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Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

From AUD $12,260

Description

Linger in the temperate rainforests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to explore the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska. Experience the region’s wildness and culture over 14 days as you learn all the facets of ancient and modern life. See First Nations performances in Alert Bay, Canada; interact with the Kwakwaka’wakw people; and visit the charming provincial capital of Victoria—and sail in waters where killer whales gather to hunt in Johnstone Strait.

Trip Name
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform 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. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Seattle / Embark
Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: San Juan Islands, Washington
Spend a full day exploring the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes and by kayak. Search for killer whales. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: 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, take a historical stroll through Old Town, or discover James Bay on an architecture tour. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at The Bateman Gallery while taking in the incredible collection of paintings by famed wildlife artist Robert Bateman. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Gulf Islands
Located in the Strait of Georgia, between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands are a kayaker’s paradise. Explore the myriad islets and rocky coasts and keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of sea birds, shore birds and birds of prey. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Visit the Big House in the First Nations village of Alert Bay, Canada and learn from the Kwakwaka'wakw people as they perform traditional dances of their ancestors. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6-7: Inside Passage of British Columbia
Cruise northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 8: Misty Fiords, Alaska
Cruise past towering, glacially-carved cliffs and meandering waterfalls and kayak in the still forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 9: Petersburg
Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small, fishing village of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail and explore the unique Southeast Alaskan muskeg ecosystem, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Later, enjoy an evening crab feast. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 10: Tracy Arm-Ford’s 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 Zodiac cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 11: Glacier Bay National Park
Via special park permit, spend the entire day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness. Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice calving into the sea. A National Park Ranger and a native Tlingit interpreter join us to share the lore and legend of the area. Wildness abounds! (B,L,D)
Day 11 - DAY 12: Inian Islands / Icy Strait
Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - DAY 13: Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island
Spend a full day kayaking, hiking, and searching for bubble net feeding or breaching humpback whales. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - DAY 14: Sitka / Disembark / Home
Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-05-202419-05-2024AUD $14,400Category 1
06-05-202419-05-2024AUD $15,340Category 2
06-05-202419-05-2024AUD $16,250Category 3
06-05-202419-05-2024AUD $17,430Category 4
06-05-202419-05-2024AUD $18,750Category 5
08-09-202421-09-2024AUD $14,700Category 1
08-09-202421-09-2024AUD $15,630Category 2
08-09-202421-09-2024AUD $16,570Category 3
08-09-202421-09-2024AUD $17,770Category 4
08-09-202421-09-2024AUD $19,120Category 5
27-04-202510-05-2025AUD $12,260Category 1
27-04-202510-05-2025AUD $13,180Category 2
27-04-202510-05-2025AUD $13,980Category 3
27-04-202510-05-2025AUD $14,970Category 4
27-04-202510-05-2025AUD $16,120Category 5 Suite
12-05-202525-05-2025AUD $13,090Category 1
12-05-202525-05-2025AUD $13,930Category 2
12-05-202525-05-2025AUD $14,780Category 3
12-05-202525-05-2025AUD $15,830Category 4
12-05-202525-05-2025AUD $17,030Category 5
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $15,130Category 1
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $16,090Category 2
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $17,070Category 3
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $18,300Category 4
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $19,700Category 5

Inclusions

    • Hike the San Juan Islands, and cruise where killer whales reliably gather each year to hunt among the numerous uninhabited isles’ remote inlets and bays
    • By special permit, sail into Glacier Bay National Park and pass a full day taking in the grand scale of the mountains, fjords, and active glaciers
    • Spend an afternoon strolling the streets of the 100-year-old town of Petersburg learning about its fishing industry and Norwegian heritage
    • In Misty Fjords National Monument, kayak along sheer, glacially carved cliffs and forested backwaters
    • In British Columbia explore along the shores of forested islands to see whales, dolphins, bears, and eagles

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