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Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands Expedition Cruise

Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands Expedition Cruise

From AUD $10,820

Description

Embark on an active exploration of the crown jewels of Alaska’s Inside Passage—the ABC Islands. Discover what makes this area so special as you circumnavigate Admiralty Island in waters teeming with wildlife and hike and kayak on Baranof and Chichagof Islands. With insights from expert naturalists, witness the full spectrum of biodiversity that thrives in this natural wonderland—from plants and mushrooms to bears and whales, and even the vibrant undersea landscape. 

Trip Name
Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands Expedition Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Juneau, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon, and embark in time for cocktails and an introduction to the vessel, staff, and crew. Arrival Time: Arrive by 4:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Juneau Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Day 2 Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Spend the day searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in a lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Days 3-7 Exploring Alaska’s ABC Islands and Surrounding Areas
For the next six days, explore these wild gems of southeast Alaska, located in the northern part of the Alexander Archipelago. This area is a staff favorite for its exceptional wildlife and opportunities for active exploration. With nature as your guide, you will experience wild Alaska up close on Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and hikes, including an option for an all-day bushwack adventure.A Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in these wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.  Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait (Admiralty Island) The dense forest and snow-capped peaks of Admiralty Island provide a scenic backdrop for exploring its productive surrounding waters. These are prime areas for spotting both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping, and variations on feeding—while standing on deck and listening to the play-by-play from expert naturalists.   Baranof Island The smallest of the ABC islands, Baranof Island is home to the archipelago’s highest peak, as well as a diverse ecosystem. Meander through the old- growth temperate rainforest, following a stream studded with sockeye salmon making their journey upstream to spawn. The salmon nourish a variety of land and ocean animals including bears, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and more. Your naturalists will provide a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the Alaskan temperate rainforest, from its edible and poisonous plants to the fascinating mating habits of the banana slug.   Chichagof Island Chichagof Island is one of the largest islands in the U.S. and harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The lush foliage offers excellent opportunities for naturalist-led hikes and photo walks. With the help of your certified photo instructor, practice your macrophotography skills on the variety of mushrooms rising from the mycelium that carpets the forest floor. Stroll the shorelines to witness a kaleidoscope of colorful intertidal life, while keeping an eye peeled for bubble-netting humpbacks feeding in the surrounding waters.  Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for an unparalleled view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and Arctic terns.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Day 8 Juneau / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for your flight home.  Departure Time: Depart after 11:00 a.m. local time Departure City: Juneau Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $10,820Category 1. From
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $13,400Category 2. From
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $15,500Category 3. From
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $10,840Category 1. From
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $13,470Category 2. From
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $15,630Category 3. From
28-06-202605-07-2026AUD $10,840Category 1. From
28-06-202605-07-2026AUD $13,470Category 2. From
28-06-202605-07-2026AUD $15,630Category 3. From
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $13,750Category 2. From
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $15,950Category 3. From
05-07-202612-07-2026AUD $11,070Category 1. From
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $11,070Category 1. From
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $13,750Category 2. From
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $15,950Category 3. From

Inclusions

    • Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastline of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world
    • Hike through remote areas of Tongass National Forest, with an option for an adventurous all-day bushwacking excursion
    • Cruise through an ice-filled fjord towards the face of a glacier in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
    • Venture into Frederick Sound or Chatham Strait in search of breaching humpbacks and pods of orcas
    • Search for intertidal treasures along the rocky shorelines including a variety of sea stars, shape-shifting sea cucumbers, anemones, and more
    • Spot puffins along cliff walls and listen for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees

Map