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Travel/Study
Hiking, biking, and kayaking rugged islands and fjords

Alaska Family Adventure

Indulge your family’s adventurous side on a fun-filled cruise along the scenic coastal landscapes of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Overview

A journey of wilds and wanderings for all

This pristine wilderness of the Inside Passage is home to a rich Tlingit culture, an enduring frontier spirit, and a panoply of wildlife: from high-flying eagles and tail-fluking whales to salmon-fishing bears. On this awe-filled journey, you’ll hike through forests of towering trees, kayak in glacier-carved fjords, and raft from an Alaska native village. 

Highlights of the trip include observing brown bears in their natural habitat along the coast of Chichagof Island, listening to humpback whales on the ship hydrophone, special access to the most beautiful, remote areas of the Tongass National Forest, and Zodiac cruises along the sea-lion-filled Inian Islands.

Dates

July 11–17, 2025

Duration

7 days

Price

From $8,695 per person

Trip size

56 participants

Minimum age

7 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

David Freyberg

Civil and Environmental Engineering

A hydrologist and water resources specialist at Stanford, David delights in looking at the intersection of water, culture, and society.

Learn more about David

“David and his presentations MADE THE TRIP. His preparation, the depth and breadth of his knowledge, and the relevance of each and every lecture to our destinations were superlative.”

—Linda Sonntag

Share the joy of learning

About our Young Explorer program

Kids of all ages love our Young Explorer program, where they’re grouped with travelers their own age—no more than 10 kids per group—and paired with a Young Explorer leader. Young travelers enjoy fun and educational activities during lectures as well as occasional kids-only adventures, tours or meals while the adults have time for more in-depth touring and discussions.

Our Young Explorer program is designed for the whole family to engage in learning and exploration together, with most touring involving the entire family. Throughout the journey, opportunities for kids to hang out with their Young Explorer groups abound. Your kids will return home with a greater appreciation for the places we visit...and a few new friends!

Meet our Young Explorer leaders

These razor-sharp Stanford grads and former Stanford Sierra Camp counselors love interacting with families and are experts at adapting to the personalities and interests of each Young Explorer. They fuel creativity with thought-provoking discussions and mind-bending games that keep the kids entertained while adults attend lectures. In addition, Young Explorer leaders bring the whole family together for activities such as family Olympics, trivia night and disco bingo.

Itinerary

Small-ship adventure cruising in the Inside Passage

Explore Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord on this compact, six-day expedition through pristine wilderness. Hike through forests of towering trees, kayak in glacier-carved fjords, and learn about the region’s rich Tlingit culture. Throughout our journey, we delight in incredible wildlife—from high-flying eagles to tail-fluking whales and salmon-fishing bears.

  • Sitka, Alaska

    Arrive in Sitka, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Transfer to the hotel and settle in.

    Accommodations:

    Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka

  • Sitka

    This morning, adults gather for a morning lecture while Young Explorers meet with their leaders. Enjoy lunch independently in one of Sitka's many small, charming cafes. This afternoon, visit the Alaska Raptor Center to learn about rehabilitation efforts for wild birds. Before embarking our ship, enjoy an excursion through the beautiful coastal rainforest, learning about the area’s history and heritage at the Sitka National Historical Park with its Tlingit and Haida totem poles.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Baranof or Chichagof Island

    Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof. Both islands are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines and hike through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

    Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Our options include cruising by Zodiac among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Haines

    A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to choose your own adventure: cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord or choose from an array of world-class hikes. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

    Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate our voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Juneau / Home

    After breakfast, disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Activity level

Travelers should be in good health and physical condition. Schedules sometimes include long days with early wake-up calls and activities scheduled throughout the day (and sometimes into the evenings). There will be several hikes of varying duration and difficulty offered, as well as opportunities to explore by kayak and Zodiac. A typical day may start with breakfast followed by a stimulating lecture by the faculty leader while kids meet with their Young Explorer groups for fun, learning-based activities with their peers. Afterward, depart on a hike with fellow travelers. In the evening, partake in a fun family activity.

“It might have been the best family trip we have taken. It was incredibly well suited to the needs of three different generations."

—Deborah Holmes, ’67

Family room arrangements

In Sitka, our hotel is in an ideal, walkable location and offers the best-available accommodations. Families stay in standard hotel suites designed for comfort and functionality, typically with one or two queen beds and a small kitchen. For triple rooms, the hotel offers a sofa bed for the third family member. On our ship, cabins feature either two twin beds or one larger double bed. Triple cabins feature a pullout murphy bed for the third person (recommended for kids ages 12 and younger). For families in multiple rooms, Travel/Study always requests rooms that are next to each other or as close as the accommodations permit. Cabins on board our ship are not interconnecting. Travel/Study can request interconnecting rooms at the hotel on your behalf where available, but the hotel will not guarantee them in advance.

About our ship

The National Geographic Sea Bird can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships, due to her shallow draft and small size—just 31 outside cabins. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, nose up to glaciers in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for kayaking.

Public areas include a library; global market; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; observation deck; and a partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables. A fitness center includes an elliptical, a treadmill, weights, and resistance bands. There is also a spa treatment room, staffed by wellness specialists. Additionally, the Sea Bird boasts a fleet of 6 Zodiacs and 16 kayaks, paddleboards, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera, and video microscope. The “open bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet officers and the captain and learn about navigation. Meals are served at a single seating and feature sustainable choices, local where possible.

The Sea Bird is a self-disinfecting ship with ACT Clean CoatTM, a light-activated, self-disinfecting cleaning process that continuously breaks down viruses, bacteria, mold, and airborne allergens across all ship surfaces. Not only does this create a cleaner, healthier shipboard environment for guests and crew alike, but this non-toxic, chemical- free system also saves more than one million gallons of water each year in cleaning procedures and reduces the ship’s carbon footprint as well as plastic and waste.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Choose the room that’s right for you

There are a variety of rooms to choose from aboard our ship. Please consult the diagram below to aid you in making your decision. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 650-725-1093.

Please note that Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers should add $450 per person to the prices below. Children (ages 7–18) receive a $400 discount off the rates below.

Category 1

Main Deck cabins conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, with two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a large view window. (94 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $8,695 per person

  • Single: $11,695 per person

Category 2

Upper Deck and Bridge Deck cabins with two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a large view window. (90 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $10,095 per person

  • Single: $13,095 per person

Category 3

Cabins on the Upper Deck feature two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed, as well as a pull-out single bed for a third person. Cabins on the Bridge Deck feature two lower single beds that are fixed. All cabins in this category include two large windows and a seating unit with a table. (118 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $11,195 per person

  • Triple: $10,695 per person

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Young Explorer program and activities for kids

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides, drivers, and ship crew for all group activities

  • 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • 5-night cruise aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird

  • Port fees and embarkation taxes

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal accident and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Alaska

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