British Columbia & the San Juan Islands with National Geographic

Find the perfect trip

8 days from

£3723.0

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Kayak, hike, and expedition landing craft cruise the wildlife-rich coasts of Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands
  • Learn the histories of First Nations people through their art and powerful dance performances
  • Search for killer whales in the region where they’re most reliably found in the Northern Hemisphere
  • Enjoy a private evening event at the Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria

Highlights

  • Kayak, hike, and expedition landing craft cruise the wildlife-rich coasts of Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands
  • Learn the histories of First Nations people through their art and powerful dance performances
  • Search for killer whales in the region where they’re most reliably found in the Northern Hemisphere
  • Enjoy a private evening event at the Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria
Capacity: 102

Discover the powerful wilderness and warm charm of the Pacific Northwest over a wide-ranging week in the San Juan Islands and British Columbia. You’ll venture to spectacular, remote islands and sail through channels that teem with sea life, plus you’ll visit charming towns and First Nations heritage sites. This National Geographic Sea Bird voyage sails one-way between Seattle and Vancouver allowing ample time to venture far north into Alert Bay, including Victoria and the Robert Bateman Centre, with remote stops in the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and deep in the fjords of British Columbia.

Discover the Wildness of the San Juans & British Columbia
Sail among the more remote San Juan Islands in places ideal for kayaking, exploring by expedition landing craft, and hiking where seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and killer whales are often seen. Venture to the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, perfect for active exploration and rich in wildlife. Go through Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a mecca for kayakers with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. Explore its isolated bays and islets by kayak and then hike its meadows and lush green forest trails.

First Nation Cultures of the Region
In Alert Bay you’ll make your way to the U'Mista Cultural Center, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. In the Big House see the Tsasala Cultural Group bring the stories of their people to life through a powerful dance ceremony.

Visit charming towns & museums
Enjoy a guided tour of Friday Harbor’s Whale Museum, with its fascinating collection of artifacts, artwork, and whale skeletons. Or choose to walk the picturesque town’s streets, mixing with locals in the art galleries, coffee shops, or pubs. And in Victoria, there’ll be a chance to tour private gardens, take a bike ride and call at the Robert Bateman Centre to take in the definitive collection of his incredible natural history artwork.

Travel in excellent company
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, a historian, a geologist/naturalist, plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor and a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for British Columbia & the San Juan Islands is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Kayak, hike, and expedition landing craft cruise the wildlife-rich coasts of Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands
  • Learn the histories of First Nations people through their art and powerful dance performances
  • Search for killer whales in the region where they’re most reliably found in the Northern Hemisphere
  • Enjoy a private evening event at the Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria
27 September, 2025 to 04 October, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 3
£ 4890 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 3804 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 5431 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 6053 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 4416 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
04 October, 2025 to 11 October, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 2
£ 4329 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 5926 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
£ 4788 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 5324 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 3723 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
11 October, 2025 to 18 October, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 3
£ 4788 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 5324 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 3723 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 5926 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 4329 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1: Seattle/Embark
Arrive in Seattle and transfer to National Geographic Sea Bird to begin your expedition.
DAY 2: Exploring the San Juan Islands
Today we’ll visit the more remote of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in northern Washington State perfect for kayaking, exploring by expedition landing craft, and hiking. Search for seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, and other marine mammals.
DAY 3: Friday 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. Later, we’ll search for killer whales on our way to British Columbia.
DAY 4: Victoria, 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, eat like a local on a culinary walk through Old Town or peruse the collections at local art galleries. In the evening, enjoy a private wine tasting and reception at the Robert Bateman Centre while taking in the incredible collection of paintings.
DAY 5: Exploring Gulf Islands
Wake this morning among the Gulf Islands, a rich archipelago in the Strait of Georgia, and a yachter’s paradise. We’ll take our pick of perfect spots to kayak, hike, and search for wildlife.
DAY 6: Johnstone Strait/Alert Bay
Sail through Johnstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing areas for killer whales in the northern hemisphere. In the afternoon, we’ll land in Alert Bay and make our way to the U'Mista Cultural Centre, home to a stunning collection of potlatch masks created by the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. We’ll then walk or ride to the Big House, just a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group puts on a dance and the performers explain the story of the dance movements.
DAY 7: Desolation 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. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s Farewell dinner.
DAY 8: Vancouver
Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. After breakfast, disembark the ship for connecting flights home.
Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.
National Geographic Venture
Launched 2018 Designed with over 50 years of expedition heritage, National Geographic Venture is able to explore the same remote locations as National Geographic have sought out for decades while se…

National Geographic Venture

Launched 2018

Designed with over 50 years of expedition heritage, National Geographic Venture is able to explore the same remote locations as National Geographic have sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.  She will follow National Geographic Quest in featuring step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins for families and groups; a Sun Deck bar, and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.  

Comfortably accommodating 100 guests, Venture has a shallow draft depth, allowing us to navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate experiences of the charismatic regions we explore. Her twin expedition craft landing platforms allow you to get on and off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, the purpose-built vessel also features open decks, generous windows, and specialty tools for exploration—the ideal platform for sailing into the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and for exploring the tropical waterways of Central America.

Remotely Operated VehicleCapable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.

KayaksNational Geographic Venture is equipped with 24 two-person kayaks—a fleet large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.

Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.

Underwater cameraOur undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.

Video microscopeNaturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.

HydrophoneThis underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.

Electronic chartsAn electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.

Open bridgeYou’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

Snorkeling gear & wetsuitsOn warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Venture
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

8 days from £3723.0

Find your favorite region