national geographic trips to alaska

APRIL SALE Extended:   Book now for   up to 60% off!

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys

• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Anchorage
• Day 2 Anchorage/Homer (1B)
• Day 3 Homer (1B)
• Day 4 Homer/Seward (1B)
• Day 5 Seward (1B, 1L)
• Day 6 Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve (1B, 1D)
• Day 7 Denali National Park and Preserve (1B, 1L)
• Day 8 Denali National Park and Preserve (1B, 1L)
• Day 9 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage (1B)
• Day 10 Anchorage (1B)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

TRAVEL, ENHANCED National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures are a collection of unique National Geographic tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more inclusions, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group.

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Good 4.0
• Itinerary Excellent 4.5
• Guide Good 3.5
• Transport Good 4.0
• Accommodation Good 3.5
• Food Good 3.5
• Tour Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures 4.5
• MR Michael · 6th August 2023 Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places Trip date: July 2023

• RL Raymond · 18th November 2021 Disappointed in the relative lack of local knowledge of the driver/coordinator. Dining options while in "travel mode" were poor (really, the best available was "fast food?") and group dining options in Anchorage (a foodie mecca) were poor. In other... Show more Trip date: August 2021

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• August 2025
• Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €4,249 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 11 Jun, 2024 Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €4,249 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 1 Other Unavailable Departure
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 1 Jul, 2024 Wednesday 10 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,939 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €4,939 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 21 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 30 Jul, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,939 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Wednesday 31 Jul, 2024 Friday 9 Aug, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €4,939 Confirm Dates
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 10 Aug, 2024 Monday 19 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,939 €4,198 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Sunday 18 Aug, 2024 Tuesday 27 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €4,249 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 1 Jun, 2025 Tuesday 10 Jun, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €4,249 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 11 Jun, 2025 Friday 20 Jun, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €4,249 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency $ US Dollar USA

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 7th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 7th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Morocco Tours
• Alaska Vacation Packages
• Australia Tours
• Rockies and Alaskan Adventure Vancouver to Fa…
• Uganda Wilderness & Big 5 Game Encounter
• Active & Discovery on the Rhine with 1 Night …
• Guatemala - Multicolored Guatemala

Keep Exploring USA

• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• 10 Amazing Wildlife Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• USA from Anchorage
• Usa Wildlife
• Small group tour
• 10 days Usa
• Operators in North America
• Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys Tours in USA
• Wildlife Tours
• Western USA Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Explorer Tours
• Western USA

Alaska's Inside Passage

Member Savings

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Kayak into protected coves and look for sea otters, seabirds, and whales.
• Hike through lush forest trails to cascading waterfalls, and take a motorized landing craft into sheltered coves where brown bears feed.
• Watch for calving ice in the iceberg-laden waters of Glacier Bay National Park.
• Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the local whale population, and get a firsthand perspective on Alaska’s indigenous peple from a Tlingit cultural interpreter.

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness

Bait, Bed and Breakfast Customizable Package

Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast with Alaska Cruise 2022 Classic Group with Alaska Cruise Verandah Suite

Best of Montana

Alaska: The Great Exploration

Travel themes.

• Hiking & Walking
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

• North America
• United States

Attractions

• Glacier National Park
• Educational/ learning
• River cruise
• Wildlife viewing

View Similar Trips

Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

Sunsets & Southern Charms

Wild Southwest USA

California Panorama

8 Day Original Tour for Women CCW

Fly from Seattle to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we embark the ship in the late afternoon.

National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird (D)

Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord where waterfalls cascade from towering, glacially carved walls. We maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye out for feeding bears on the shoreline and mountain goats on the cliffs above.

Hike and kayak among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside. We’ll search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Straits and, conditions permitting, lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on the whales’ communication.

Beachcomb, hike forest trails, explore by kayak, or cruise along Admiralty Island, where the massive brown bear is found, along with perhaps the world's highest density of nesting bald eagles. If conditions permit, explore the coastlines of some remote islands by kayak. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a striking testament to Alaska's roots prior to the U.S. purchase of the territory from Russia. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Seattle.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

Other national geographic expeditions reviews, inconsistent information, no refund.

We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marke...

CaliforniaSlug

How to Ruin a Trip to Norway

My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ...

TOO MUCH TOO FAST

Firstly, it was my understanding, and confirmed in a phone conversation with the company’s representative prior to our departure, that the schedule of events would g...

See all Other National Geographic Expeditions reviews

Travelers also viewed

El Calafate to El Chalten Hikes

Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia Cycling Tour

Best of Botswana Safari

Best of Sicily

Get Social: Europe Express 2022

Tour operator, national geographic expeditions.

National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, become a member.

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage on National Geographic Venture

Written by theresa russell, cruises | adventure travel | alaska | british columbia | canada | luxury travel | north america | travel | united states.

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to immerse guests in cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage. Read on about the adventures on National Geographic Venture.

Just the mention of Alaska raises my pulse and perks my ears. No matter how often I have explored the Last Frontier, I am ready to return. What could be more interesting than exploring the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia with Lindblad Expeditions ? Lindblad partners with National Geographic to immerse guests in this wondrous area.

What's in This Article:

Joining National Geographic Venture in Seattle

In my broken record voice, I emphasize the importance of traveling to an embarkation port at least one day before departure. I followed my advice, knowing we had very few ports of call and that catching up to National Geographic Venture would be near impossible.

While waiting for the buses to arrive to carry the 63 passengers to the pier, we signed forms, tried on our official jackets, and intermingled with fellow passengers. Many expedition cruise companies include a jacket for all passengers. We selected ours, blue in this case, adding another color to my collection. I am certain that these jackets are mainly used to find guests who accidentally go astray in the wilderness.

Unlike joining a large ship where guests usually pass through a terminal, my husband and I headed to a hotel hospitality room where we waited for a bus to transport us to the ship. I had hoped that we would use Pier 66 in Seattle, the closest to downtown. Well, we boarded just a short way from there, but directly from the pier to the ship.

Boarding Venture in Seattle. Photo by Theresa Russell

National Geographic Venture

Boarding via a stairway, we immediately headed to our stateroom. Noticeably absent from the cabin, what looked like the ideal space for a television was a piece of wall art. Who needs television when most of the entertainment is outside the stateroom?

National Geographic Venture Stateroom. Photo by Theresa Russell

We unpacked and found adequate storage space and several USB ports. Our view was through a slanted window, which bumped me several times as I gazed to see wildlife. Our bathroom had a small shower with an interesting mix of toiletries. All were of a different essence. Would they conflict and result in a poor showering experience?

One exciting fixture in the stateroom was a speaker with volume control but not an on-off switch. Had a hammer been in the room, I may have fixed that. Every morning at 7 am, the expedition leader served as an alarm clock. “Good Morning on the National Geographic Venture!”

Dining on National Geographic Venture

Unsurprisingly, an expedition cruise focuses on nature and activities. Meal times on this expedition cruise offered one seating at each meal. Breakfast came as a buffet with a special dish usually offered each morning. A cooked-to-order grill featured eggs served in a variety of ways. At breakfast, we received a rundown of the activities for the day.

Lunch was from a menu; like dinner, there was meat, seafood, and a vegetarian option. I found that the chef used my cooking philosophy—making various dishes from the same ingredient. For example, if we had couscous in one dish, it would appear in another variation at another meal.

There’s nothing like fish in Alaska. Photo by Theresa Russell

Tables were not assigned, and there were no formal nights. At the daily cocktail hour, we did have an option for hors d’œuvres. During the day, a beverage station was set up in the lounge, which usually offered cookies or other snacks in addition to hot and cold drinks.

Happy Hours encourages guests to gather. Photo by Theresa Russell

Public Spaces on National Geographic Venture

Being a small ship, NatGeo Venture contains few public spaces besides the dining room, a lounge, and an outdoor deck. The lounge became the gathering place for socializing and the classroom for lectures. In one corner was a bar with various beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. In the other corner, a small library with games, books, and computers drew guests to relax in this intimate space.

The lounge functioned as a window on wildlife , with glass enclosing much of the space. From the lounge, guests could head out to the bow to get an unobstructed view of the surroundings, whether on land or sea.

Searching from the bow. Photo by Theresa Russell

Although sometimes chilly, the observation deck didn’t deter me from enjoying it. It seemed an unexplored, often unoccupied, space with seating, blankets, and awnings for protection from inclement weather.

Lindblad Expedition Basics

First on the list for a good experience is following the recommended packing list! Layering is essential to keep you warm or cool and dry. Knee-high wading boots topped the mandatory items list. Those function to keep feet dry when the zodiacs make wet landings.

On our sailing with 63 guests, we were divided into four groups: Otters, Humpbacks, Puffins, and Sea Lions. This kept the flow moving efficiently when we headed down to the Mud Room to get ready to launch into a zodiac, kayak, or SUP. Our expedition PFDs were stored there.

Bear Watching in Endicott Arm. Photo by Theresa Russell

Farewell Seattle

Leaving Seattle, we headed to the San Juan Islands, a popular spot for orcas. As morning approached, we watched the waters for signs of this most widely distributed mammal in the world. Scanning for black and white colors on the surface, we eventually caught a glimpse of the Dall’s porpoises who like to bow ride. Those porpoises also have black-and-white coloring.

Leaving Seattle. Photo by Theresa Russell

We had signed up for kayaking that day near Sucia Island. When I heard the speed of the winds during our morning weather report, I declared that I would not be participating as I am a fair-weather kayaker.

Later, kayaking was canceled due to the winds, but we took out on the zodiacs to explore the area. Our competent guide and birder pointed out different types of birds and spotted an eagle high in a tree. We learned about the area’s geology before returning to the ship for lunch.

The seas became rougher, and the captain moved the ship to a more protected area. We later set out again in the zodiacs and hiked around another part of Sucia with our octopus expert guide, explaining the local nature along the way.

Hiking on Sucia. Photo by Theresa Russell

Sharing Wisdom While Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

For me the high points of the cruise with Lindblad Expeditions happened most evenings after dinner. The experts presented lectures on their areas of expertise. We were fortunate to have Fathoms author, Rebecca Giggs, on board, and she shared her knowledge about whales.

Other speakers included natural historians and a variety of experts in their fields—birding, whales, photography, culture, and even a young man who found a previously unknown octopus colony in Puget Sound. One point made by this young man stuck with me—he claims that octopi is not a word. The experts shared their tales with aplomb, whether out in the zodiacs or in the lounge. Nothing ever got boring, especially with the clever and sometimes cringeworthy jokes sprinkled in for good measure.

Expert expedition leader. Photo by Theresa Russell

Lindblad Expeditions has a photography expert and some Olympus cameras and lenses onboard for guests to try out. Thanks to one of the lectures I attended, I learned a few things about my iPhone that I didn’t know.

The Star of Lindblad Expeditions While Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

I knew that big shows and splashy entertainment would be absent from my cruise on National Geographic Venture. But was it?

Nature along the Inside Passage presents the best show of them all. Lindblad knows Alaska. This anniversary cruise celebrated 40 years of exploring the great state of Alaska.

We ventured into inlets, searched for sea life, and hoped for calving glaciers. We saw bears, moose, whales, sea lions, porpoises, puffins, and a variety of birds.

Surprised sea lion. Photo by Robert Russell.

We walked through old-growth forests dwarfed by stately trees and met locals in places like Victoria, Alert Bay, Petersburg, and Sitka. We navigated difficult passages like the Wrangell and Seymour Narrows and mingled at meals with the lecturers who delved into their research and experiences.

Articles Related to Cruising Alaska

• Cruising Alaska on Quantum of the Seas
• Windstar Cruises: Star Legend Small Ship Cruising to Alaska
• Luxury Alaska Cruise Adventure on Regent Seven Seas

Final Thoughts on Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

Expedition cruising brings us up close and personal to nature. On NatGeo Venture , just a few of us were new to the Lindblad family. A typical conversation starter asked how many Lindblad cruises we had been on. Guests on this brand are loyal, often apologizing as if they had cheated on their spouse if they mentioned sailing with another cruise line.

Having sailed on other expeditions cruises sans apologies, I knew what to expect. I found the experts extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy while at the same time entertaining. Their shared experiences added to my enjoyment of this cruise.

While not seeing as much wildlife as I had expected, I saw a good sampling of the inhabitants of the Inside Passage. I especially appreciated that we weren’t just taking advantage of the calmer waters of the Inside Passage to steam to a popular port. (I do like that cruising as well.) On such a small ship, we could get into small coves, navigate narrow passages and let serendipity guide us.

A whale sighting in Endicott Arm. Photo by Theresa Russell

Flexibility allows for a tentative schedule. Venture would stop or change course to allow further exploration of a natural phenomenon or in search of certain wildlife.

My cruise ended fulfilling its purpose for me. Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage reminded me that nature humbles and inspires. I can’t wait to get back!

Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning your next cruise or trip to Alaska .

Alaska Cruise | Outdoor Activities | Outdoor Adventures | Pacific Northwest

You may also like….

5 Best Destinations for UK Family Adventures

by EJ Ray | May 1, 2024 | Great Britain , Destinations , Europe , Outdoor Travel , Travel , Travel Tips

Discover the ultimate UK family adventures! Explore thrilling destinations that are perfect for creating unforgettable...

Travel to South Africa and Discover a Wild and Wonderful Destination

by Linda Milks | Apr 30, 2024 | Africa , Adventure Travel , Destinations , Luxury Travel , Travel

Travel to South Africa is about more than seeing wild game. Read on for what to expect when traveling to wild and...

Golfing Through the Seasons: Year-Round Golfing in the US

by Quinn Pierce | Apr 29, 2024 | Outdoor Travel , Arizona , Oregon , Texas , Travel , United States

Discover the best year-round golfing destinations in the US, perfect for every season. Explore stunning courses and...

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest food, wine & travel updates! We look forward to having you Wander with us.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

I went on a 6-day cruise in Alaska with a National Geographic photographer, and seeing wildlife up close felt like I stepped inside a TV show

• Last year, I won a free cruise around southern Alaska and had no idea what to expect.
• From day one, I saw brown bears catching salmon and humpback whales breaching just yards away.
• The trip gave me a deeper appreciation for nature, and if money were no object I'd go again.

Last spring, I was one of five winners of a college writing contest for environmental storytelling. As a prize, the five of us received a free, six-day cruise that summer in Alaska. The cruise, called the "Wild Alaska Escape," travels from Sitka to Juneau across southeast Alaska and is run by Lindblad Expeditions, an eco-tourism-focused cruise company, in partnership with nature magazine National Geographic.

The normal price of this cruise is around $4,800 per person, but as a prize winner, I received the trip for free, which included food and nonalcoholic drinks onboard. In August, I paid for my own flight from Portland, Oregon, where I'd just finished 70 days of camping and volunteering for AmeriCorps, to Sitka, Alaska, to depart on the cruise.

Here's what the cruise was like, from nature and photography excursions to early morning wildlife sightings.

I arrived in Sitka excited to see a new state and experience a week at sea, since I'd never been to Alaska or on a cruise before.

I was also eager to learn from the resident researchers and scientists on the ship who are known as naturalists, and who would guide and educate us throughout the trip.

As an amateur photographer, I was especially looking forward to having the professional National Geographic photographer onboard, who would lead guided photo walks to share tips for photographing wildlife.

Boarding the ship, I fell in love with the ocean views on deck. I thought the interior was slightly dated, but cozy.

The cruise was on the National Geographic Sea Bird , a small ship with 31 cabins. The ship can fit 62 guests, according to the cruise website, although I noticed that there were only about 40 passengers on my trip. 

On the bottom deck, I found a lounge area with a bar, as well as the sole dining hall. Most guests cabins and the captain's quarters were located on the middle and top decks, where there was also an observation deck and a sundeck.

I thought my cabin was modest in size and decor, and I appreciated the large window.

My room was one of the few cabins on the bottom deck, near the lounge and dining hall. It had two twin-sized beds, a bathroom with a toilet and stand-up shower, and a sink just outside the bathroom.

Next to the beds, there was a small nightstand with drawers, and there was also a spacious closet with hooks and hangers to store clothes.

My favorite part of the cabin was the large window above one of the beds, where I could watch the water as the ship cruised along. Once while getting dressed, I was surprised to see a small whale swim right by my window.

Although I can't compare my cabin with others as this was my first cruise, the room felt small to me since there wasn't much floor space. Still, I thought it was comfortable, and as a solo traveler, I was glad to have the entire room to myself.

On the ship, I found the crew and nature experts to be friendly and knowledgeable about the region and local wildlife.

Lindblad Expeditions began partnered cruises with National Geographic in 2004, according to their website , in order to pair a team of naturalists and scientists with National Geographic photographers to guide cruise passengers on daily adventures.

There were four naturalists on my cruise, with specialties ranging from geology to undersea studies, as well as one National Geographic photographer. The photographer took photos of me and other travelers during our daily expeditions, but also gave us tutorials on how to take better nature photos with cameras and phones. I found the naturalist staff to be personable, and eager to answer any of my questions about the types of plants or animals I saw.

We saw animals like puffins, whales, and sea otters during the trip, often at unpredictable times.

The first morning, I was woken up at 6:30 a.m. by a loudspeaker announcement from our captain, who said there was a whale sighting and invited everyone to come up to the deck to watch. This was the first of many impromptu calls and over the week, we were alerted to sightings of sea otters, puffins, and more animals. 

The unpredictable nature of these sightings made the experience all the more thrilling and magical for me, since it was always a pleasant surprise to hear a new announcement from the captain. The excitement never got old, and I thought the spontaneity added a sense of adventure to the trip.

I especially enjoyed our daily excursions on smaller rafts, since it brought me closer to wildlife in ways I didn't expect.

Each day, we disembarked the ship and boarded smaller boats called Zodiacs , which were inflatable vessels about the size of life rafts and used for expeditions. There was a naturalist on each boat, and we rode through the open ocean, narrow straits, and small bays, hoping to catch glimpses of wildlife.

These smaller rafts allowed us to see animals like bears, whales, and otters up close. On our first Zodiac excursion, I watched a brown bear and two cubs cross over a small waterfall while plucking salmon from the water, less than 20 yards from our boat.

On another excursion, five humpback whales breached right in front of us and shook the boat when they fell back into the water. Even though I knew the trip would be a wildlife cruise, these animal sightings were more frequent and immersive than I'd imagined.

There were optional outdoor activities each day like hiking, kayaking, and rafting, so I never felt bored.

Each evening, we received an itinerary for the following day with options to sign up for outdoor excursions, such as hiking and kayaking. One of my favorite on-shore trips was when we docked in Haines, Alaska, and had the choice of an airplane ride, cycling, rafting, or a tundra trek.

I chose the tundra trek, and although its name made me picture hiking through a blizzard, there wasn't any snow since it was August. Instead, we explored alpine meadows and rolling hills, which I thought were beautiful, and the trek wasn't strenuous for me.

While I had fun on every experience, including the trek, most of the excursions felt leisurely and left me wanting a more of a thrill. Still, since there were multiple outings each day, I never felt bored.

Throughout the trip, I was glad to receive advice from the National Geographic photographer to improve my photography skills.

As a photographer, I've always aspired to take wildlife photos like those on the front page of National Geographic, and was excited to learn from the professional photographer on board.

I didn't take my Nikon camera on the cruise, but I did have my iPhone, and was pleasantly surprised when the photographer on board gave us a lesson on iPhone photography tips. Some of the information was a refresher for me, but I also walked away with new tricks, like using the panorama feature vertically instead of horizontally to capture more of the sky and ground.

On one outing, I opted for a guided photo walk through a small island off the Chatham Strait. We didn't see any animals, so I focused on photographing the underbrush.

Back on the ship, the National Geographic photographer helped select my best pictures and gave me advice to improve my shooting. He also suggested cropping some of my photos to eliminate a distracting background and draw a viewer's eyes to the subject more easily.

Each day ended with an educational recap led by the ship's team of naturalists, which I found insightful and supportive.

I was impressed by how much I learned about nature and wildlife over the course of the trip, both from our daily activities and nightly educational recaps. 

After dinner each day, everyone on board gathered in the common lounge for drinks and dessert. Photographers would show off their photos from the day, and the naturalists gave educational presentations on what we'd seen and done that day, like the type of whales we encountered and the geology of the glaciers we sailed past.

Following the recaps, the passengers and crew spent time in the lounge getting to know each other and chatting about our days. I appreciated these recaps as a refresher on the day, and as a nice chance to bond with my fellow shipmates.

The highlight of my trip was seeing receding glaciers. I felt lucky to see them knowing one day they might be gone.

For me, the highlight of the trip was seeing glaciers, which I'd never seen in person before. While they weren't as exciting as brown bears or as cute as otters, the beauty and size of these massive blocks of ice left me in awe.

Taking the Zodiac rafts allowed us to get within a few hundred yards of the Dawes Glacier, located in the Endicott Arm Fjord about 85 miles south of Juneau. From the raft, I could hear the ice crackle, and watched huge chunks calve and splinter and fall into the sea.

While seeing the glaciers felt magical, I was also left with a sense of sadness knowing that I might never see these ice structures in the same way, as glaciers are rapidly receding as a result of climate change. The Dawes glacier, which we visited on the Zodiacs, has retreated 3.8 kilometers since 1985 , at a rate of 105 meters per year, according to the American Geophysical Union . The Mendenhall Glacier, which we visited in Juneau, has receded 800 feet just between 2021 and 2022 , according to Juneau's KTOO News.

I felt grateful to see these glaciers in person, knowing that even if I return to Alaska in the future, they may not be the same.

I enjoyed Alaska's summer weather, and the comfortable temperatures meant we saw more animals than usual, according to the naturalists on board.

It was warmer than I expected on the cruise, between 50 to 60 degrees on average. The coldest day was when we visited the glaciers, since we could feel the chill from the icebergs.

I usually wore Crocs or sneakers, waterproof pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a puffer jacket to stay warm on deck. When we went on the Zodiac rafts, I also wore knee-high boots to avoid wet feet. Some passengers brought their own waterproof pants and boots, but I used rentals that the cruise offered instead.

Since it was August during salmon spawning season that began in June, the naturalists explained the salmon encouraged brown bears and eagles to come out to hunt.

Throughout the trip, the naturalists and photographers told me that even they were shocked by the amount of wildlife we saw. Although they do the same expedition route for weeks or months at a time, they were just as excited as the passengers by the many animal sightings, so I knew our cruise was a special experience.

As another perk, thanks to the sunny weather and regular spurts of mist and rain, I also saw rainbows over the ocean on most days.

The cruise exceeded my expectations in nearly every way, and I left wishing it could last longer.

Between the animal sightings, group excursions, and educational sessions, the trip gave me a greater appreciation for Alaska's wildlife and landscape, plus a renewed enthusiasm for nature photography. 

Although I haven't been on other cruise ships to compare, I enjoyed the small-ship atmosphere of this cruise. I appreciated that the limited number of passengers allowed everyone to spend time with the naturalists and experts, and made the excursions feel more personal and inclusive.

Although the regular price tag might deter me, I wouldn't hesitate to take another cruise with a team of nature experts.

I was grateful to receive the cruise for free, since I couldn't have afforded the $4,800 price on my own as a recent college graduate. But if money were no object, I wouldn't hesitate to take another Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic cruise to explore a new destination, like Portugal or Iceland . 

In terms of other Alaska cruises, there are more frugal ways to plan a trip, and you can find cheaper rates on routes in the Sitka region with carriers like Carnival , as of May 2023. However, if you're willing to splurge, I think the wildlife excursions, nature experiences, and connection with naturalists and National Geographic experts are worth the price.

• Main content

• Alaska Cruises
• The Experience

Alaska adventures await

Experience Alaska small ship style with the experience of Lindblad Expeditions in partnership with National Geographic.

Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Choose from 6-to-15 day small ship expeditions filled with life changing experiences.

View itineraries ›

The Lindblad Experience

Special Offers

View current offers that save you on airfare, family travel with children and solo travel.

View special offers ›

Download your free brochure

Download your free Lindblad Expeditions Alaska brochure and plan the trip of a lifetime. Download now ›

❝ Every day was more magical than the other. The entire experience was wondrous and more than we could have wished for. ❞

Focus on Photography

Alaska family cruises.

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Alaska Journey

10 days, anchorage to anchorage.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Embark on an unforgettable voyage in Alaska, venturing from the sparkling coast of the Kenai Peninsula to the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park. Encounter incredible wildlife by land and sea—grizzly bears and caribou, puffins and whales—and get close to calving glaciers and soaring peaks. On scenic excursions by private vehicle, catamaran, and foot, get immersed in the untouched splendour of America’s Last Frontier.

10 days - Anchorage to Anchorage

Special offers.

A selection of wildlife-focused tours endorsed by world renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. As a proud partner of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, G Adventures is thrilled to share that a portion of every adventure booked will help support their mission to protect wildlife and work with local communities to become their partners in conservation. Learn more

Is this tour for me?

Travel style: national geographic journeys.

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 12, avg 10.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 10

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 81

Highlights from Alaska Journey

More from alaska journey.

Places visited

• United States

Itinerary Notes

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Day 1 Anchorage

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Anchorage/Homer

Travel along the stunning coast of the Kenai Peninsula, where glaciers tumble down from mountains towards the ocean. As we drive along the Turnagain Arm, keep an eye out for beluga whales playing out at sea, or catch a glimpse of volcanoes across the Cook Inlet. Upon arrival in Homer, opt to stretch your legs on a short hike outside of town.

Meals included:

Day 3 homer.

Enjoy a free day in Homer. Stroll the quaint streets and check out the restaurants and art galleries along the Homer Spit, a 4.5-mile-long finger of land protruding into Kachemak Bay. Discover stories of life on the bay at the natural history museum or satisfy your adventurous side exploring Kachemak Bay by water taxi, kayak, on a self-guided hike, or perhaps trying your hand at the local sport of halibut fishing.

Day 4 Homer/Seward

Leave Homer and travel the Kenai Penninsula to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the Ice Age still lingers. After lunch, hit the trail to view the impressive Exit Glacier and to witness the size of this natural phenomenon in person. Black bears frequent the area and are a common sight as well.

Day 5 Seward

Today, visit the world-renowned Alaska Sea Life Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. We'll also set out by catamaran to cruise the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy narration by a knowledgeable park ranger while scanning the sea for puffins, sea lions, colonies of seabirds, and whales (including, if we’re lucky, orcas). See three types of glaciers and watch and listen for ice calving off the tidewater glacier. Spend the evening at your leisure; opt to go hiking or explore the town.

Day 6 Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve

Keep your camera close during a scenic drive to Denali National Park, named for the highest mountain in North America—formerly known as Mount McKinley, at a dizzying 20,310 feet high. Beginning in the early 20th century, National Geographic has funded several exploratory expeditions and research initiatives in Denali National Park, from early aerial photographs and mapping expeditions, to research pertaining to the volcanic craters here and the behaviour of wolf packs. Upon arrival take time to settle into your rustic lodgings in the Denali wilderness before the group will meet with an instructor from the Denali Education Center. The instructor will share a presentation focusing on Indigenous history in Alaska. They will discuss the global and hyperlocal effects of the modern age on generations of Indigenous cultures while standing on the very land that five different native groups lived on and called home for thousands of years.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 7 denali national park and preserve.

Depart early and catch the shuttle into the heart of Denali National Park. As you make your way to the East Fork Bridge at (Mile 43) take in breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and snap pictures of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat.

Day 8 Denali National Park and Preserve

Learn about the extreme conditions that shape life in Denali and its subarctic ecosystem, hearing stories of the resilient First Nations people who have survived here for generations. Head out on a guided hike with a naturalist and take in the rugged beauty of the Denali wilderness. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore on your own. Opt to observe a dog-sledding talk and demonstration.

Day 9 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage, following the Alaska Range southward along the picturesque Susitna River. Opt for a final dinner with your fellow travelers this evening, and reflect on your epic journey into the wild.

Day 10 Anchorage

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Denali Immersion: An Indigenous History of Alaska Presentation, Denali National Park and Preserve
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Denali Immersion: Welcome to the Subarctic, Denali
• Alaska SeaLife Center visit, Seward
• Kenai Fjords National Park wildlife cruise
• National Park Service excursion to East Fork Bridge (Mile 43) in Denali National Park
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (6 nts), cabins (3 nts).

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner Allow USD485-630 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, boat, hiking, walking, national park shuttle.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $3079.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Michael Palin in Nigeria

In the first leg of an epic 1300 miles across Nigeria, Michael is in bustling Lagos. In the first leg of an epic 1300 miles across Nigeria, Michael is in bustling Lagos. In the first leg of an epic 1300 miles across Nigeria, Michael is in bustling Lagos.

• Michael Palin
• 2 User reviews

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

User reviews 2

• May 1, 2024
• April 16, 2024 (United Kingdom)
• United Kingdom
• ITN Productions
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 45 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

8 camping cookware sets we love

If you’re cooking on trails or at campgrounds, you want cookware that’s durable and versatile. Here are our top picks, chosen by a professional mountain guide and van-lifer.

While more basic than what you find in a typical kitchen, camping cookware sets can still cook delicious, nutritious meals. They’re also more sustainable than plastic cookware and help keep trails and campgrounds healthier and cleaner. I’m a professional mountain guide and van-lifer, and camping cookware sets aren’t just what I cook with on weekend trips. They’re what I use almost every day, and I prefer to use durable cookware that is versatile enough to use on many different types of trips.

( The essential camping checklist for beginners )

My choice for the best overall camping cookware set is the GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset . It’s light and packable enough to be my go-to choice for group backpacking trips but has plenty of features for cooking delicious meals while car camping, including a nonstick surface for easy clean-up.

Our picks for the best camping cookware sets

The best camping cookware kits, best overall: gsi pinnacle base camper.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   I’ve tested the GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset in the Alaskan backcountry for three seasons, and it’s by far my favorite camping cookware set. The hard-anodized, nonstick set has lasted me over 100 days in the field, and the two pots and skillet can cover almost any camp cooking need.  

The cookware set comes in small or large sizes, and the stuff sack doubles as a wash basin. You can also mix and match pieces; I take one pot or ditch the skillet for small groups, and I’ve cooked for up to 12 people using the large set.

Keep in mind: The pots can warp if squished, but they’re easy to bend back. The cookware set is nonstick and not suitable for campfire cooking.  

Product details: Includes:   1.5L/3L pot, 2L/5L large pot, skillet, 2 lids, cutting board, pot handle | Weight:   2.3 lbs/3.5 lbs | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, Teflon

Best camping cookware set for under $20: Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Why we like it: There aren’t many cookware sets for under $20, especially with as many features as the Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit. This aluminum cookware set comes with everything you need to enjoy a simple meal, including camping utensils, bowls, and a sponge for cleanup. It weighs under a pound, and everything nests together in the pot, so you can easily pack it in a backpack.

Keep in mind:   Some third-party reviews mention that the handles can melt, and the pots are small and difficult to clean.  

Product details: Includes:   Pot, skillet, lid, 2 sporks, 2 bowls, ladle, sponge, soup spoon, tool card |   Weight:   15 oz | Materials:   Aluminum

Best stainless steel camping cookware set: Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset is a high-quality stainless steel cookware set that is light enough for backpacking and robust enough for car camping. It comes in small and large sizes and includes a pot, a saucepan, and a skillet, all of which can be used over a stove or a campfire. Leather tabs on the pot lids add a touch of elegance and make it easy to remove hot lids. The pot also has a bail handle and can easily hang over a campfire.

Keep in mind: The skillet doesn’t come with a lid. The camping cookware doesn’t nest together snugly and rattles in a backpack.  

Product details: Includes:   1.8L/3L pot, 1L/1.8L saucepan, skillet, 2 lids | Weight: 2.9/3.6 lbs | Materials:   18/8 stainless steel

Best cookware for car camping: Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cookset

Buy it now at   Stanley

Why we like it:   When Stanely says “full kitchen,” they mean it. The 21-piece Stanley Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cookset has almost everything you need for car camping, van life, or tailgating. It comes with a pot, a skillet, camping utensils, BPA-free plates and bowls for four, a cutting board, a spatula, a serving spoon, and a drying rack. The pot is stainless steel and safe to cook with over campfires, and the skillet is 3-ply for even heating.

Keep in mind: Some third-party reviews mention that the skillet and the six-inch plates are small. The stainless steel pot isn’t even-heat.

Product details: Includes: 3.5L pot, skillet, lid, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 sporks, dish drying rack, trivet | Weight:   5.7 lbs | Materials:   18/8 stainless steel

( The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staff )

Best cookware for solo backpackers: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II Cookset

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it:   The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist was the first backpacking cookware set I bought. Twelve years later, I still use it for everything from two-week solo backpacking trips to boiling water for my morning coffee on the road. The cookware set is durable and has enough features to meet my solo backpacking needs.  

The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II is made of nonstick, hard-anodized aluminum. While most solo backpacking cookware sets only include a pot, the Soloist II comes with a bowl that doubles as a mug, a straining lid, and a spork, all of which nest inside the 1.1-liter pot. If you’re interested in a stove for cooking while backpacking, check out our best backpacking stove guide.  

Keep in mind:   The Pinnacle Soloist II weighs almost twice as much as other solo cookware sets. It also has a Teflon coating, so don’t stick this pot in a campfire.

Product details: Includes: 1.1L pot, strainer/sip-it top, mug/bowl with insulated sleeve, spork | Weight: 10.9 oz | Materials:   Hard-anodized aluminum, Teflon

Best cast iron cookware for camping: Lodge 3.2 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker

Buy it now at   Lodge

Why we like it:   The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker comes with a deep skillet and a fryer that, together, creates a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens cook very evenly, allowing you to cook food like stews and baked bread. Cast iron is also one of the most long-lasting cookware materials; I’m the second generation to use my own cast iron.  

The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker comes preseasoned with vegetable oil, so it's nonstick and ready to use. It’s also PTFE- and PFOA-free and can be used for campfire cooking.

Keep in mind:   The Cast Iron Combo Cooker is by far the heaviest camping cookware set on the list. Cast iron also needs some simple maintenance to keep it rust-free and nonstick.

Product details:   Includes: Deep skillet, fryer | Weight: 12.9 lbs | Materials: cast iron

( The best camping chairs for comfort and ease of use )

Best nonstick camping cookware: MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: Not only is the MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set nonstick, it’s also PFTE- and PFOA-free. MSR uses Fusion® ceramic instead of Teflon, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals while cooking over high heat or a campfire. Clean-up is as painless as it is with other nonstick materials. The ceramic pots easily nest together, with the removable handle locking the lid on top. And, at just under one pound, this camping cookware set is light enough for backpacking.  

Keep in mind:   This camping cookware set doesn’t come with a skillet and, given its limited features, is expensive.

Product details: Includes: 2.5L pot, 1.5L pot, lid, pot handle | Weight:   15.6 oz | Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, Fusion® ceramic  

Best camping cookware setup for foodies: Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset

Why we like it:   The Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset was specifically designed for high-quality cooking, making it a great option for foodies. The thick, 3-ply stainless steel distributes heat evenly, and the two different-sized pots and skillet let you cook different meal components at the same time. The pots and skillet all fit together, and the collapsible, BPA-free cooking utensils and cutting board fit inside the skillet.  

Keep in mind:   Several reviews mention that the cutting board is flimsy and the plastic cooking utensils are prone to melting. It's also one of the heaviest and most expensive options on this list.

Product details: Includes: 4.5L pot, 1.8L saucepan, skillet, 2 lids, cutting board, spatula, spoon, 2 trivets | Weight:   8.2lbs | Materials:   18/8 stainless steel

How we chose the best camp cooking sets

We considered many different factors when choosing camp cooking sets. We looked at these qualities in particular:

Third-party reviews: We considered third-party reviews from sources other than company websites for unbiased opinions.

Brand reputation:   We picked trusted brands with high-quality, durable cookware.  

What the set includes: Cookware sets can be single pots or have skillets, camping utensils, and cutting boards. We chose camping cookware sets that fit different needs.

Weight:   Light and packable cookware are needed for backpacking, while more complete sets are great for car camping. We made sure to include both.

Tips for buying camping cookware kits

Here’s what to consider when buying your own camping cookware:

Your cookware should last you many camping and backpacking seasons. My backpacking pot is over a decade old, and I’m the second generation to use my cast iron. Look for durable camping cookware from trusted brands to add to your camping checklist in order to get the most out of your purchase.  

Nonstick surfaces

Washing camp cookware can be a chore, one that nonstick pots can make easier. But there are some risks to using most nonstick materials. If you are cooking with nonstick cookware, make sure you are using low heat and not an open fire.

Nonstick cookware often contains PTFE, or PFOA, which was banned in 2013 due to health concerns. When heated to high temperatures, these chemicals release polymer fumes , which are dangerous if inhaled. Only use nonstick on low-heat stoves, or look for PTFE- and PFOA-free or cast iron camping cookware.

Your camp pot size depends on how many you're cooking for. A one-liter pot should suffice for one person and a two-liter pot for two. A three-liter pot should be big enough to cook for most groups over two, and I’ve cooked meals for up to 12 people in five-liter pots.

Titanium and hard-anodized aluminum are great for backpacking. Titanium, while the strongest and lightest material, is expensive and doesn’t conduct heat as well. Hard-anodized aluminum is durable and affordable but heavier and often has a nonstick coating. Cast iron and stainless steel are great for car camping. Cast iron holds heat well and can be used over a campfire, but it’s very heavy. Stainless steel is durable and affordable but doesn’t conduct heat as evenly as other materials.  

If you enjoy cooking something fancier than a one-pot meal or are a car camper not worried about space, look for cookware that includes a skillet or additional pots. Some sets also come with cutting boards, utensils, and plates specifically designed to nest inside the pots, making your packing and cooking experience smoother.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best material for camping cookware.

The best material depends on your own needs. Hard-anodized aluminum and titanium are great lightweight options for backpackers, while stainless steel and cast iron are durable, heavier options for car campers.

What’s the best camping cookware for an open fire?

Cast iron is the best camping cookware for an open fire. It cooks food evenly and can withstand extremely hot temperatures.

What cookware do you need for camping?

You need an appropriately sized pot for basic meals. If you want to cook meals that require more than boiling water, you’ll need multiple pots or a skillet.

Related Topics

• PRODUCT ROUNDUP
• OUTDOOR GEAR

You May Also Like

The best backpacking stoves for your outdoor adventure

The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staff

The best deals on backpacks from REI’s clearance sale

The best camping chairs for comfort and ease of use

The essential camping checklist for beginners

19 national park gifts for the adventure seeker in your life

The 8 best walking shoes for men

• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Coronavirus Coverage
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved