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Pacific Northwest

A aerial view of the ship National Geographic Quest in British Columbia, Canada

Ancient rainforests blanket the Pacific Northwest, unfurling amid a maze of sparkling inlets and coves where porpoises leap and orca fins flash. Sail these misty seas aboard the nimble National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, or voyage inland along iconic rivers that wind through soaring rock canyons and verdant valleys laced with vineyards. Kayak, hike and Zodiac cruise along wildlife-rich coasts like Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Or, delve into the sustainable food and wine movements that thrive in the Pacific Northwest on two different culinary journeys along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Presented in collaboration with Food & Wine magazine, these voyages take you straight to the source of the region’s wild bounty.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest reveals great natural beauty, and yet it features modern incredible feats of human engineering—an imposing system of locks and large-span bridges. To explore it by ship offers a chance to marvel at both.

Sven Lindblad

Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

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Pacific Northwest Expeditions

Pacific Northwest Ships

Ship National Geographic Venture

National Geographic Venture

GUESTS 100

CABINS 50

DECKS 4

American-flagged, she is ideal for discovering domestic waters. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.

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Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Sea Bird, Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska, USA

National Geographic Sea Bird

GUESTS 62

CABINS 31

DECKS 3

National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.

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A view of the ship National Geographic Sea Lion in Alaska, USA.

National Geographic Sea Lion

GUESTS 62

CABINS 31

DECKS 3

National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.

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The Expedition Team

Every member of the expedition team—from your naturalists and photographers to your expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many are veteran guides who have exclusively worked with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions for decades, chosen for their extensive knowledge of subjects like the culinary arts, wildlife biology and First Nations history. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives each day of your voyage, and because there are no assigned groups you can gravitate toward the experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.


Your knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by your dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.

National Geographic Quest Captain Tom Morin sharing his knowledge of the region with guests

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Palouse River, Washington

Travelers explore the cliffs and rolling hills of the Palouse River by Zodiac, led by our veteran expedition team.

Photograph by: David Vargas

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Franklin, Washington

The Ice Harbor Lock and Dam on the Columbia River in Franklin, Washington, presents perfect photo opportunities for travelers.

Photograph by: David Vargas

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Alert Bay, British Columbia

Local Kwakwaka'wakw people perform a traditional ceremony at a culture sharing event in the big house on Cormorant Island.

Photograph by: Jennifer Davidson. Rights Managed

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Dayton, Oregon

Emily Gladhart, owner of local vineyard Winter's Hill Winery in Dayton, Oregon, pours a sample for a traveler at one of our many winery stops.

Photograph by: David Vargas

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Columbia River

The deck of the of the National Geographic Quest provides pristine views of the Columbia River for guests.

Photograph by: David Vargas

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

National Geographic Quest

On our Columbia & Snake Rivers expeditions, all food is sourced from within 250 miles, and our wine list has been curated by the editor of Food & Wine magazine.

Photograph by: David Vargas

Photo Gallery: Highlights from the Pacific Northwest

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Guests capture stunning photos of Multnomah Falls while on an invigorating hike.

Photograph by: David Vargas
Guests on a zodiac excursion exploring the Palouse River

Latest Video

In Good Company - Food, Wine & History with Ray Isle

  • Nov 2023

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Food & Wine have collaborated to deliver an immersive small-ship journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, a fertile region known for its exceptional culinary scene. Ray Isle, Food & Wine's Executive Wine Editor, has handpicked more than 40 local wines for guests to taste throughout the voyage. In this episode of In Good Company, Isle shares more about his wine selections and how great wine is a “way to travel the world in a glass.

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Wild Pacific Coast 2024-27