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Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

From AUD $7,554

Description

Discover the pristine wilderness, First Nations history, and seaside communities of the Pacific Northwest. Trace the coast from Seattle to British Columbia to explore isolated coves and archipelagos by kayak and Zodiac, and venture ashore to hike through misty forests. Explore among lush Islands, keeping an eye out for marine mammals and bald eagles; visit picturesque coastal towns; and learn about the native cultures that call this region home.

Trip Name
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 100 Built: 2017 National Geographic Venture is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to follow the seasons and uncover the wild beauty of North America’s west coast and Baja California. A sister ship to National Geographic Quest, she was constructed at the renowned Nichols Brothers shipyard in the Pacific Northwest, continuing a legacy of shipbuilding excellence that began with Sea Bird and Sea Lion in the 1970s. Carrying 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins, Venture offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and expedition-ready design, with a shallow draught that allows for access to hidden coves, narrow inlets, and wildlife-rich waters. On board, guests enjoy spacious public areas including a lounge with bar and presentation space, a dining room with open seating, a Global Gallery, fitness centre, and a furnished sundeck. A mudroom with lockers keeps expedition gear handy, while the open Bridge invites guests to learn from the Captain and crew. With twin Zodiac platforms for efficient embarkation, Venture is ideally suited for spontaneous wildlife encounters and exploration by paddleboard or kayak. Her design, informed by over 50 years of expedition expertise, ensures an immersive, flexible, and unforgettable experience at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Seattle / Embark Ship
Arrive in Seattle, Washington state's largest city, and embark National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture.Arrival time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time.Arrival city: Seattle, WA
Day 2 - Day 2 Victoria, British Columbia
Clear into Canada in the charming city of Victoria and choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, stroll through Old Town or peruse the collections at local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria while taking in their wide-ranging collection.
Day 3 - Day 3 Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It’s easy to understand why, with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak there are many isolated bays to poke into and islets that beckon for exploration. On land there are meadows and forest trails for hiking.
Day 4 - Day 4 Johnstone Strait / Alert Bay
Sail through Johnstone Strait, a waterway cut through a magnificently wild and scenic area of mountains and islands. These ocean waters are also home to extraordinary marine mammals and bird watching. Today, visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia. Alert Bay on Cormorant Island has been, and continues to be, the home of the Kwakwaka’wakw people and a center for the living culture found throughout the Northwest Coast. 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, 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.”
Day 5 - Day 5 Exploring the Gulf Islands
Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. Take your pick of perfect spots to hike and search for wildlife.
Day 6 - Day 6 Friday Harbor
Explore Friday Harbor, a picturesque town on San Juan Island. Visit the Whale Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork and whale skeletons. Stop in at small shops and galleries.
Day 7 - Day 7 Exploring the San Juan Islands
Visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by Zodiac and hiking. Walks with your expert staff will familiarize you with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coast region. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Day 8 Seattle / Disembark Ship
Disembark National Geographic Venture and transfer to the airport for flights home.Departure time: Depart after 11:30 a.m. local time.Departure city: Seattle, WA
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

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03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $0Category 01
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10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $0Category 01
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17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $0Category 05
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $0Category 01
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16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $0Category 01
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16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $0Category 03
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $0Category 04
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $0Category 05

Inclusions

    • Explore remote islands by kayak or on foot, watching for sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and white-sided dolphins
    • Glide into the sheltered waters of Desolation Sound, discovering its natural beauty by Zodiac, kayak, or paddleboard
    • Visit a cultural center in Alert Bay to see a collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka’wakw people
    • Search for humpbacks and orcas in British Columbia, and learn about local populations from a researcher for the Center for Whale Research
    • In lovely Victoria, tour private gardens, take a bike ride, and enjoy a private evening event at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Map