company

Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, five veteran naturalists, including a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist, plus a wellness specialist––the largest and most knowledgeable expedition team in Alaska. Their knowledge and passion for Alaska is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

About Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

8 day / 7 night —
Juneau to Sitka, Alaska or reverse
From: $6,232

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Itinerary

Each week aboard is crafted to offer you the most in-depth experience of Alaska possible. Flexibility is a hallmark of our expeditions, and often the day-by-day itinerary will change when we take advantage of a sighting of a pod of orcas or linger on shore to watch a brown bear sow and her cubs forage. An extraordinary visit to Alaska is a guarantee.

Note: Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables you to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

Day 1 — Juneau, Alaska/Embark Ship

Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew. Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 — Tracy Arm Fjord—Fords Terror Wilderness

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in an expedition landing craft for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 — Petersburg

Visit the small, true Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may 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 will explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, we have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

Explore among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside. We will search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 — Glacier Bay National Park or Outer Bays

Spend the entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Witness glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them calving, when tons of ice separate and crash into the water accompanied by a 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 on board to share the indigenous history of the area. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 — Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords

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 common. If conditions permit, we will do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 — Sitka / Disembark Ship / Seattle

After breakfast, disembark in Sitka—Southeast 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, enjoy up-close views of species normally seen at a distance in the wild, such as bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Seattle. Meals Included: Breakfast

Exploring Alaska Coastal Wilderness Itinerary Map


Dates & Rates


DatesShipDirection12345
Saturday, May 11, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$6,232$7,048$7,464$8,296$9,176
Saturday, May 18, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$6,232$7,048$7,464$8,296$9,176
Sunday, May 19, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$6,232$7,048$7,464$8,296$9,176
Saturday, May 25, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$7,790$8,810$9,330$10,370$11,470
Sunday, May 26, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$6,232$7,048$7,464$8,296$9,176
Saturday, June 1, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$7,948$8,989$9,520$10,581$11,704
Sunday, June 2, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$7,948$8,989$9,520$10,581$11,704
Saturday, June 8, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$7,948$8,989$9,520$10,581$11,704
Sunday, June 9, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$7,868$8,818$9,333$10,373$11,474
Saturday, June 15, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$7,948$8,989$9,520$10,581$11,704
Sunday, June 16, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$7,868$8,818$9,333$10,373$11,474
Saturday, June 22, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$7,868$8,818$9,333$10,373$11,474
Sunday, June 23, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$7,948$8,989$9,520$10,581$11,704
Saturday, June 29, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585
Sunday, June 30, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585
Saturday, July 6, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$8,114$9,177$9,718$10,802$11,947
Sunday, July 7, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$8,030$9,175$9,711$10,793$11,938
Saturday, July 13, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$8,114$9,177$9,718$10,802$11,947
Saturday, July 20, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$8,114$9,177$9,718$10,802$11,947
Saturday, July 27, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$8,114$9,177$9,718$10,802$11,947
Sunday, July 28, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$8,030$9,175$9,711$10,793$11,938
Saturday, August 3, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$7,790$8,980$9,510$10,570$11,690
Sunday, August 4, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$8,030$9,175$9,711$10,793$11,938
Saturday, August 10, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$7,790$8,980$9,510$10,570$11,690
Sunday, August 11, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585
Saturday, August 17, 2024NG VentureSitka to Juneau$7,790$8,980$9,510$10,570$11,690
Sunday, August 18, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585
Saturday, August 24, 2024NG VentureJuneau to Sitka$7,790$8,980$9,510$10,570$11,690
Sunday, August 25, 2024NG QuestSitka to Juneau$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585
Sunday, September 1, 2024NG QuestJuneau to Sitka$7,868$8,898$9,424$10,474$11,585

Listed prices is per person based on double occupancy.

Included

  • Accommodations aboard ship
  • Meals as indicated
  • Excursions
  • Services of Lindblad expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides
  • Use of kayaks; park and entrance fees
  • All port charges and service taxes

Not Included

  • Air transportation
  • Voyage DVD
  • Personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.
  • Discretionary tips to Naturalist staff and crew

The Ships

National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest
National Geographic Quest is the perfect ship to explore from the northern reaches of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Quest achieves some other notable firsts. She is the first ship in our fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear. Comfortably accommodating 100 guests, her twin expedition craft landing platforms allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring.
View ship details

National Geographic Venture

National Geographic Venture
National Geographic Venture is the perfect ship to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage and beyond. Comfortably accommodating 100 guests, National Geographic Venture has a shallow draft depth, allowing us to navigate the inner reaches and provide the same intimate experiences of the charismatic regions we explore. Her twin expedition craft landing platforms allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, the purpose-built vessel also features open decks, generous windows, and specialty tools for exploration—the ideal platform for sailing into the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
View ship details


Videos

Don’t take our word for it. See for yourself the active adventure Alaska small ship cruise experience aboard three ships—including the brand new 100-guest National Geographic Quest.


Cruise Reviews

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
Average rating:  
 26 reviews
 by Greg and Sandy
A terrific trip!

We had a terrific trip! We awoke Sunday to whales bubble feeding and ended Friday evening with the ship surrounded by the largest pod of whales the captain had ever seen. 40-50 individuals would not be an exaggeration!

In between, we saw magnificent glaciers and spectacular rainforests. We observed mother brown bears with their cubs catching salmon, and saw a black bear feeding on seaweed. Sea lions were close enough to the zodiacs to make me nervous, and otters and bald eagles were frequently sighted.

The cabin was small but efficiently designed and comfortable. Best of all it was just a few feet away from the lounge coffee station, and as my body was four hours ahead of Alaska time, I was the first guest to partake in the morning. The food was very good. The crew was wonderful, well trained, personable, and fun to be around. They really cared about making your trip special.

The piece de resistance of the trip were the naturalists! They made the animals, plants and magnificent scenery so interesting. Pete and Gretchen Peterson are SUPERSTARS.

Thank you for your help with the planning of this wonderful trip. We will certainly recommend the trip, and you to anyone interested.

— Greg and Sandy, South Carolina

 by Mel and Meg
A great time was had by all

Here is our review of our experience on Lindblad’s new ship and visiting Alaska. We had been on the Sea Bird in Baja a few years ago so I knew the Lindblad ways and means.

We were thrilled to sail this boat as so many prior sailings were canceled due to some malfunction at putting it in the water. I know this is a benchmark spot for Lindblad as being their very first ship built for their purpose. That said…I don’t think it has gone as totally expected. (get to that later).

We had the most wonderful naturalists and crew. Their excitement was contagious. We saw many whales, some of the same we might have seen years ago in Baja. I would say we saw whales every day which I understand is unusual. Glacier Bay was pristine and gorgeous with cloudy skies which is best for photos. Enjoyed the expertise of the National Geo trained photographer on board, a nice added plus. Tracy Arm spectacular and Fords Terror tides amazing. Kayaking was great, jumping salmon at one point. Transfers and excursions all went without a hitch. Many crew who were experienced from prior boats and a mix of new youngins.

The ship itself is gorgeous with so many open spaces and windows galore. You feel you are inside outside. Windows in the dining room are appreciated for all meals, as it is never dark. Our cabin was lovely, a new feel and a modern and nice color palette. Heads and shoulders above the Sea Bird. We very much enjoyed the advanced technology of the Bridge explained to us by the Captain. Overall, a wonderful adventure in the wilds of Alaska.

Now the ship…I think it was missing a “punch list” after it was launched. I hear it is going into dry dock after the Alaska season which should fix things. The air conditioning is uneven throughout the ship. Some top-level cabins had water problems at one point. Some cabins I heard were very noisy. The food didn’t seem up to a level I remembered from our prior sailing. The elevator had problems. Some of the lounge seats were funky. Our shower water was uneven in temperature and pressure. These were all just minor annoyances like a new house. The Punch List needs to be fixed.

A great time was had by all. Thank you Linda for your help and friendship.

— Mel and Meg, Dallas Texas

 by Robin and Gloria
Good memories and lots of photos

Linda, we are back and so soon it was sadly over. Good memories and lots of photos. We made a reservation in Seattle to visit my sister and then flew up to Juneau and met the group. Transfers went perfectly on both ends.

The ship was lovely. Lots of little things that made it comfortable for us. Small areas to hang out, large areas to socialize. A comfortable chair to read my book in the evening between activities. The cabin was large enough for the two of us, Cabin 324, enough storage space, and good lighting. The bath was small but worked well. Enjoyed the pull out line for drying clothes. Food beyond expectation for such a remote area and small galley. They work magic in there.

We had good weather most of the time. Two days of drizzle but otherwise sun. Staff said we were fortunate for so much sun. We saw and we saw…when we thought we had seen it all the next day showed us we hadn’t. Whales, not too many up close which was a disappointment. I hoped to be squirted by one. Many eagles of all kinds, a few bears and all sorts of other sea and wildlife. My forever memory, I was in a kayak and watched a bear swim from island to island pretty much in front of me. Not close but close enough. The Naturalists are so knowledgeable and everywhere you want them to be. Anything someone asked got an answer either on the spot or after some research. One passenger we met was a chef and she would ask for the recipes. She said every morning under her door was the recipe from the night before that she had asked for. The staff goes so much out of their way to make all everyone comfortable. They add a whole added dimension to the experience.

As this was our first small ship, first time n Alaska, the first time with Lindblad, we were very very pleased with the whole experience. Linda, you prepared us well with your past experience. You had great patience with us as you knew we knew nothing when we first called you. We thank you … now to save enough for Galapagos with Lindblad.

— Robin and Gloria, Las Vegas

 by Martin and Vicki
impressive

We had unusually good weather. I think the most impressive aspect of the trip was the crew … they were knowledgeable, accessible, and personable. The entire trip was well organized. We were kept informed about every event both before and after. Guest speakers from the park service, the Tlingit tribe, and environmental advocacy groups came aboard in the evenings. The crew was attuned to wildlife sightings and altered the daily schedule to linger, observe, and educate.

One highlight was a group of seven whales bubble feeding. The captain maneuvered the ship to give us our best view and stayed in place for a very long time. The Zodiac trips were fun and brought us closer to floating ice, glaciers, and marine life. The only frustration was that land animals like bears and sheep were spotted infrequently and were so far away that only the folks with 400mm lenses got a good look. Generally, we were kept safe, happy, and well informed. The food was good and the newer ship was lovely.

Thank you, Linda.

— Martin and Vicki, North Carolina

 by R and K
Just got back from the most wonderful trip through Alaska

Just got back from the most wonderful trip through Alaska. This was one of those last-minute trips and we were so lucky that Whitney found a cancellation and were able to fit us on the ship.

We took the National Geographic/Lindblad, Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness trip on the National Geographic Quest in the middle of August. It was quite an adventure. Getting to our room was quite a unique experience. We were in cabin 202, which was right up at the bow of the boat and we kind of had our own private entrance to the room. Only downside of the whole trip was the fact that the stateroom was right next to the anchor, but somehow, even though it was loud, we were almost always out of the cabin and never heard it.

The food on the ship was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. It was nice to be able to meet new people every night and experience the different cuisines of the area, such as a crab feast! No saving seats, everyone mixes and mingles.

We started out at a hotel the night before the trip started at the Four Points Sheraton in Juneau. Right across where the ship docks. It was beautiful and just what we needed to do a little shopping and relaxing before we embarked on the ship. In the morning we set off on what we didn’t know yet, was going to be a trip of a lifetime. First place we went to was Tracy Arm Fjords. Lots of wildlife greeted us as we sailed around. The waterfalls and Glaciers were absolutely breathtaking.

Next day was Petersburg. Before we got there we saw some amazing humpback whales and watched as they played and we even saw one come straight out of the water. Breaching they called it, something they like to do apparently. Petersburg itself was a small quaint town that really gave us an insight into a true Alaskan village. Definitely not a place a big ship would stop so it was really wonderful to stop in a place off the beaten path that still holds the charm and history of the Alaskan natives. Then we were off sailing again and watching out for any wildlife we could see. Even saw a couple bears down by the water’s edge with their cubs, even though they were not so little.

Fast forward a day or two, Glacier Bay National park was one of our favorite. We got to get up close and personal with the Glaciers of the area, and even got to witness them Calving. That’s when a large chunk of ice falls off and crashed into the water. A remarkable sight to witness. We got to hear stories of the area by a true Alaskan Native, and were also joined by a park ranger to give us knowledge and history on the area. It was breathtaking.

The next day we got to get off the ship and explore the beaches and some of the smaller wildlife that you can’t see from the ship, like the tide-pools. We also got to examine some bear footprints which were larger than we thought they would be, compared to our tiny little footprints. Bald eagle sightings were everywhere, all day every day, which was fascinating to see them in their natural habitat. They are quite majestic when they fly.

Sitka was the last stop. This last day was quite bittersweet but it was a perfect way to wind down from a fantastically rich experience of wildlife and knowledge. It was a very Russian inspired port. We got to go to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, and got to get up close and personal with the bald eagles that we had only seen from afar on the trip. It was shocking to see how BIG they were in person.

All in all this was the most fantastic trip, and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

— R and K, Colorado

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