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Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands

From AUD $5,087

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 Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores. Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.

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

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $8,387Category 01
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $10,079Category 02
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $11,384Category 03
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $12,897Category 04
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $14,613Category 05
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $6,619Category 01
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $8,057Category 02
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $9,137Category 03
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $10,393Category 04
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $11,820Category 05
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $5,087Category 01
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $6,267Category 02
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $7,160Category 03
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $8,201Category 04
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $9,370Category 05
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $9,179Category 01
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $9,821Category 02
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $10,507Category 03
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $12,612Category 04
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $13,881Category 05
15-10-202722-10-2027AUD $8,786Category 01
15-10-202722-10-2027AUD $9,400Category 02
15-10-202722-10-2027AUD $10,057Category 03
15-10-202722-10-2027AUD $12,071Category 04
15-10-202722-10-2027AUD $13,286Category 05
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $9,179Category 01
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $9,821Category 02
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $10,507Category 03
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $12,612Category 04
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $13,881Category 05
22-10-202729-10-2027AUD $8,786Category 01
22-10-202729-10-2027AUD $9,400Category 02
22-10-202729-10-2027AUD $10,057Category 03
22-10-202729-10-2027AUD $12,071Category 04
22-10-202729-10-2027AUD $13,286Category 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