Guided Exploration by Small Vessel
An exploration of Alaska’s wildlife, Native culture and historic ports, with opportunities to hike and kayak in the wilderness. The Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Quest small vessel offers an immersive way to experience the gems of Southeast Alaska.
PORTS OF CALL
Day 1 — SITKA (OVERNIGHT ASPEN SUITES HOTEL, SITKA)
Day 2 — SITKA (EMBARK SHIP)
Day 3 — SOUTHEAST ALASKA ISLANDS
Day 4 — ICY STRAIT AND THE INIAN ISLANDS
Day 5 — GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
Day 6 — FREDERICK SOUND
Day 7 — PETERSBURG
Day 8 — TRACY ARM FJORD
Day 9 — JUNEAU (FLY HOME)
*Itineraries are guidelines and due to permitting and the nature of our explorations, changes may occur and the order of days may vary by departure.
What is the Lindblad Expeditions enhancement?
Designed as a fully guided exploration with your John Hall’s Alaska guide while visiting the highlights of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, this enhancement combines a full service cruise experience with exclusive locations and experiences only a small vessel can accommodate.
Inside Passage Cruise
Guests on the National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions small vessel traveling Alaska’s Inside Passage from Sitka to Juneau can customize a trip by adding on shore excursions (additional cost) while in port. A full selection of shore excursions are available by visiting www.expedtions.com.
Pair an Inside Passage experience with a land tour
If matching one of these cruises with a land tour, we are happy to help you reserve extra hotel stays and exciting optional excursions to fill the time between your land tour and the start of your cruise. For most land tours, the cruise will begin the following day and extra overnights/activities are not required.
Itinerary
Welcome to Sitka – Alaska’s first capital city. A John Hall’s Alaska representative greets guests at the airport for a transfer to Aspen Suites Hotel, the accommodation for the evening.
Meals included with land portion of experience.
Following a welcome breakfast, it’s time to experience Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, nature is your guide as you set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. You might stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb and hike stunning forest trails. If conditions permit, you’ll have the opportunity to do some kayaking.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore among the Inian Islands, a busy feeding ground for myriad wildlife species including Steller sea lions and sea otters. Search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve*. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the dramatic landscapes that define Southeast Alaska – from towering mountains and deep fjords to pristine coastlines and diverse ecosystems.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. Explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration.
Meals On Board
Visit the small Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. This evening, enjoy a crab feast.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs.
Breakfast On Board
After breakfast, bid a final farewell to the National Geographic Quest crew before disembarking in Juneau.
Breakfast
LAND TOURS THAT PAIR WITH THIS ITINERARY:
GRAND SLAM ALASKA
NATIONAL PARKS OF ALASKA
Match this itinerary with these land tour departure dates:
192: JUNE 18, 2027
155: JUNE 22, 2027
View the Grand Slam Alaska and National Parks of Alaska land itineraries.
Departures and Pricing
July 18, 2027
#192 NATIONAL PARKS OF ALASKA14-Day Land Tour
July 18 – July 31, 2027
Lindblad Expeditions
July 18 – August 7, 2027
July 22, 2027
#155 GRAND SLAM ALASKA10-Day Land Tour
July 22 – July 31, 2027
Lindblad Expeditions
July 22 – August 7, 2027
2027 TOUR SAVINGS
Booking Discount
Book by December 31, 2026 and SAVE: SAVE $800 per person when you book a 2027 John Hall’s Alaska land tour + a Southeast Alaska experience.
Check Discount – SAVE $300 per person when you pay your tour balance by check or cash. $500 per person tour deposits may still be made by credit card. (Discounts vary for cruise guests)
Onboard Dining
Every meal served onboard the National Geographic Quest is a casual dining experience. During mealtimes, guests are seated in the main dining room with a choice of seats.
Large Parties
Please contact our office if you are traveling with a larger party who requires triple or quad pricing and accommodations.
HOW TO RESERVE THIS TOUR
A deposit of $500.00 USD per person is required within ten days of booking your reservation. Deposits are fully refundable up until 90 days prior to departure.
Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and personal checks are acceptable forms of deposit payment. To confirm your space by credit card, please contact our office: 800.325.2270 or book online using the link at the top of the page.
ARRANGING YOUR FLIGHTS
LAND TOUR + LINDBLAND EXPEDITION: When added to an interior Alaska land tour, the price includes the transfer to Sitka for vessel embarkation.
LINDBLAD EXPEDITION – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CRUISE ONLY: The cruise itinerary begins in Sitka, Alaska and ends in Juneau, Alaska. On the last day, flights may depart Juneau after 12 pm.