ALASKA, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND HAIDA GWAII CRUISE

Embark on a 15-day adventure between Sitka, Alaska and Seattle, Washington exploring three of the most appealing wild regions in the Pacific Northwest: Alaska’s Inside Passage, coastal British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii. You’ll sail into mist-shrouded fjords and past crashing glaciers, see brown bears stalking shores, and eagles flying. And in Haida Gwaii you’ll meet artisans and experience the resonance of their cultural heritage and artwork. With our special access to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, you’ll see ancient village sites, and the endemic species that make Haida Gwaii the “Canadian Galápagos.”

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Seattle/Embark Arrive in Seattle this afternoon and embark the ship. (D)

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com DAY 2: Gulf Islands, British Columbia Glacier up close and take an expedition landing craft cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D) Search for orca whales and cruise around forested islands. (B,L,D) DAY 12: Glacier Bay National Park DAY 3: Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay, British Columbia Spend the entire day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness. At the community of Alert Bay, visit the U’mista Cultural Centre, where we’ll Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice watch traditional First Nations performances and learn from the calving into the sea. Search for Steller sea lions, puffins and mountain goats. Kwakwaka'wakw people. Visit Johnstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share the lore and legend of the area. A areas for orcas in the Northern Hemisphere. (B,L,D) National Park Service Ranger will join us as well. (B,L,D).

DAYS 4-5: Inside Passage of British Columbia DAY 13: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands Head northward along the untouched coastline looking for whales, dolphins, Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions bears, deer and other wildlife. Go ashore to explore or kayak the many bays reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in rich waters of Icy and inlets. (B,L,D daily) Strait. Conditions permitting, we'll lower the ship's hydrophone to listen in on the whales' communication. (B,L,D) DAYS 6-8: Haida Gwaii With a shared respect for the natural world, explore the islands of Haida Gwaii. DAY 14: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords A Haida Interpreter will join us as we visit the Haida Heritage Center at K’aay Kayak and hike among forested islands on our final exploration of southeast Llnagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and the Alaska. (B,L,D) meaning behind their renowned artwork. In the ancestral town of Old Massett, join in a traditional dance performance and feast, and meet community DAY 15: Sitka/Disembark/Home members and local artistans. Explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. See the Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire ancient totems at SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) or K'una (Skedans). Kayak and and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center before take expedition landing craft around the incredibly biodiverse islands where transferring to the airport for flights to home (own costs). (B) black bears are the largest in the world and endemic species thrive. (B,L,D daily) Please Note:

DAY 9: Misty Fiords, Alaska All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting. Cruise past glacially-carved cliffs and kayak in the stillness of Misty Fiord’s forested backwaters. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: Frederick Sound and Petersburg Join naturalists on deck and search for orcas, humpback whales, and Steller sea lions. Go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail and in the fishing village of Petersburg, known as “Alaska’s Little Norway”. Explore with optional flightseeing or a bicycle ride. Enjoy a crab feast this evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: 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

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEABIRD & SEALION

National Geographic SeaBird & YOUR SHIP: SeaLion

VESSEL TYPE: Comfortable Expedition

LENGTH: 52 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 62 (in twin cabins)

BUILT/REFURBISHED: 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, seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so beverage area, library, and Global Market. that you feel the places we visit are all ours. \- The dining room's upgrade features all new tables, chairs, Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has 62-guest ships, _National Geographic Sea Lion_ and _National been replaced and features a display showcasing selections Geographic Sea Bird_. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, from the regions explored. the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has \- Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a carpets throughout the ships. dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms \- The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with \- Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor additional awning.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING

Optional extras & upgrades Denali National Park Pre-Voyage Extension. From 7740 AUD 7 Days. To the heart of Alaska and an American treasure Discover the wildness that lives at the heart of Alaska; add an inland exploration of Denali National Park to your coastal expedition.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com