Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is offering a 14-night voyage that visits Haida Gwaii, an island chain so rich in biodiversity that it is known as the “Canadian Galapagos.” The voyage, which begins in Seattle, also will explore Alaska and British Columbia.
Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is home to the world’s largest black bears and at least 39 subspecies of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA LION and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA BIRD will be the first ships carrying more than 22 passengers to visit the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in more than two decades.
The ships received special permission from the Gwaii Haanas Archipelago Management Board. Passengers will visit the ancestral Haida village of SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see a collection of ancient totem poles at the Haida Heritage Museum, and learn about the spiritual beliefs and respect for nature integral to Haida culture.
The voyages depart from Seattle on May 3, May 4, September 6 and September 7, 2014. A National Geographic photographer will accompany the September voyages. Rates begin at $USD9,990 per person, double occupancy.
