Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands
Discover the pristine wilderness, First Nations history, and seaside communities of the Pacific Northwest. Trace the coast from Seattle to British Columbia to explore isolated coves and archipelagos by kayak and Zodiac, and venture ashore to hike through misty forests. Explore among lush Islands, keeping an eye out for marine mammals and bald eagles; visit picturesque coastal towns; and learn about the native cultures that call this region home.
03 October, 2026 to 10 October, 2026
Category 01
$10,530 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 02
$12,221 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 03
$13,527 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 04
$15,040 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
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Category 05
$16,756 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
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10 October, 2026 to 17 October, 2026
Category 01
$8,761 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 02
$10,200 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 03
$11,280 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 04
$12,536 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
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Category 05
$13,963 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
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17 October, 2026 to 24 October, 2026
Category 01
$7,230 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 02
$8,410 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 03
$9,303 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 04
$10,344 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
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Category 05
$11,513 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
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09 October, 2027 to 16 October, 2027
Category 01
$9,179 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 02
$9,821 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 03
$10,507 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 04
$12,612 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
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Category 05
$13,881 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
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15 October, 2027 to 22 October, 2027
Category 01
$8,786 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 02
$9,400 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 03
$10,057 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
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Category 04
$12,071 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
view cabin photo
Category 05
$13,286 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
view cabin photo
16 October, 2027 to 23 October, 2027
Category 01
$9,179 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 02
$9,821 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 03
$10,507 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 04
$12,612 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
view cabin photo
Category 05
$13,881 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
view cabin photo
22 October, 2027 to 29 October, 2027
Category 01
$8,786 AUD pp
#301-306 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 02
$9,400 AUD pp
#307-315 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 03
$10,057 AUD pp
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
view cabin photo
Category 04
$12,071 AUD pp
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
view cabin photo
Category 05
$13,286 AUD pp
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
view cabin photo
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 Seattle / 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 2 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, 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 3 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.
Day 4 Johnstone 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 5 Exploring 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 6 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.
Day 7 Exploring 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 8 Seattle / 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
Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please note: *
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 8 Seattle / 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
Day 7 Exploring 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 6 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.
Day 5 Exploring 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 4 Johnstone 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 3 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.
Day 2 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, 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 1 Seattle / 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
* = Indicative
National Geographic Quest
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores.
Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.
• 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 for the Center for Whale Research
• In lovely Victoria, tour private gardens, take a bike ride, and enjoy a private evening event at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
