Sail into the narrow, winding fjords of northern British Columbia and enter the domain of the rare Spirit Bear during this captivating 8-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Venture vessel. This itinerary has everything from cultural learning experiences to exciting wildlife spotting opportunities including grizzly bears, cougars, killer whales, sea otters and much more!
Arctic & Alaska
Voyage to Great Bear Rainforest
8 Days aboard National Geographic Venture. From AUD $8,516pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Kayak deep into verdant fjords and along wildlife-rich shores
- Cruise by Zodiac in to protected waters in search of grizzly, black and Kermode bears
- Hike along salmon-rich streams and enter forests of towering cedars
- Learn about the legends and lore of the First National people
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ketchikan, Alaska / Embark Ship
- Day 2: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
- Day 3-6: Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and Rugged Coastline of British Columbia
- Day 7: Cruising and Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park
- Day 8: Prince Rupert / Disembark Ship / Seattle / Fly Home
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Ketchikan, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of forested slopes on Revillagigedo Island, in the early afternoon. Its many monikers, from “salmon capital of the world” to “rain capital of Alaska,” capture the spirit of this city, famous for colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Embark National Geographic Venture in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
Day 2: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
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.
Day 3-6: Exploring the Great Bear Rainforest and Rugged Coastline of British Columbia
Over the course of the next four days, we cruise far into the fjords and deep valleys that carve into the Coast Range looking for black and grizzly bears. We are accompanied by a cultural interpreter* who will share local Indigenous knowledge, culture, and practice, offering unparalleled insights. We 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. We go ashore and explore several remote locations where few people venture. Discover hidden gems by Zodiac and kayak, navigate the tidal narrows that lead to the backs of bays while constantly scanning for bears along the rocky shoreline and meadows such as Gilttoyees Inlet.
*Please note: Cultural interpreter is dependent on availability.
Day 7: Cruising and Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park
Seek out pods of killer whales and foraging bears as we 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, we will drop our Zodiacs and kayaks to explore the salmon run at Verney Falls in Lowe Inlet Provincial Marine Park on our way to Prince Rupert.
Day 8: Prince Rupert / Disembark Ship / Seattle / Fly Home
Disembark and transfer to the airport in Prince Rupert. Board a charter flight to Seattle for your connecting flight home.
Next Departure Date: 01 Sep 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Sep 2025 - 08 Sep 2025 | AUD$8687pp | ||
| Category 1 | AUD$8687pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 | AUD$10101pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 | AUD$11183pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 | AUD$12414pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 | AUD$13839pp | Contact us | |
| 08 Sep 2025 - 15 Sep 2025 | AUD$9146pp | ||
| 15 Sep 2025 - 22 Sep 2025 | AUD$8516pp | ||
| 08 Sep 2026 - 15 Sep 2026 | AUD$8860pp | ||
| 16 Sep 2026 - 23 Sep 2026 | AUD$8860pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1
2 single beds (or queen)
Two portholes
Main deck location
Wi-Fi access
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
Individual climate controls
Hair dryer
Category 2
2 single beds (or queen)
Two portholes
Main deck location
Wi-Fi access
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
Individual climate controls
Hair dryer
Category 3
2 single beds (or queen)
Large view window
Upper deck location
Writing desk
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Category 4
2 single beds (or queen)
Upper deck location
Large view window
Sliding glass doors leading to private balcony
Individual climate controls
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
Category 5
1 queen bed (or twin bedding)
Observation deck location
Large view windows
Expanded bathroom with amenities
Sofa bed
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
National Geographic Venture Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 100
- Crew: 50
- Decks: 4
- Cabins: 50
- Year Built: 2018
- Class: Ice Strengthened Expedition Ship
- Speed: 12kn
- Length: 73m
- Beam: 14m
Whats included?
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages on board
- Cappuccinos, lattes and filtered water
- 24-hour coffee, tea and soda on demand
- Hors d'oeurves and snacks during recap
- Guidance of the experienced expedition staff
- Park fees and port taxes
- All excursions
- Zodiac and kayak explorations
- Presentations
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Laundry, internet and telephone
- Gift shop items and any other items of a personal nature
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
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