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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.

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

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.

“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

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.

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

Join us in Alaska

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