We awoke to a serene, foggy morning at our safe and secluded anchorage outside Sitka. We cruised through the Sergius Narrows and Peril Strait, enjoying the scenery and looking for wildlife along the way. Following our morning staff introductions, kayak and Zodiac briefings, and the smartphone presentation by our certified photo instructor, we spent the afternoon hiking on Baranof Island near Lake Eva. Our hikes meandered through old growth temperate rainforest, following the stream that cascades down from Lake Eva to the bay. The stream was full of pink salmon making their journey upstream to the lake for spawning. The dwarf dogwoods were full of bunchberries along the trail, and the trees were majestic and full of mosses and lichens. On our return hike, we encountered a brown bear fishing for salmon in the lagoon. While loading the Zodiacs to head back to the ship, we saw the bear again, this time with her two cubs!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 28 Aug 2023
Lake Eva, Baranof Island , 8/28/2023, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Bryan Holliday, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Bryan comes from Illinois, where he was visited by an American Robin at the age of four. This remarkable encounter began his lifelong interest in birds, which led him to study at the University of Illinois, where he earned his B.S. in Ecology and as...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
6/9/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Ushk Bay and Chatham Strait
We were met today with ideal Alaskan weather: crisp, clear, and calm. We enjoyed perfect conditions for hiking through the forests and alluvial meadow of Ushk Bay. We split into groups depending on hiking desires and set off into the wilderness. We hiked on game trails through forests of western hemlock and Sitka spruce, crossed shallow streams, gazed at spring wildflowers, and investigated intertidal organisms. It was a lovely morning of stretching our legs and exploring the temperate rainforest. In the afternoon, we cruised along the gorgeous fjords of Peril Strait and Chatham Strait, where we searched for wildlife. We were delighted to find a humpback whale that was repeatedly diving and coming up to the surface to lunge feed. It was rolling and slapping its pectoral fins and putting on quite a display of behaviors that were a joy to watch. It was a wonderful first day of expeditions aboard National Geographic Quest .
6/7/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Peril Strait and Magoun Islands
National Geographic Quest transited glass-calm Peril and Neva Straits this morning. Vigilant wildlife and scenery watchers on the outer decks were rewarded with interesting passages through narrow, winding channels, passing boat traffic, and relaxed glimpses of eagles, sea lions, sea otters, and humpback whales. In the afternoon, we explored the Magoun Islands by small boat in true expedition style. Some were fortunate enough to catch views of the often-elusive minke whale and an impressive flock of sandhill cranes. As the afternoon progressed, intensifying weather sent everyone back to the ship for the sake of comfort and safety. Impromptu enjoyments abounded, with the ship’s lounge abuzz with games, lively socializing, and a naturalist-led watercolor session. It has been an incredible voyage. Especially notable are the top-notch encounters with humpback whales, bears, and mountain goats that we’ve been fortunate to experience this week. The final evening of a voyage is a wonderful time for reminiscing, celebration, reflection, and gratitude. It was a privilege to do all of that together, buoyed by the onboard comforts that the crew of National Geographic Quest so graciously provide.