First thing in the morning, there is fog, which wipes the slate clean in readiness for impressions. The sun’s brightness burns through the fog for our first sight of blue sky and verdant green. We are surrounded by soaring mountains. There is ice on the horizon. Swirling waters at the terminal moraine hint at a change in scenery. Soon we are in the world of a glacial fjord. Vertical walls of rock and rounded crests. A black bear browsing an intertidal smorgasbord. Harbor seals, a mother and pup, in repose. Sounds of the glacier calving, an iceberg is born.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 27 Jun 2021
Tracy Arm and South Sawyer Glacier, 6/27/2021, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Daniel Baldwin, Naturalist
An educator at heart, Dan finds great joy in helping others explore and connect with the world around them. He has taught marine sciences in the Florida Keys and on Catalina Island, science and math in international schools in Mexico, Costa Rica, and ...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/27/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Inian Islands and George Island
In the morning, guests aboard National Geographic Venture embarked on incredible Zodiac cruises throughout the Inian Islands. A wildlife hotspot, guests had incredible experiences witnessing Steller sea lions, bald eagles, and even humpback whales! In the afternoon, guests went on hikes and had the opportunity to kayak around George Island, all ending with a wonderful polar plunge for the bold few brave enough to dive into the water.
5/26/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Rodman Bay, Alaska
Hiking into an Alaskan rainforest is a journey into a world lush with greenery. We spent the morning underway in search of wildlife. After some of the mandatory briefings, our diligence paid off and we managed to find a large coastal brown bear. Binoculars and cameras in hand, we shared space with this charming creature for a time, soaking in such a fortunate experience. In the afternoon, we hiked through the old logging roads of Rodman Bay. Ferns unfurled alongside sparse old growth trees, lining the trail and captivating our attention. Getting our boots on the ground was a refreshing end to the day before coming back aboard for our first recap.