Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness - Betchart … nature’s unplanned gifts, landing sites, or simply stay put to observe exciting wildlife. ... EXPLORING ALASKA’S COASTAL

Exploring

Fly Fr

ee

Between

Seattle

& Alaska

Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

May 19-26, 2013 & June 2-9, 2013Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird

“You come to Alaska to see the large and magnificent: the glaciers, the whales, the bears. But then you start to focus in on the small and unheralded little things. And there are those moments when the sights are so overwhelming that you develop new eyes. And new ears. The sounds come into play—the sounds of birds, of water, of whales, and sometimes a profound silence. It’s so profound it’s more of a presence than an absence. I love that.”

— Kim Heacox, National Geographic Writer/Photographer

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Cover Photo: guests get up close to a calving glacier. ©Flip Nicklin Opposite: breaching humpback whale.

Ship’s Registry: United States

Dear Members and Friends,Alaska is a land of superlatives—towering glaciers that calve into the sea with thunderous crashes. Soaring fjords carved through pristine forests; fog-shrouded islands set amidst fast-moving, wildlife-rich channels. And the wildlife is abundant—breaching humpback whales, foraging brown bears, soaring eagles, and huge Steller sea lions.

While there are many ways to get to Alaska, seeing it up close with us is the most enriching way to experience its pure wildness. The nimble 62-guest ship, National Geographic Sea Bird, is perfect for venturing deep into fjords and nosing up to waterfalls. And a fleet of Zodiacs aboard allows us to effortlessly disembark at any beach or rocky outcrop to explore on foot, or even deep within the Tongass National Forest where our special permits enable us to venture into the remote areas.

This is the richest whale experience possible. Researchers from the Alaska Whale Foundation will join us aboard to share their knowledge and studies. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s 30+ years exploring Alaska and access to local experts give us the inside track on where whales are the most active, which is part of the reason we manage to give our guests unforgettable whale encounters year after year.

And we go deeper than anyone else. An exclusive undersea program lets you see video of the surprisingly vivid life 40 to 80 feet beneath the ship’s bow, when the undersea specialist dives to shoot video.

Your undersea specialist is just one of a superb staff of naturalists, historians, and experts. In all, you’ll explore with a veteran staff of six naturalists—the best staff-to-guest ratio in Alaska, ensuring you more personal attention and access to experts. And you’ll find the people you meet aboard are like-minded adventurers—and the shared experience on an intimate ship will make for an incredible journey. I hope you’ll join us on May 19 or June 2, 2013. Book now and receive complimentary round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska—a value of $650. To make your reservation, please return the enclosed reservation form or call 800-252-4910.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. BetchartPresident, Betchart Expeditions, Inc.For AAAS Travels, ACS and Sigma Xi Expeditions

P.S. Members on both departures are invited to join our voyage extension to Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, May 26-June 1, 2013. Call 800-252-4910 for details.

Exploring wild, pristine Alaska—iconic & unexpected wildlife in splendid seclusionTo truly explore Alaska you have to go deep—into the channels to observe glaciers

up close. Into the remote bays where whales feed. And we bring you even deeper—

get a glimpse of Alaska’s colorful undersea when an onboard undersea specialist

dives beneath the sea to send back video of kelp forests, vibrantly colored sea

stars, and strange and beautiful creatures.

You’ll hike through cathedral forests among the Sitka spruce and hemlock. On

the coast, watch brown bears foraging and bald eagles soaring. Or venture into a

roadless town to meet the locals. A perfectly sized, nimble expedition ship is the

best way to discover the real Alaska.

The Alaska we want to show you might begin with the great exhalation of humpback

whales feeding near the ship in early morning, followed by a brown bear mother

and cub searching for food on the shore. After breakfast, it’s time to race on deck

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Exploring wild, pristine Alaska—iconic & unexpected wildlife in splendid seclusion

Clockwise: bald eagle; crimson anemone; brown

bear; guests get a front row seat to Steller sea

lions.

The welcoming expedition staff is always available to answer your questions. They accompany every outing and lead informal talks each evening. And they are always glad to continue the conversation over meals in the dining room.

to watch humpback or orca whales as

a hydrophone is lowered beneath the

water to hear the humpbacks’ eerie

vocalizations.

In mid-afternoon, we may kayak and

take Zodiac cruises. And before dinner,

we keep a lookout for breaching whales. Because the itinerary is designed with wildlife

sightings in mind, we adjust our plans accordingly.

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Hike lush, towering forests in the company of expert naturalists.

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The most intimate, engaging experience of authentic Alaska with the experts who know it bestFrom far away, glaciers appear white. And those who visit Alaska aboard larger ships may leave still believing they are. But when you travel expedition style, using a small nimble ship, Zodiacs, and kayaks to get up close, you see the spectrum: intense blues with pearl, crystal, aqua; innumerable shades of white swirled with dark sediment churned over centuries of glacial slide. You’ll even see behind the surface colors, to the geology that explains them.

We want to show you an Alaska that is more than “one color.” You are immersed in an authentic experience. The expedition team, comprised of five naturalists plus an expedition leader, is passionate about sharing information, stories, and experiences that bring the region to life.

WHY TRAVEL TO ALASKA WITH USDedicated, Expert Staff: The expertise and

passion of the captain, expedition leader, and naturalists mean that you’ll learn more, see more, and, we hope, come to care more about this precious environment.

Expedition Ship: We use a small, specially outfitted, comfortable expedition ship. And whether it’s gathering in the lounge or watching wildlife from the bow, the ship fosters an esprit de corps not found elsewhere.

Flexible Itinerary: With a flexible approach, you’ll be able to maximize your interaction with nature’s unplanned gifts, landing sites, or simply stay put to observe exciting wildlife.

Unmatched Tools for Exploration: A fleet of kayaks and Zodiac landing craft are the perfect vehicles to experience Alaska up close. We also use a video microscope, hydrophone, and Splash Cam to reveal what other travelers seldom see or hear.

Undersea Exploration: Our exclusive undersea program reveals the surprising and vivid life 40 to 80 feet beneath the ship’s bow. Your undersea specialist dons cold-water diving gear to shoot video and then shares it on the lounge’s TV screen.

National Geographic on Board: Spend time with top researchers, naturalists, and photographers.

Insider Access: Special permits allow you to explore protected areas like Tongass National Forest.

Local Flavors: Food served aboard is local, sustainable, and delicious. The ship provisions weekly with some of the finest and freshest halibut, black cod, and king salmon. And the Dungeness crab feast is always a guest favorite!

Photo Instructor: To capture moments at the heart of your expedition, you’ll travel with a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor—a naturalist who’s specially trained to help you go home a better photographer.

Tlingit Cultural Interpreter: Explore Glacier Bay National Park and experience its magnificent scenery animated by the lore and legend of its indigenous people.

Wellness Program: Join the wellness specialist for morning stretch classes or serene forest walks. There are also massage options and pampering body treatments to complement your time outdoors.

EXPLORING ALASKA’S COASTAL WILDERNESS8 DAyS/7 NIGhTS – ABOARD NatioNal GeoGraphic Sea BirD

DAY 1: SEATTLE/JUNEAU, ALASKA/EMBARK

Fly from Seattle to Juneau, and visit Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska’s natural history and culture. Embark ship. After dinner, explore Juneau on your own. (D)

DAY 2: TRACY ARM–FORD’S TERROR WILDERNESS

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: PETERSBURG

Search for humpback whales as we head towards the small, true Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Explore a unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the “muskeg,” with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flightseeing or bike riding. Enjoy a Dungeness crab feast for dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: FREDERICK SOUND AND CHATHAM STRAIT

These waters are prime for whales—pods of humpback or orca whales searching for their next meal. With luck, we’ll see whales breaching, tail-slapping, and

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Guests on Zodiac have an up-close encounter with a brown bear.

EXPLORING ALASKA’S COASTAL WILDERNESS8 DAyS/7 NIGhTS – ABOARD NatioNal GeoGraphic Sea BirD

feeding. We’ll explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Later, hike or kayak for up-close exploration. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: POINT ADOLPHUS/INIAN PASS

Hike, kayak, and search for whales near Point Adolphus, consistently a favored summer feeding area for humpback whales. Then, cruise to Inian Pass, where playful sea otters reside. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

In Glacier Bay, enormous glaciers flow from ice fields far above. Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice calving into the sea. Search for brown bears along the shore and mountain goats climbing rocky cliffs. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us onboard to share the lore and legend of the area. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: SOUTHEAST ALASKA’S ISLANDS, BAYS, AND FJORDS

Explore with the luxury of a flexible plan. We may stop at an isolated beach to hike through old-forest growth, beachcomb, observe tidepools, or explore island coastlines by kayak or Zodiac–-all in an area with the world’s highest density of nesting bald eagles. In the spring and early summer, the landscape is often blanketed with colorful wildflowers. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: SITKA/DISEMBARK/SEATTLE

Visit onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, discover the grand totems that line the trail through Sitka National Historical Park, and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Fly to Seattle. (B)

Note: Lindblad Expeditions is authorized to operate in the Tongass National Forest under a Forest Service special-use permit, enabling us to take you hiking and kayaking in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

Orca whale.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALASKA

Sitka Frederick SoundAdmiralty Is.

Point AdolphusJuneau

Tracy Arm

Petersburg

Glacier Bay N.P.

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SOuThEAST ALASkA IN SPRING IS NEVER FREShER, NEVER MORE FILLED WITh PROMISE AND POSSIBILITY. - EXPEDITION LEADER JEN MARTIN

There’s definitely something magical about the way spring comes to Alaska in May and early June. “Conventional wisdom” would have you think otherwise, but after spending season after season here, we found the spring weather is often delightful. But don’t take our word for it — check out the Daily Expedition Reports from May 2012 voyages at www.expeditions.com/der. You’ll understand why many of our staff return every year to savor the special delights of this short, sweet season.

Alaska in spring is never fresher and never more filled with possibility and promise: the possibility of finding a brown bear sow with her cubs foraging along the shore-line or discovering the first whales of the season coming to feed after their long migration. Plus, Alaska’s diverse landscape is a sight in spring, dotted with colorful wildflowers and bordered by stunning mountain peaks still dramatically covered with snow. We hope you will decide to join us this spring. And don’t forget your camera.

The ship carries twelve double and six single kayaks, which allow you to make your own personal discoveries.

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Just about everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition is included, both aboard the ship and ashore.

The only things not included in the price of this voyage are those of a personal nature, or that interest a limited number of people—optional flightseeing in Petersburg, alcohol, internet usage, tips to the crew, wellness treatments, and other specialized arrangements.

These inclusions, combined with the quality of service and the excellence of the expedition staff, add up to considerable value.

You could literally go on this voyage without a dollar in your pocket and have a perfectly excellent experience taking advantage of all that is offered.

ACTIvITIESAll excursions

Zodiac explorations

Kayaking

Lectures & presentations in the lounge including special presentations by the Alaska Whale Foundation

Morning stretch classes with wellness specialist

AShorESightseeing & entrance fees

Special-access permits, park fees, port taxes

Transfers to and from group flights

The expertise of the expedition staff

ABoArD ShIPAll meals and nonalcoholic beverages

Complimentary refillable water bottle

24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand

Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during lounge recap

Fully stocked library

The guidance and company of the expedition staff

INCLuSIVE PRICING

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated as solo.

ITINeRARY CAT. 1 CAT. 2 CAT. 3 CAT. 1 SOLO

CAT. 2 SOLO

AdvANCe PAYMeNT SPeCIAL OFFeR

exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

$5,990 $6,990 $7,990 $8,990 $10,490 $1,000 Receive complimentary round-trip airfare Seattle/Juneau and Sitka/Seattle—a $650 value!

CAPACITy: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.REGISTRy: United States. OvERALL LENGTh: 152 feet.PuBLIC AREAS: Ship features a library; global market; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows, and presentations; observation deck; partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables. Our “open bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and

lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.CABINS: All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.EXPEDITION EquIPMENT: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, bow camera, hydrophone, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, and video microscope. SPECIAL FEATuRES: Guest internet access. A video chronicler and undersea specialist on board all voyages. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features exer-cise equipment, LEXspa, and morning stretch classes on the sun deck.

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CATEGORy 1: Main Deck #300-305 — Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk, and a large view window. CATEGORy 2: Bridge Deck #100-104; Upper Deck #200-212, 215 — These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a window. CATEGORy 3: Bridge Deck #105, 106; Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 — These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows.

LEXspa 106

105 103

104

101

102 100 SUN DECK

BRID

GE

GYM EQUIPMENT

BRIDGE DECK

219 217

216 214

215 211

212 210 208 206 204 202 200

201 203 205 207 209

UPPER DECK

MAIN DECK

LOUNGE

OBSERVATIONDECK

BAR

CPTN.

DINING ROOM

305 303 301

304 302 300

Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only.NOTE: Sole occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double-occupancy rate.ShARED ACCOMMODATIONS: Shares can be arranged at the double occupan-cy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated as solo.

ITINeRARY CAT. 1 CAT. 2 CAT. 3 CAT. 1 SOLO

CAT. 2 SOLO

AdvANCe PAYMeNT SPeCIAL OFFeR

exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

$5,990 $6,990 $7,990 $8,990 $10,490 $1,000 Receive complimentary round-trip airfare Seattle/Juneau and Sitka/Seattle—a $650 value!

A wellness specialist leads daily stretch classes; comfortable Category 3 cabin; unassigned seating in the dining room adds to the informal setting of the expedition.

Expedition Costs Include: Accommodations aboard ship; all meals as indicated; nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; round-trip airfare Seattle/Juneau and Sitka/Seattle; transfers to/from airport if traveling on group flights; all shore excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees; taxes, service charges, and tips (except to ship’s crew): use of kayaks; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ natural history staff.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare between hometown/Seattle; meals not indicated; optional extensions; flightseeing; independent transfers; passport fees; baggage/accident/travel protection plan; voyage DVD; personal items including email and telephone calls, and discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew.

Note: A complete packet of pre-departure information, included recommended reading list and suggestions on what to bring, will be sent to you approximately four months before departure.

Terms & Conditionsreservations: To confirm your place, an advance payment of uS$1,000 per person on Alaska voyage plus $500 per person on the extension is payable by check.

Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure.

Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Information will be sent upon registration.

Smoking Policy: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

responsibility: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Company’s (Lindblad Expeditions) liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospective guests upon request.

Prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and are subject to change. The Company reserves the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the Company’s actual cost of fuel.

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ALASKA vOyAGE CANCELLATION POLICy

Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee90 or more days $250

89–60 days Advance payment cost

59–30 days 50% of trip cost

29–0 days No refund

We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan.

SPECIAL OFFERSFrEE AIr: Receive complimentary economy-class round-trip airfare between Seattle and Alaska—a value of $650 per person. (Air must be booked by Lindblad expeditions. valid on new bookings only and subject to availability.) BrING ThE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life- enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the double-occupancy price for each person under 18.

With a fleet of Zodiacs and the nimble National Geographic Sea Bird, you experience Alaska’s wonders up close.

Please reserve ___________ place(s) on the May 19 voyage June 2 voyage

May 26-June 1 Denali extension

Name 1: _____________________________________________________________ (As it appears on passport)

Name 1: ______________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________ (Preferred name for name badge)

Name 2: _____________________________________________________________ (As it appears on passport)

Name 2: ______________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________ (Preferred name for name badge)

Street Address: ________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: ________

home Phone: ____________________Business Phone: ________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________ Fax: ________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________

Accommodations: Double Single Twin share w/friend

Share with roommate assigned by tour operator

Please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference:

1st choice: ______________________2nd choice: ___________________________

Please send information about the Optional Anchorage/Denali/Fairbanks Post- or Pre-Voyage Extension,

May 26-June 1, 2013

Enclosed is my advance payment of $ __________ (uS$1,000 per person for the Alaska voyage

+ $500 per person for the extension.) Check made payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them:

Signature(s): ________________________________Date: ______________________

Signature(s): ________________________________Date: ______________________

Membership: ACS AAAS Sigma Xi

Reservation Form: Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird — May 19-26 & June 2-9, 2013

Please return to:

Betchart Expeditions, Inc.

17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014

Phone: (800) 252-4910 or (408) 252-4910

E-mail: [email protected]

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