ALASKA, BRITISH COLUMBIA & SAN JUAN
ISLANDS ITINERARY:
DAY 1 — Seattle/Embark Ship
Embark the ship in the heart of Seattle, with the Olympic
Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline as the
backdrop. (D)
DAY 2 — San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands are the gems of northern Washington
State and today we explore them with the freedom of no specific
plan. With kayaks and Zodiacs at the ready, we are able to
explore this archipelago of some 170 idyllic forested islands.
The varied coastlines offer wonderful opportunities for
exploring, especially for kayaking. Search for seals, sea lions,
river otters, bald eagles and orcas as sea birds form patterns
in the sky overhead. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 — Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait
We arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay
on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured, we make our way
to the U'Mista Cultural Center, home to a stunning collection of
potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. At the
Center, anyone related to any member of this tribe is able to
trace their ancestry. We then walk or ride to the Big House,
just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts
on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance
movements.
Back on board we head to Johnstone Strait. Johnstone Strait is
one of the foremost viewing areas for orca whales in the entire
Northern Hemisphere and since nineteen whale pods are known to
spend part of the year here, there is an excellent chance of
exciting whale watching. (B,L,D)
DAY 4-5 — Inside Passage of British Columbia
You'll feel like a true explorer as we continue northward
looking for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife.
This is an area where vast sections of untouched coastal rain
forest still exist — and where an expedition ship proves to be
the perfect vessel. Without a specific plan, open to spontaneity
and adventure, we’ll freely rove within the near-limitless
expanse of pristine wildness — to explore any intriguing bay or
inlet we happen upon, or reverse course to follow a sighted
whale pod. Our small ship gives us this freedom. Our onboard
kayaks and Zodiacs can be lowered swiftly to bring it all
closer. Wherever we choose to stop and explore, we’re certain to
be the only human life, accompanied by spectacular birds and
animals. In such a populated and busy world, these opportunities
are tonic for the mind, body and soul. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 — Misty Fiords
Misty Fiords National Monument, often referred to as
"Yosemite of the sea" for its sheer majesty, is 2.3 million
acres of pristine wilderness that will leave you with exquisite
memories of your stay in Alaska. Head out on a personal kayak
reconnaissance or take a Zodiac cruise beneath glacier-carved
cliffs with saw-tooth tops. Float past sheer cliffs and icy
waterfalls, easily navigating in and out of areas the “big white
boats” that ply Alaska’s waters can't get near. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and
humpback whales. It is also fertile ground for the majestic bald
eagle which you may see keeping watch atop a tall spruce. As for
whales, it’s not uncommon here to see herds of up to 30
humpbacks or orcas. We’ll then get to observe fascinating
behavior — breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding —
as we fill the deck, delighting in their activities and
listening to the play-by-play from our expert Naturalists, as
our skilled Captain and crew keep us in perfect proximity. We
may also see Steller's sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands
and dozing. Once ashore, we’ll have the opportunity to walk
along a quiet forest trail, accompanied by our Naturalists. The
still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option
for appreciating this area close up. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — Sitka
Whale sightings may make for some exciting diversions en
route to Sitka. In the native Tlingit language, Sitka means the
village behind the island and it has been home to various
cultures for thousands of years. Sitka has a strong Russian
heritage, which is readily apparent as you visit St. Michael’s
Russian Orthodox Church with its onion domes right in the middle
of town. Gaze up at the grand totem poles throughout Sitka
National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we
have views of species normally seen in the wild — bald eagles,
hawks, falcons and owls. Sitka’s oceanfront setting is framed by
the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small
islands. The crystalline waters of Sitka Bay abound with sea
stars and translucent moon jellyfish. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 — Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. There
are many options for landings on islands such as Baranof and
Chichagof, where bald eagles nest and brown bears make
themselves at home. If you’re a beachcomber, the shoreline is
rich with treasures. The forest trails are dense and beautiful,
whether you choose the long walk option or a short stroll,
accompanied by one of our Naturalists familiar with the local
terrain. Hemlock and spruce abound in the old-growth forest.
When kayaking, we always offer choices. If you’re looking for
exercise and excitement, choose a more strenuous course. If you
want scenery and relaxation, you’ll have the option to paddle
slowly — exploring, poking into little inlets and relishing the
quiet and up-close, personal view. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — Glacier Bay National Park
We spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater
glaciers, freshwater lakes and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay
National Park. You’ll see glaciers that end abruptly at the
water’s edge and observe them “calving” — tons of ice crashing
into the sea — accompanied by an exhilaratingly thunderous
sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals
and Steller's sea lions are some of the creatures we may observe
in these icy waters. You may have the opportunity to see not
only one, but two kinds of puffins: the tufted and the horned
puffin. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown
bears lumbering up the hillside. If the timing is right, a bear
and her cub may be playing in the water. We’ll watch their
interactions, knowing the cub will be on its own next year. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 — Point Adolphus & Chichagof Island
Our day begins on the waters off Point Adolphus, a favored
feeding area for humpback whales. Keep watch on deck and you may
find yourself rushing to the side as a pod of whales begins
lunge-feeding right off our bow. As we watch with awe, our
Naturalist lowers the hydrophone and we’re not only watching the
whales, we’re listening in on their communications. A sense of
wonder pervades. When questions come up, as they surely will,
our marine mammal expert can tell you everything you want to
know and more. After some thrilling whale watching, you’ll
cruise the intricate coastline of Chichagof Island, looking for
playful sea otters. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 — Juneau, Alaska/Disembark Ship/Seattle
After breakfast, disembark in Juneau, Alaska's state
capital. Here we'll visit the Alaska State Museum, viewing its
fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska's
native peoples and natural history. Explore on your own before
flights home in the afternoon. Fly from Juneau to Seattle. (B)
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