Alaska Family Voyage

Alaska Family Voyage

-day adventure geared for families

• Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
• Explore Alaska’s remote wilderness with a team of experts

Expedition Details

Voyage along Alaska’s Inside Passage on an unforgettable family voyage on board the National Geographic Sea Bird. Exploring with our team of naturalists, discover hidden inlets by kayak and hike along sparkling salmon streams as you experience the pristine beauty of the Alaska wilderness. A special hands-on educational program is designed to encourage children’s interest in topics as diverse as the feeding behavior of humpback whales and the identification of bear tracks in the wild.

Our approach during this voyage is one of discovery. We take time to stop and explore this beautiful and intriguing land up close, in the company of expert naturalists who have an intimate knowledge of the region. Our small ship has the flexibility to take us ashore to places that few others see. The long days of summer allow for wildlife viewing well into the evening hours. Throughout our voyage, kids’ coordinators arrange scavenger hunts and special Zodiac cruises for young explorers.

Trip Highlights

• Traveling aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, spot black and brown bears and breaching humpback whales with experienced naturalists.
• Glide in a Zodiac among a maze of icebergs in Tracy Arm Fjord, and paddle a kayak into pristine fjords and hidden coves.
• Peer up at towering totem poles and learn about the everyday life of Alaska’s native tribes.
• Participate in special kids’ activities, such as scavenger hunts, special hikes and Zodiac excursions, and hands-on lessons with our naturalists.

Itinerary – 8 Days

Day 1 — Seattle/Juneau, Alaska

Fly from Seattle to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska’s natural history and cultures. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we embark the ship in the late afternoon.
National Geographic Sea Bird (D)

Day 2 — Tracy Arm Fjord—Fords Terror Wilderness

Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord where waterfalls cascade from towering, glacially carved walls. We maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye out for feeding bears on the shoreline and mountain goats on the cliffs above.
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Day 3 — Petersburg

Discover the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen. A visit to Petersburg provides a glimpse of a true Alaskan town. There is an opportunity for optional flight-seeing via floatplane over nearby LeConte Glacier (weather permitting) and for hiking along forest trails. Later, cruise out to look for whales in the southern part of Frederick Sound, or explore LeConte Bay, a virtual sculpture garden of grounded icebergs.
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Day 4 — Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters often make for great whale watching. Look for Steller sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands that dot the channels. Take a walk with naturalists along a quiet forest trail or kayak in the tiny coves in this area.
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Day 5 — Point Adolphus/Chichagof Island

Look for humpback whales at Point Adolphus, a favored feeding area. Then cruise along the northern coastline of Chichagof Island and find playful sea otters. Keep an eye out for eagles, which are commonplace in the surrounding Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. and meadows of wildflowers.
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Day 6 — Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Spend the day exploring magnificent Glacier Bay, where enormous glaciers flow from the ice fields far above. Watch and hear glaciers calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near islets that are home to seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, and look for humpback whales and orcas. Walk ashore among towering spruce trees and meadows of wildflowers.
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Day 7 — Exploring Alaska’s Islands, Bays, and Fjords

Beachcomb, hike forest trails, explore by kayak, or cruise along Admiralty Island, where the massive brown bear is found, along with perhaps the world’s highest density of nesting bald eagles. If conditions permit, explore the coastlines of some remote islands by kayak. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
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Day 8 — Sitka/Seattle

After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a striking testament to Alaska’s roots prior to the U.S. purchase of the territory from Russia. Then explore Sitka National Historical Park, where colorful totem poles line serene wooded trails. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Seattle.
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Optional Extension

• Family Denali National Park – Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 7 Days