For the past several days we have explored the protected waters of the Inside Passage’s fjords and canals. Today, we ventured to the area’s northernmost inlet to explore what it is like at the boundary of these calm waters and the open Pacific Ocean. We found a bounty of sea life that benefits from this confluence; it is here that nutrients are brought from the bottom of the ocean and fuel a buffet that benefits a wide range of marine mammals and sea birds. With Zodiac cruises around the Inian Islands of Cross Sound and guided hikes and kayaks around George Island we got an intimate look into this dynamic area of Alaska.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 19 Jun 2019
Alaska’s Inside Passage to George Island, 6/19/2019, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Alex Krowiak, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
A childhood surrounded by the woods and streams of Pennsylvania initially sparked Alex’s curiosity about nature. That curiosity eventually led him to pursue degrees in biology and environmental studies at Boston College. During his time there he cond...
Read MoreSteve Ewing, Video Chronicler
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Steve fell in love with the beauty of the natural world at an early age. In addition to nature, his other main passion was telling stories though the medium of television and radio. Steve studied broadcast jo...
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Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
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National Geographic Quest
Glacier Bay National Park
We awoke to a wall of ice towering outside of the ship. Sometime in the night we anchored alongside the monumental Johns Hopkins Glacier. Along the base of the glacier, hundreds of harbor seals lounged on the rafts of ice, and stunning mountain views accompanied the impressive natural feature for which the park was named. After eating breakfast with a glacial blue backdrop, we pulled anchor and began our exploration of the park in earnest. We visited several more glaciers, including prime examples of tidewater, hanging, and beached varieties; we also observed large numbers of sea otters and surf scoters. After lunch we turned our focus to wildlife and were rewarded with views of mountain goats on Gloomy Knob, as well as a brown bear excavating a comfortable resting spot on the beach. Later we were treated to a surprise concert by one of our guests (award winning musician Jim Peterick). We wrapped up the day with a visit to South Marble Island where dozens of tufted puffins and large rafts of Steller sea lions gave excellent views.
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Inian Islands and Salt Chuck Bay
Today we began our adventures by dropping anchor at one of our favorite locations in Southeast Alaska, the Inian Islands! We disembarked National Geographic Quest to hop into our Zodiacs to explore this wild archipelago. Later in the day we repositioned to an anchorage in Port Althorp, known as Salt Chuck Bay. We got the chance to explore by kayaking as well as hiking through the meadow in the bay and the lush rainforest. It was a fantastic day in Southeast Alaska!