Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture. (D)

Spend a full day exploring the San Juan Islands via naturalist-led hikes and by kayak. Search for killer whales. (B,L,D)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Cruise past towering, glacially-carved cliffs and meandering waterfalls and kayak in the still forested backwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument. (B,L,D)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Spend a full day kayaking, hiking, and searching for bubble net feeding or breaching humpback whales. (B,L,D)

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)

Itineraries are subject to change.

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.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Passenger Capacity: 100

Built: 2017

National Geographic Venture is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to follow the seasons and uncover the wild beauty of North America’s west coast and Baja California. A sister ship to National Geographic Quest, she was constructed at the renowned Nichols Brothers shipyard in the Pacific Northwest, continuing a legacy of shipbuilding excellence that began with Sea Bird and Sea Lion in the 1970s. Carrying 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins, Venture offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and expedition-ready design, with a shallow draught that allows for access to hidden coves, narrow inlets, and wildlife-rich waters.

On board, guests enjoy spacious public areas including a lounge with bar and presentation space, a dining room with open seating, a Global Gallery, fitness centre, and a furnished sundeck. A mudroom with lockers keeps expedition gear handy, while the open Bridge invites guests to learn from the Captain and crew. With twin Zodiac platforms for efficient embarkation, Venture is ideally suited for spontaneous wildlife encounters and exploration by paddleboard or kayak. Her design, informed by over 50 years of expedition expertise, ensures an immersive, flexible, and unforgettable experience at sea.