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National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird |
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ALASKA, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND SAN JUAN ISLANDS
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| Description: The twin expedition ships National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird can reach places inaccessible to larger ships because of their small size. Explore the maze of fjords, rivers and glaciers of some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Accompanied by naturalist guides gain a rich understanding of the wildlife, while kayaking and hiking in remote wilderness and cruising in zodiacs for an eye-level view of sculpted icebergs. |
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Itinerary:
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| Day 1: |
Embark the ship in the heart of Seattle. (D) |
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| Day 2: |
Explore the San Juan Islands with the freedom of no specific plan. The archipelago of 170 idyllic forested islands offers wonderful opportunities to observe seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and orcas. (FB) |
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| Day 3: |
Arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Visit the U'Mista Cultural Centre which houses a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kawakwaka'wakw peoples, followed by a dance presentation nearby. Return to the ship and head for Johstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the northern hemisphere. (FB) |
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| Day 4 - 5: |
Continue northward exploring the inside passage of British Columbia looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rainforest still exist. (FB) |
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| Day 6: |
Explore Misty Fjords National Monument by zodiac or kayak, floating beneath glacier-carved cliffs with saw-tooth tops. (FB) |
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| Day 7: |
Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales, and it is not uncommon to see herds of up to 30 individuals. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle. (FB) |
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| Day 8: |
Visit Sitka National Historic Park with it's strong Russian heritage, and the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre. (FB) |
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| Day 9: |
Explore south-east Alaska's Islands, Bays and fjords with the luxury of no specific plan. Perhaps land on islands inhabited by bald eagles and brown bears, hike forest trails or kayak. (FB) |
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| Day 10: |
Spend the day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Harbour seals and Steller's sea lions can be seen in the icy waters, two kinds of puffins in the cliffs, and perhaps brown bears in Tidal Inlet. (FB) |
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| Day 11: |
Explore Point Adolphus, a favoured area for marine mammals, and Chichagof Island. (FB) |
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| Day 12: |
After breakfast disembark in Juneau, Alaska's state capital, and visit the Alaska State Museum before transferring to the airport. (B) |
2010 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person) |
| DEPARTS |
CABIN |
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CAT. 1 |
CAT. 2 |
CAT. 3 |
CAT. 1
SOLO |
CAT. 2
SOLO |
APR 27, 28;
SEP 05* |
£4960 |
£5670 |
£6380 |
£7440 |
£8505 |
*Itinerary travels in reverse |
Class: Expedition ship • Capacity: 62 passengers • Overall Length: 152 feet • Cabins: 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities and climate controls • Facilities: Library; lounge with full service bar; observation deck; partially covered sun deck; dining room; spa; doctor • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft; kayaks; hydrophone; SplashCam; underwater video camera.
Click for deck plan (pdf)
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Additional costs (per person)
Flights: London to Seattle, Juneau to London: From £575 • Personal Items: Alcoholic beverages; emails; laundry; voyage DVD etc; discretionary tips to ships crew
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Reading Suggestions:
In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore
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"Having never been on a tailor-made holiday we were extremely impressed with how smoothly our holiday went and it made our honeymoon much more enjoyable not to have to worry about the transfers. However, what impressed us most about your company was the helpfulness before we booked. Jonathan Morris was extremely helpful and suggested what we could afford on our budget and sent us a sample itinerary. . .This contrasted with a few other companies we contacted who told us that we could not afford a tailor-made Galapagos trip and would not even discuss it further. We had many emails and telephone conversations with Jonathan and were extremely impressed with the information and assistance he gave us."
Dr R M — Berkshire |
