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National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird |
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EXPLORING ALASKA'S COASTAL WILDERNESS
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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. In this itinerary the whale is king and the expedition changes course for sightings. Venture through iceberg fields in zodiacs, and slip into silent coves with sturdy kayaks. Experience Alaska at its most intimate and inspiring. |
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Itinerary:
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| Day 1: |
Arrive Juneau in the afternoon and visit the Alaska State Museum before embarking the ship and dinner. Time at leisure after dinner to explore Juneau before a late evening departure to Tracy Arm. (D) |
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| Day 2: |
Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular fjord with waterfalls cascading from its glacially carved walls and pass the Sawyer Glacier. Wildlife that can be seen from the ship includes harbour seals, porpoises, Arctic terns and Bonaparte gulls. Zodiac trips offer closer views of the glacier, kayaks are available and hiking through the woods is also possible. (FB) |
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| Day 3: |
Head towards Le Conte Bay with possible humpback whale sightings en route. Optional overflight of Le Conte glaciar by floatplane of helicopter. In the afternoon visit the small town of St Petersburg on Mitkof Island. (FB) |
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| Day 4: |
Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald eagle. (FB) |
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| Day 5: |
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 6: |
The day begins in Point Adolphus, a favoured feeding area for humpback whales. After some thrilling whale watching cruise Inian Pass looking for playful sea otters. (FB) |
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| Day 7: |
Today nature is the guide - there is no specific plan. Perhaps stop at an isolated beach or explore forest trails. Or do some small ship exploring along the shoreline of Admiralty Island, home to the brown bear and highest density of nesting bald eagles in the world. (FB) |
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| Day 8: |
After breakfast disembark in Sitka. Explore the town and visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre before driving to the airport. (B) |
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Note: Certain departures operate in reverse, making all the same stops. |
2012 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person) |
| DEPARTS |
CABIN |
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CAT. 1 |
CAT. 2 |
CAT. 3 |
CAT. 1
SOLO |
CAT. 2
SOLO |
MAY 12*,13*, 19, 20, 26*, 27*
JUN 2, 3, 9*, 10*, 16, 17, 23*, 24*, 30
JUL 1, 7*, 8*, 14, 15, 21*, 22*, 28, 29
AUG 4*, 5*, 11, 12, 18*, 19*, 25, 26 |
£3995 |
£4530 |
£5260 |
£5995 |
£6795 |
*These departures travel from Sitka to Juneau but make all the same stops.
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Class: Expedition ship • Capacity: 62 passengers • Overall Length: 152 feet • Cabins: 31 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; remotely operated vehicle; hydrophone; SplashCam; underwater video camera.
Click for deck plan (pdf)
Additional costs (per person)
Flights: London to Juneau, Sitka to London: From £1095 • 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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"What impressed us most about your company was the helpfulness before we booked. 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 |
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