Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 6 Days
Price Point: From $4,003
Seasons Available: Spring, Summer
Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan expedition that immerses you in the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier. This journey reveals a world of towering forests, glacier-carved fjords, and secluded coves teeming with wildlife. Spot bald eagles soaring above, witness whales feeding in icy channels, and watch bears fishing for salmon along pristine riverbanks. Dive deeper into the region’s heart by hiking lush trails, kayaking in serene bays, and rafting from a historic Tlingit village. Aboard the intimate National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion, each accommodating just 62 guests, you’ll enjoy a warm, close-knit community of fellow explorers. These nimble ships take you where larger vessels cannot—into remote channels, up close to cascading waterfalls, and to hidden anchorages perfect for paddleboarding and snorkeling. Outfitted with Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, your adventure options are endless. As you explore this rugged coastline, connect with Alaska’s rich Tlingit culture and enduring frontier spirit. Whether gliding past glaciers or venturing into secluded coves, this compact expedition offers an unparalleled way to discover the wild wonders of Alaska.
Activities & Sites
- Explore Haines, the “Adventure Capital of Alaska,” by Zodiac, bike, or hiking trail
- Hike through temperate rainforests on Baranof island and listen for Bald Eagles
- Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged Chichagof Island, a premium location to spot Brown Bears
- Explore by Zodiac and kayak among abundant sea lions and search for whales in the Inian Islands
- Whale-watch daily from the bow and witness breaching humpbacks and orcas
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1 - Sitka
Begin your adventure in Sitka, a coastal town rich in Tlingit culture and echoes of its Russian past. Nestled on Baranof Island, this picturesque location overlooks the Pacific Ocean. In the evening, board your ship, meet the staff and crew, and toast to the journey ahead during a welcome cocktail hour. - Day 2 - Baranof or Chichagof Island
Explore the pristine wilderness of Baranof or Chichagof Island, both part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of brown bears, while both islands teem with diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along dramatic coastlines, or hike through temperate rainforests alive with the calls of bald eagles perched in towering spruce and hemlock trees. - Day 3 - Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Search for marine life where the Pacific meets the Inside Passage. Take a Zodiac cruise around the Inian Islands, home to playful Steller sea lions, or paddle through protected coves. Alternatively, hike lush forests where bald eagles soar and wildlife abounds. - Day 4 - Haines
In Haines, adventure awaits! Cycle along a glacial fjord, try fly fishing for salmon, or explore world-class hiking trails. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to Klukwan, an ancient Tlingit village, featuring a dance demonstration and storytelling. Conclude your day rafting down the scenic Chilkat River. - Day 5 - Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Awake in the glacier-carved fjords of Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise past dramatic landscapes, then venture by Zodiac to view the towering Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier. Witness chunks of ice calving into the sea and, if conditions allow, kayak beneath the steep fjord walls. Cap off your journey with a celebratory farewell dinner onboard. - Day 6 - Juneau
Conclude your expedition in Alaska’s capital, Juneau. After disembarking, transfer to the airport for your journey home, taking with you unforgettable memories of this wild and majestic region.
Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Before they built the National Geographic Venture and Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.
Both ships accommodate just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Her inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a rewarding sense of community and esprit du corps. National Geographic writer Andrew Evans called Sea Bird and Sea Lion the “closest thing to Cousteau’s Calypso” he’s ever had the pleasure to be on.
With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
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