Explore Alaska on an active, exciting expedition to see the region’s iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact time frame of one work week. By special permission from the U.S. Forest Service, hike through forests of towering trees, kayak long routes deep into glacially carved fjords, and raft from an ancient Alaska native village—all with our nimble expedition ship as your moving base camp.


Highlights


• Explore Haines, the “adventure capital of Alaska,” via raft, bicycle, or hiking boot, and opt to soar over Glacier Bay National Park on a flightseeing tour.

• Cruise by Zodiac and kayak among abundant sea lions and search for whales in the Inian Islands

• Meet eagles at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center

• Seamlessly combine the experience with our southern Wild Alaska Escape itinerary and double the sights, sightings, and wildness on this most active of expeditions

• Whale-watch daily from the bow of our small ship, and witness breaching humpbacks and orcas on the hunt.

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take a walk in Sitka National Historical Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Later, embark the National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird. (D)

Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof Islands, both part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof Island harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines, and in the afternoon, go hiking through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees. (B,L,D)

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies. (B,L,D)

Haines is known as the “adventure capital of Alaska” for a very good reason. Many, in fact. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can choose from one of many world class hikes. Or cycle along the edge of a glacial lake. Or you may also choose to raft down the Chilkat River, calling into the ancient Chilkat Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation. The day is full of options. (B, L, D)

Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm–Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacially carved fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Disembark in downtown Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home, or to an optional land extension. (B)

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

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Category 1. From

$7,753 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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$8,161 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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Category 1. From

$8,161 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$7,753 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$8,603 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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Category 1. From

$8,603 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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$8,330 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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Category 1. From

$8,171 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$7,753 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$8,603 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$8,171 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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$7,919 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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$7,521 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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$7,363 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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Category 1. From

$7,521 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$7,363 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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$7,377 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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Category 1. From

$7,377 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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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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Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

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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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Category 1. From

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Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$5,829 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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$5,893 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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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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$8,514 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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$8,071 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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$7,836 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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Category 1. From

$8,514 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$8,514 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$7,836 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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$7,671 AUD pp
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Category 1. From

$7,836 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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Category 1. From

$7,671 AUD pp
Category 1. From
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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$7,529 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.

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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