Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands
9 daysCanada, United States
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands is a 9-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through Canada and United States. 4 departures are open from Oct 15, 2027 to Oct 16, 2028. The lowest current price is $6,150 per person (twin share), for the Oct 22, 2027 departure. Included: Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary and 2 more.
Experience wildlife, hidden coves, and lush forests on an 8 day cruise from Seattle to the San Juan Islands led by National Geographic experts.
- Length
- 9 days
- Route
- Seattle / Embark Ship to Seattle / Disembark Ship
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Trip type
- Expedition Cruise
- Activity level
- Light or Moderate
- Service level
- Premium
- Operated by
- Lindblad
- Ship
- National Geographic Quest
Watch this price
Highlights
- Explore remote islands by kayak or on foot, watching for sea lions, river otters, bald eagles and white-sided dolphins.
- Glide into the sheltered waters of Desolation Sound, discovering its natural beauty by Zodiac, kayak or paddleboard.
- Visit a cultural center in Alert Bay to see a collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
- Search for humpbacks and orcas in British Columbia, and learn about local populations from a researcher at the Center for Whale Research.
- Spend a day in lovely Victoria where you’ll tour private gardens, bike along the waterfront and enjoy a private evening event at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Itinerary
- Seattle / Embark ShipDay 1
- Victoria, British ColumbiaDay 2
- Desolation SoundDay 3
- Johnstone Strait / Alert BayDay 4
- Exploring the Gulf IslandsDay 5
- Friday HarborDay 6
- Exploring the San Juan IslandsDay 7
- Seattle / Disembark ShipDay 8
Day 1Seattle / Embark ShipSeattle / Embark Ship
Arrive in Seattle, Washington state's largest city, and embark National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture. Arrival time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time. Arrival city: Seattle, WA
Day 2Victoria, British ColumbiaVictoria, British Columbia
Clear into Canada in the charming city of Victoria and choose from several tailor-made options to explore based on your interests. Visit private gardens, bike along the waterfront, stroll through Old Town or peruse the collections at local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private reception at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria while taking in their wide-ranging collection.
Day 3Desolation SoundDesolation Sound
Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It’s easy to understand why, with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak there are many isolated bays to poke into and islets that beckon for exploration. On land there are meadows and forest trails for hiking.
Day 4Johnstone Strait / Alert BayJohnstone Strait / Alert Bay
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. Today, visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia. Alert Bay on Cormorant Island has been, and continues to be, the home of the Kwakwaka’wakw people and a center for the living culture found throughout the Northwest Coast. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the northwest coast’s finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia and coppers. Then, visit the Big House a short distance away where the T’sasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, “educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings and values.”
Day 5Exploring the Gulf IslandsExploring the Gulf Islands
Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. Take your pick of perfect spots to hike and search for wildlife.
Day 6Friday HarborFriday Harbor
Explore Friday Harbor, a picturesque town on San Juan Island. Visit the Whale Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork and whale skeletons. Stop in at small shops and galleries.
Day 7Exploring the San Juan IslandsExploring the San Juan Islands
Visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by Zodiac and hiking. Walks with your expert staff will familiarize you with the natural and cultural history of the rugged northwest coast region. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 8Seattle / Disembark ShipSeattle / Disembark Ship
Disembark National Geographic Venture and transfer to the airport for flights home. Departure time: Depart after 11:30 a.m. local time. Departure city: Seattle, WA
What’s included
Included
- Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights
- Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium brands)
- Basic Wi-Fi with the option to upgrade
Not included
- Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
- Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Gratuities
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share
Good to know
- What to Expect: In keeping with the nature of an expedition, your schedule is kept flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting your course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose—whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Guests should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and over uneven surfaces, and able to get in and out of unstable expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, easy hikes, walking tours and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options for more physical activities such as longer hikes, biking or kayaking, depending on conditions. All departures are family friendly.
- Expedition Team
- A National Geographic Expert or Photographer joins the expedition team on select departures.
Questions about Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands
How much does Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands cost?
The lowest current price is $6,150 per person (Oct 22, 2027 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When is Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands cheapest?
October 2027 has the lowest current price, from $6,150 per person, among 2 months with priced departures.
When does Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands depart?
4 departures are open in October 2027 and October 2028. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
What is included?
Transfers upon arrival/departure for Guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, Alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium brands) and Basic Wi-Fi with the option to upgrade. Not included: Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable, Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance, Visas and Gratuities.
Where does Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands go?
The 9-day itinerary visits Seattle / Embark Ship, Victoria, British Columbia, Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait / Alert Bay, Exploring the Gulf Islands, Friday Harbor, Exploring the San Juan Islands and Seattle / Disembark Ship.
How do I book Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands?
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.