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Discovering Treasures of the Inside Passage

Discovering Treasures of the Inside Passage

From AUD $13,300

Description

Join the inaugural voyage of the newest ship in the National Geographic fleet on an in-depth exploration of the San Juan Islands, British Columbia, and Alaska. Linger in the temperate rain forests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to explore the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska. Plus, discover the cultural facets of this coast during captivating performances and interactions with the Kwakwaka’wakw people of Alert Bay.

An in-depth exploration of the San Juan & Gulf Islands plus British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Spend a full day in the San Juan Islands hiking and kayaking with naturalists and searching for killer whales. Explore some of the hundreds of uninhabited, remote inlets and bays of the Gulf Islands. In British Columbia you’ll kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines to see whales, dolphins, bears and more—plus observe a moving traditional First Nations performance in Alert Bay.

Explore Alaska’s National Parks and wilderness areas
By special permit you’ll sail into Glacier Bay National park and pass a full day taking in the grand scale of the park’s mountains, fjords, and active glaciers. In Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area you’ll be able to nose your expedition landing craft or kayak up to spectacular falls or hike over the lush green earth into the mist-shrouded mountainside. And in Misty Fiords National Monument you’ll be able to kayak along sheer, glacially-carved cliffs and forested backwaters.

Get a slice of Alaska life
Spend an afternoon strolling the streets of the 100-year-old town of Petersburg. You’ll find its charming Norwegian heritage evident, and you’ll get a firsthand look at a town supported largely by fishing the region’s productive waters. Visit the ships in port, walk the colorful downtown, stop for a pint in one of the town pubs, and enjoy an evening crab feast.

Travel in excellent company
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, veteran naturalists, including a 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.

Trip Name
Discovering Treasures of the Inside Passage
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 ship.
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.
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 water-front, take a historical stroll through Old Town or peruse the collections oat local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Robert Bateman Centre wile taking in the incredible collection of paintings.
Day 4 - DAY 4: Gulf Islands
Sail into British Columbia to kayak among forested islands and along wildlife-rich shorelines.
Day 5 - DAY 5: Alert Bay And Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
Observe a traditional First Nations performance in Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Center, and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
Day 6 - DAY 6-7: Inside Passage Of British Columbia
Head 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.
Day 7 - DAY 8: Misty Fiords, Alaska
Cruise past glacially-carved cliffs and kayak in the stillness of Misty Fiord’s forested backwaters.
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 ecosystem, the “muskeg,” with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Later, enjoy an evening crab feast.
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.
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 native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share the lore and legend of the area. Wildness abounds!
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 rich waters of Icy Strait.
Day 12 - DAY 13: Exploring Chichagof Island
Spend a full day searching for humpback whales in the rich waters off of Chichagof Island, kayak, hike and enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 13 - DAY 14: Sitka/Disembark/Home
Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire; walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, where totem poles line trails; and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Transfer to the airport for flights home.
Day 14 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $13,300Category 1
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $14,020Category 2
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $14,870Category 3
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $15,940Category 4
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $17,150Category 5
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $19,880Category 1 Single
02-05-202215-05-2022AUD $21,150Category 2 Single
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $16,250Category 4
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $17,490Category 5
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $20,270Category 1 Single
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $21,570Category 2 Single
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $13,570Category 1
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $14,290Category 2
04-09-202217-09-2022AUD $15,170Category 3
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $13,300Category 1
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $14,020Category 2
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $14,870Category 3
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $15,940Category 4
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $17,150Category 5
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $19,980Category 1 Single
08-05-202321-05-2023AUD $21,150Category 2 Single
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $13,570Category 1
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $14,290Category 2
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $15,170Category 3
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $16,250Category 4
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $17,490Category 5
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $20,270Category 1 Single
10-09-202323-09-2023AUD $21,570Category 2 Single

Inclusions

    • Explore the wild and sublimely tranquil San Juan and Gulf Islands
    • Observe a moving First Nations performance at the U’Mista Cultural Center
    • By special permit, spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park

Map