Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of the Spirit Bear
Spend 14 days in search of the Spirit Bear with active daily excursions and cultural interpretation along the way on this Canada and Alaska cruise aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture.
Sail into the narrow, winding fjords of northern British Columbia and enter the domain of the rare Spirit Bear on this 14-day small ship cruise through Canada and Alaska. The Spirit Bear, also known as a Kermode bear, is a variant of the North American black bear and can only be found in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. The forest is roughly the size of Ireland and one of National Geographic’s “Places of a Lifetime.” It stretches 250 miles across the central and northern coast of British Columbia and encompasses a quarter of the world’s coastal temperate rainforest. Hike along its salmon-rich streams, enter forests of towering cedars and see the protected region’s abundant wildlife.
Choose the 14-day Exploring Alaska, Great Bear Rainforest and the San Juan Islands Cruise to take kayaks and Zodiacs deep into verdant fjords and wildlife-rich shores in search of bears, golden eagles, river otters and more. Journey into the most pristine forests in the region, inaccessible by road and managed by First Nations people. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture at Alert Bay’s Big House, where the Kwakwaka’wakw people share their traditional art, music and regional knowledge. Cruise the eastern coast of Princess Royal Island in search of the elusive spirit bear, a rare but thrilling sighting. Hike the San Juan Islands, and cruise nearby waters in British Columbia where orcas gather annually to hunt within the isles’ inlets and bays. Explore at water level in Tracy Arm for an up-close view of calving glaciers, towering forests and harbor seals afloat on iridescent icebergs
Travel aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, with National Geographic photographers and photo instructors on board to share tips and years of expertise. The Nat Geo Venture is an ideal basecamp due to her upscale amenities and thoughtful design. Appreciate the onboard expedition technology, including a hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera and video microscope. Also on board is a cultural interpreter who will share the legends and lore of their people, and the lands explored throughout the itinerary.
Set off on excursions to kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores; cruise by Zodiac in protected waters in search of grizzly, black and Kermode bears; experience the silence while standing among towering, monumental cedars; witness the surprisingly colorful undersea through video shot by the undersea specialist; and soak in rustic hot spring pools—conditions and wildlife permitting. Discover the region’s abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, cougars, grizzly bears, coastal grey wolves, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters and more. These amazing nature and wildlife opportunities qualify this itinerary for our handpicked selection of Alaska family cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Canada cruises, Canada adventure travel, Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
Exploring Alaska, Great Bear Rainforest and the San Juan Islands Itinerary
Exploring Alaska, Great Bear Rainforest and the San Juan Islands cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska, and ends in Seattle, Washington. This comprehensive expedition combines the best of three iconic regions: Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich waters, British Columbia’s protected coastal wilderness and Washington’s enchanting San Juan Islands. With special access to remote areas managed by First Nations peoples, explore pristine fjords and moss-draped forests.
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon and embark the ship in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
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. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns.
Spend two days exploring the wild gems of southeast Alaska, in the northern part of the Alexander Archipelago. With nature as your guide, you will cruise Chatham Strait in search of orca and humpback whales and experience wild Alaska up close on Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards and hikes.
A Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in these wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.
Wake up in Prince Rupert, a scenic harbor town on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast. Get immersed in First Nations history at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, built in the style of a coastal longhouse. Breathe in the scent of cedar beams and peruse an impressive collection of ornate carvings, weavings, ceremonial objects and regalia. Visit the North Pacific Cannery Museum, a collection of cannery buildings located in pristine wilderness surroundings that highlight British Columbia’s economic, cultural and natural development over the last century.
Seek out pods of killer whales and foraging bears as you sail north through the narrow Grenville Channel between Pitt Island and the mainland, a dramatic navigational experience. Not only does the channel narrow to less than a quarter of a mile across, but a slight bend in the passage makes the waterway seem to disappear into the hills ahead and behind the ship. Here, you’ll explore the salmon run at Verney Falls in Lowe Inlet Marine Provincial Park by Zodiacs.
Over the course of the next four days, you will cruise far into the fjords and deep valleys that carve into the Coast Range looking for black and grizzly bears. You will cruise the eastern coast of Princess Royal Island in search of the elusive spirit bear. It is believed that between 10 to 20 percent of bears in this region are born with the recessive gene that causes the white fur; fewer than 400 are estimated to exist.
British Columbia has one of the highest proportions of protected land of any jurisdiction in the world. Almost 15 percent of the land is protected, with a wide range of provincial parks, national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alongside your veteran expedition team, go ashore and explore several remote locations where few people venture. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, navigating the tidal narrows that lead to the backs of bays while scanning for bears along the rocky shoreline and meadows such as Gilttoyees Inlet.
Visit the Big House in the First Nations village of Alert Bay, Canada and gain insight from the Kwakwaka’wakw people who will share their art, music and regional knowledge. Sail through Johnstone Strait, a waterway cut through a magnificently wild and scenic area of mountains and islands. These ocean waters are also home to extraordinary marine mammals and bird watching.
Discover British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. Anchor in calm, sheltered waters to kayak in isolated bays that beckon for exploration. On land, hike through meadows and forest ecosystems.
Discover the wild charm of the San Juan Islands, a captivating archipelago in northern Washington State. Paddle hidden coves by kayak, keeping an eye out for friendly harbor seals. Navigate dramatic shorelines aboard Zodiacs. Hike along rugged coastal trails where bald eagles soar overhead, while expert naturalists provide insight on the fascinating ecology and cultural history of this distinctive northwest wilderness.
Disembark in Seattle and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Included
Accommodations aboard ship; all meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; park and entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.
Exclusions
immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
Exploring Alaska, Great Bear Rainforest and the San Juan Islands Cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Seattle, Washington (SEA). In order to join the provided group transfer plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Otherwise, you may plan flights and independently transfer to the dock or the hospitality suite at the Cape Fox Lodge for a vessel embarkation at 4:00pm on Day 1. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 14 after 10:30am. Plan flights to depart Seattle after 12:00pm on Day 14. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include wildlife viewing, photography, onboard wellness treatments and massages, off-vessel hiking, kayaking and inflatable boat/skiff excursions.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
Skilled staff members are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options. See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Loading rates & dates…
No upcoming departures available at this time.
No departures match your filters.
National Geographic Venture is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built expedition vessel made for exploring remote locations in comfort. Spacious cabins, beautiful public spaces, open decks with a tiered system for optimal wildlife viewing and specialty tools for exploration make her the ideal ship for sailing in the remote areas of Alaska, Canada, Baja and the Pacific Northwest.
Designed with five decades of expedition experience, Nat Geo Venture more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. She joins her sister ship, the National Geographic Quest, in being among the most luxurious expedition small ships to explore Pacific waters.
Why Sail Aboard National Geographic Venture
Choose the Nat Geo Venture if you are an active and inquisitive traveler seeking to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife while enjoying the comfort of a custom newly-built expedition vessel. Travel knowing you're aboard an environmentally friendly ship with added features like a better view from the bridge and windows made of premium glass with a straight tint to offer the clearest, most natural view possible.
The experts and equipment on board provide one of the finest intellectual and educational experiences aboard any small ship. Because of this, it ranks among our top Alaska luxury cruise choices. If you are looking for one of the best expedition experiences out there, the National Geographic Venture is the ship for you.
Consult this page for a detailed description of this purpose-built expedition ship, including a deck plan and photo gallery. Our experts have cruised aboard the Nat Geo Venture firsthand. Read our National Geographic Venture reviews, then let us help you compare other ships and yachts offering Baja cruises, small ship Canada cruises, U.S. cruises, Pacific Northwest small ship cruises and small ship Alaska cruise itineraries. Or find other small expedition ships with our expertise.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Nat Geo Venture
The lounge is the heart of each expedition with cocktail hour, evening recaps, presentations, photography talks and guest speaker presentations. The lounge features wraparound windows made of premium glass, specially designed seating that takes advantage of optimal views, and multiple high-definition screens for slideshows and videos. Elevator access to all decks and public restrooms on every deck support every style of traveler. There is also a global market stocked with local artisan products.
A common constraint with wildlife viewing on a ship’s bow is that the anchoring gear takes up space and a single level allows only one row of guests to enjoy clean sightlines. To provide a superior viewing experience, the bow on the National Geographic Venture has been designed with the anchoring gear separated from guest space by a tiered viewing system. This enables multiple rows of guests to line the bow with an unobstructed view. Also, two stairways on either side of the bow lead to an expansive observation deck one level up for a unique perspective. All of these exterior viewing levels are accessible from the lounge. An open bridge policy paired with the uniquely designed bridge, featuring designated forward standing areas with clear views, a touchscreen for guests to learn about the ship's current position and navigational features, and settees set around the room's state-of-the-art equipment, ensures comfort and longer stays.
Guests on board National Geographic Venture can enjoy WiFi access offered at various tiers: time-limited complimentary "basic" internet, for app messaging, email and simple social media; time-limited "enhanced" internet, adding general web browsing and video conferencing capabilities; and "premium" internet, for unlimited access to all features under the "enhanced" plan. WiFi is satellite based, may be used on one device per guest at a time, and may not always be accessible in poor weather or extremely remote areas.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Venture
Food served aboard is fresh, local and sustainably sourced whenever possible. Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables in the dining room for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served outside on the observation deck. Expedition leaders, naturalists and any guest speakers aboard enjoy their meals with passengers in the dining room that features floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. There is a full-service bar and a 24-hour self-service beverage station with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water, ice and snacks.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are always available and specialty diets can typically be accommodated with advance notice. Breakfast is a wide-selection buffet with items like toast, bagels, cereals, yogurts, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cut fruit, an omelet station, freshly made juice and coffee. Lunch and dinner consist of three plated courses (and bread): an appetizer soup or salad, an entrée and a dessert.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Venture
The National Geographic Venture is outfitted with a fleet of 24 two-person kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling equipment and Zodiacs, as well as expedition technology including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera and video microscope. There are also 8 landing crafts that were custom built by Zodiac Milpro and are the first and only Mark V Zodiacs constructed entirely in the USA. These boats are superior, military-grade construction, but customized with features like extra holds for passenger stability and topside treads to improve footing for stepping on and off. Guests will embark and disembark via custom-designed ladders to improve safety and ease of movement.
Unique to the National Geographic Venture and her sister ship National Geographic Quest is a mudroom for the storage of guest expedition gear. The room and rows of lockers enables guests to store boots, snorkeling equipment and other gear, making excursion preparation more efficient and leaving cabins cleaner and more comfortable. There is also a fitness center with an elliptical machine, excercycles, handweights, machine weights and resistance bands, in addition to a wellness specialist on board. Massages, body treatment, natural facial treatments and hand and foot treatments are available at the LEXspa (sign up once on board).
Sustainability Aboard National Geographic Venture
Designed and built in the USA in 2018, this purpose-built expedition ship encompasses 50 years of sailing experience to create a sustainable and environmentally responsible vessel. Advanced waste management systems exceed international standards. A streamlined hull design, bulbous bow and the most suitable propulsion system available lessens the need for fuel. Everything from propellers to the engines have been specifically chosen to minimize vibrations and improve efficiency, which enable the vessel to use less fuel than many smaller ships.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Venture
National Geographic Venture accommodates guests in 50 outside-facing cabins, 22 of which offer step-out balconies and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes ranging from the 136-square-foot Category 1 cabin to the 185-square-foot Category 5 suite. Twelve cabins connect via internal doorway access, allowing families to combine their rooms. Plus, all Category 5 suites can accommodate a third person on a convertible sofa bed.
Every cabin features two portholes, a large window or balcony, WiFi access and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Every room has two-pronged outlets and USB outlets for charging camera gear or electronics, space for luggage storage and an Expedition Essentials Kit.
Current Deals on This Trip
Loading deal details…
Unable to load deal details. View full page →
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The National Geographic Venture is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built expedition vessel made for exploring coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels while sailing with the luxury of supreme comfort.
Hear It From Others Who Have Explored With Us Before
“”
You have questions. We have answers.
Start a one-on-one conversation now for unbiased advice.
Ship Reviews from our Experts so You Know What to Expect
-
Expert Aboard: Venture & National Geographic Quest Reviews
Learn from three AdventureSmith experts about identical sister ships Nat Geo Venture and Quest. Tips on choosing your cabin, what the food is like and why choose to sail aboard.
Trips You Might Also Like
View All Canada Cruises
Camp Denali Adventure
Flexible, off-grid lodge stay deep inside Denali National Park
Sea Wolf Southeast Alaska Adventure
Adventure-focused Inside Passage with hands-on exploration from a classic yacht
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
View All Canada Cruises
Save 5% on groups
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia
Nat Geo Inside Passage cruise highlighting British Columbia’s coastal wilderness
No single supplement
The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland
Atlantic Canada’s fishing villages, rugged coastlines & maritime heritage cruise
No single supplement
St. Lawrence River Cruise
Luxury cruise exploring French Canadian culture & wildlife-rich waterways
Our experts will save you hours.
A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.
