Exploring the southern regions of Southeast Alaska on our expedition is an unrivalled experience. Navigate narrow channels like Behm and Blake, Walker Cove in Misty Fjords, Eastern Passage, and Wrangell Narrows. Lower Zodiacs to explore places like Hole in the Wall State Marine Park on Prince of Wales Island and drop kayaks and paddleboards into salmon-studded waters to trace the rugged, wildlife-rich shorelines of Kupreanof and Kuiu Islands.


Highlights


• Leave the ship every day with active options for exploring Alaska's wildness up close

• Venture by Zodiac into a fjord choked with blue ice from Leconte or Baird Glacier and walk along the shoreline among the ice sculptures stranded on the beach

• Sail Behm Canal into Misty Fjords National Monument in search of humpbacks, killer whales and sea lions, then hike the moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce forest of nearby islands

• Visit a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs on remote Wrangell Island, or take a jet boat excursion up the Stikine River

• Whale-watch daily from the bow, keeping eyes peeled for orcas on the hunt

• Explore Ketchikan’s local port with its vast fleet and thriving commercial fishery

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Just north sits the Juneau Icefield, one of the world's largest non-polar masses and source of many glaciers. Transfer to downtown Juneau to visit the Alaska State Museum or explore the area before embarking our ship. (D)

Today we explore the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face, getting caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. Our experienced captain will read the ice and bring us as close as possible to the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. (B,L,D)

Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around our ship. Explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams as you learn about the rainforest ecosystem from our naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. (B,L,D)

This morning we arrive in the small town of Wrangell. The Tlingit and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Take an optional jet boat excursion up the Stikine River or explore town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and the Petroglyph Beach, home to the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. This afternoon we cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell island where other ships rarely venture. (B,L,D)

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of cloud drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as we cruise through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of forested slopes on Revillagigedo Island. Its many monikers, from "salmon capital of the world" to "rain capital of Alaska," capture the spirit of this city, famous for colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view the priceless collection of 19th-century totem poles. (B)

Itineraries are subject to change.

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$8,161 AUD pp
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$8,330 AUD pp
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$7,919 AUD pp
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Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

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$5,829 AUD pp
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$5,893 AUD pp
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$7,743 AUD pp
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Main Deck #300-305 - Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window.

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$7,907 AUD pp
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$8,071 AUD pp
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$7,671 AUD pp
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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.

Cabin layout for National Geographic SeaBird & SeaLion

Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)

Exclusions


• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
6 Days from
$972 AUD per day

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0800 945 3327

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