Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness Cruise

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Available Dates:

August 31 - September 7, 2025

8 days/7 nights

Itinerary Highlights

• Spend an entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park
• Witness waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls
• Look for brown bears, mountain goats, orca and humpback whales, puffins and Stellar sea lions, alongside an expert naturalist
• Hike in the wild remote areas of Tongass National Forest
  
• Witness the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs
  
• Search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait
  

Itinerary

Day 1: August 31 — Arrivals to Sitka: Arrive by 2:00 PM in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A member of Lindblad Expeditions team will transfer guests to the National Geographic Quest in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew. [Please note: NPCA encourages you to arrive a day early for an optional group trip to Sitka National Historical Park on the morning of August 30th.] (D)

Day 2: September 1 — Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords: Today, nature is our guide as we set forth to view wildlife with the flexibility to take advantage of weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to beachcomb, explore tide pools and hike stunning forest trails. We’ll 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. (B, L, D)

Day 3: September 2 — Icy Strait and the Inian Islands: We’ll explore among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside and search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait. Then we’ll choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common. (B, L, D)

Day 4: September 3 — Glacier Bay National Park: We’ll spend the entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. We’ll 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 also bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside. (B, L, D)

Day 5: September 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. (B, L, D)

Day 6: September 5 — Petersburg: We visit the small Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island today, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. We’ll explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch our legs with an optional bike ride around town. For dinner, we will enjoy a crab feast. (B, L, D)

Day 7: September 6 — Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness: We’ll start the day on a voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. We’ll see the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns. (B, L, D)

Day 8: September 7 — Juneau, Alaska / Disembark: After breakfast we disembark in Juneau. Take time to visit the local shops before exploring the newly constructed Alaska State Museum, with its sprawling collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. (B)

Please note: Activities are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond NPCA’s control.

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MORE INFORMATION: For full details on this trip, including inclusions, exclusions, accommodations, terms and safety protocols, please download the detailed trip brochure.

Download Detailed Trip Brochure ›

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