By special invitation, visit the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. Sail the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, rich with marine life, including whales and dolphins. Spend a full day among the towering glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park. Walk in silent old-growth forests, kayak in secluded coves, and search for foraging bears and soaring eagles in mist-shrouded fjords.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Sitka Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the early afternoon and embark National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew. Meals Included: Dinner
By special park permit, spend a full day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Then, experience the active wildlife of the Inian Islands by Zodiac, or hike and kayak Chichagof Island. Later, cruise through Icy Strait in search of marine mammals, perhaps lowering the hydrophone to listen for whale communications. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, explore the forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest by kayak or Zodiac. Go ashore to visit the charming fishing village of Petersburg, and explore the surrounding area on a forest walk or enjoy an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. Cruise and kayak past the glacially carved cliffs of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm–both spectacular fjords that are home to orcas and harbor seals. See the soaring Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier up close, and take a Zodiac cruise for unparalleled views of sculpted iridescent icebergs. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With very special permission, we explore the islands of Haida Gwaii, including the incredible Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. We are joined by a Haida interpreter for our days among the islands, wildlife, and cultural sites. In the Haida ancestral town of Old Massett, we are invited into the home of a local carver for a feast of traditional foods and dance. Meet Haida artists and see their workshops. Visit the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and their renowned artwork, a spiritual endeavor. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay in the village of Ninstints, and kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands in Gwaii Haanas. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail southward along steep and rugged coastline looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer, and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak among the many bays and inlets. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia: Alert Bay, home of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. 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 stop to 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.” Sail south through scenic Johnstone Strait, offering stunning views and extraordinary marine mammals and bird-watching opportunities. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise amid the lush Gulf Islands that dot the Strait of Georgia, situated between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These waters are a nature lover's paradise. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and an array of seabirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
After breakfast disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all western Canada. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Vancouver Meals Included: Breakfast
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.
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Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition
Length: 52 metres
Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins)
Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015
Nimble, reliable, and built for discovery, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird are twin expedition ships expertly crafted to explore the wild and remote coastlines of North and Central America. Designed with shallow draughts and a compact size, these U.S.-flagged vessels can access places that larger ships simply cannot—slipping into narrow channels teeming with whales, anchoring in secluded bays ideal for snorkelling and kayaking, and edging close to waterfalls and rugged landscapes. With only 62 guests on board each ship and a warm, welcoming crew of 30, the atmosphere remains informal and intimate, fostering a close-knit sense of shared adventure.
Both ships offer 31 outside cabins across three decks, along with inviting public spaces such as a lounge with a full-service bar, a library, and a partially covered sundeck with ample seating. Dining is enjoyed in a relaxed, single-seating arrangement with no assigned tables, and menus highlight sustainable and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Guests can make use of a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for immersive exploration, while an “open bridge” policy allows them to interact with the Captain and crew, learning about navigation first-hand. Often described as reminiscent of Cousteau’s Calypso, these ships embody the spirit of true expedition cruising with modern comfort and deep engagement with the natural world.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.