Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands

Trip Details
Gear List
Deck Plans

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

Apr 29 – May 10
Apr 30 – May 11
Sep 6–17 *
Sep 7–18 *

*Indicates this is a reverse itinerary.

Price:

2008
Cabins: from $6990 (per person based on double occupancy)
Sole occupancy: from $10,480

Additional Fees:

Airfare to start point

Total Days: 12

Group Size: 62 passengers

Activity Level:

Activities:

Wildlife viewing
Kayaking
Hiking

Accommodations:

All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.

Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands

The coast of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is a maze of fjords, channels, rivers and glaciers gliding towards the sea. This majestic region is ideally suited for small ship cruising that enables up close and personal exploration from Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park, through the Inside Passage of British Columbia and Washington's San Juan Islands and on to Seattle.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands Itinerary:

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Day 1 Sitka - Embark Ship
Your expedition begins as you arrive in 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 that line the wooded trails through Sitka National Historic Park. At the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, we have close views of species normally seen at a distance in the wild — bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. The visit will conclude as you embark the ship at Sitka’s oceanfront setting, framed by the volcanic peak of Mount Edgecumbe and a string of small islands.
Day 2 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 — one of the best places on earth to observe the ebb and flow of glaciers. Here, we’ll be accompanied by a National Park Ranger who gives us up-to-the-minute information about this ever-changing environment.

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. These sea lions are a threatened species — although the population in Southeast Alaska is still robust, elsewhere in Alaska their population has declined almost 80% in the last 30 years.

Look up during the day and chances are the sky will be filled with soaring sea birds. If you’ve never seen a puffin, you may have the opportunity to see not only one kind, but two: the tufted and the horned puffin. As you observe them flying to and from their nests, you’ll find the puffin to be both clumsy and graceful at the same time. Designed for underwater fishing, they paddle and flap their way into the air, then make a quick dive below the surface. 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. With our engines idling so we can be as unobtrusive as possible, we’ll watch their interactions, knowing the cub will be on its own by the same time next year.
Day 3 Point Adolphus/Inian Pass
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 Inian Pass looking for playful sea otters.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 Juneau
Today you’ll visit Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. We’ll drive to the Mendenhall Glacier, just 13 miles from downtown Juneau where you’ll quickly realize you’ve entered another world as you gaze out upon an iceberg-studded lake with an enormous ice field cascading down the valley, ending in a spectacular glacier. We’ll also stop by the Alaska State Museum for an artful representation of this unique state. The Museum has a fascinating permanent collection with an emphasis on Alaska’s native peoples and natural history. You’ll have some free time to explore the town center before returning to the ship.
Day 6 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 schools 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8-9 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 even 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.
Day 10 Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait
Early this morning, we arrive in Queen Charlotte Sound on course for Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Once the ship is secured in the early afternoon, we make our way to the U'Mista Cultural Center at the northern end of the bay. U'Mista is 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. After our visit, we walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance with performers in age from three to 92. Before each dance, the performers explain the story of the dance movements, as the story unfolds in subtle rhythmic movements.

Back on board we head the short distance 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.
Day 11 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.
Day 12 Seattle - Disembark Ship
Your expedition concludes as you disembark our ship at Seattle’s waterfront; transfer to the Seattle Tacoma International Airport for your flights home.

Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands Itinerary:

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Day 1 Sitka - Embark Ship
Day 2 Glacier Bay National Park
Day 3 Point Adolphus/Inian Pass
Day 4 Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords
Day 5 Juneau
Day 6 Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
Day 7 Misty Fiords
Day 8-9 Inside Passage of British Columbia
Day 10 Alert Bay and Johnstone Strait
Day 11 San Juan Islands, Washington
Day 12 Seattle - Disembark Ship

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Cruise Cost Includes:

Accommodations aboard ship, meals indicated, all shore excursions and sightseeing, use of kayaks, entrance fees, group transfers as indicated in itinerary, tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges, services of Lindblad Expeditions' natural history staff.

Not Included:

Air transportation, optional extension, flightseeing, individual transfers, meals in Juneau, gratuities to cruise staff, insurance of any kind, baggage charges, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature. Tips to ship's crew at your discretion.

Qualifications:

This is rated as an Easy Active [2] adventure cruise; excursions include kayaking, beach and forest hikes, which average about 3 - 4 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome. A kayaking orientation is held aboard ship the first day of the cruise.

Weather:

This area of rain forests is characterized by cool, moist days with overcast skies. In the summer, the Inside Passage enjoys mild weather. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s, and into the 80s on clear, sunny days. Some rain is common on all departures.

Naturalists on board:

All of the expeditions set out with a generous complement of Naturalists aboard, under the direction of an experienced Expedition Leader (EL). The most senior ELs have led many Alaskan expeditions. They and their handpicked teams of Naturalists know the terrain and share its secrets with you, including specific landfalls that few, if any, passengers on any cruise will ever see. You travel with and learn from a team of geologists, zoologists, marine biologists and botanists, who are among the best in their field. And each team includes people who are specially trained in sharing their knowledge with young people of all ages.

Reservations:

An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.

Final Payment:

For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
90 or more days	$150*
89-60 days	Advance payment cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund
For Expeditions 9 Nights or More
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days	$150*
119-90 days	Advance payment cost
89-60 days	25% of trip cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund

*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands

The key to staying comfortable on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary. This will help you and the field staff. Emphasis should be based on comfort because the dress code is informal and casual.

Weather

Summer weather in The Inside Passage is typically mild, with temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s. On sunny summer days the temperature may soar into the 80s, but you should still be prepared for cooler weather, light rain, mist or clouds. When the boat is underway there is a breeze on deck. Summer days are long in Alaska: May has an average of 16:47 hours of daylight; June has 18:15; July - 17:36; August - 15:25 and September has 12:51 daylight hours.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear

Kayak (2 person, enclosed cockpit)

Paddle, spray skirt, life vest

Official Papers

Airline tickets

Cruise ticket and other vouchers

Luggage

Duffel bag or soft suitcase

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Footwear

Lightweight hiking boots (optional)

Comfortable walking shoes

Waterproof boots with a strong non-skid soles (or traditional English Wellington calf-high rubber boots)

Outerwear

Rain jacket(s) and rain pants, waterproof, breathable material (see “Hints” section on the back side)

Midweight wool or fleece pants

Wool or fleece jacket/pullover

Clothing

Wool or fleece sweater

Thermal underwear top and bottom

Wool or synthetic socks

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat

Rain hat

Wool or fleece hat

Wool or fleece gloves

Paddling gloves or fleece liner w/shell

Travel Accessories

Binoculars (highly recommended)

Camera equipment, film and/or memory cards

Sunglasses with retainer strap

Sun screen and lip protection with high SPF

Water bottle

Insect repellent

Personal toiletries / medications

Optional Accessories

Small dry bag for camera gear

Waterproof disposable camera

Ear plugs / eye shades

Watch with alarm or travel alarm

Folding umbrella for use in towns

Motion sickness remedies

Things to Consider

Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. We also recommend packing your camera and all film in your carry-on bag.
If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
Good raingear is essential on this trip! Your raingear should be able to repel a full day of rain without leaking. It should have taped seams and preferably an attached hood. We recommend bringing two jackets: A waterproof, non-breathable jacket with attached hood for use aboard the ship or on the zodiak, and a waterproof, breathable jacket with attached hood for use while kayaking or other physical activities.
A dry bag is highly recommended to keep your gear dry while kayaking (or hiking in the rain). Dry bags can be affixed to the top of your kayak.
Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wools or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands