Today, we woke up in front of Margerie Glacier, where we were treated to a small calving event. The incredible sound of “white thunder” broke the serene silence, and we watched a small tidal wave flip a few small pieces of ice. We moved to Russell Cut to get a peek at Johns Hopkins Glacier. Harbor seals were pupping. We kept our distance, so we didn’t disturb the mom/pup pairs. Continuing our wildlife outing, we stopped at Gloomy Knob, where we successfully looked for mountain goats. A few even had kids. Upon approach to South Marble Island, we spotted over 50 northern sea otters before we stopped at a hot spot for Steller sea lions and puffins. We ended our day by stretching our legs off the ship at Bartlett Cove, where we were treated to sightings of a spruce grouse with chicks and a sleeping porcupine sitting low in a tree. Today was a photographer’s dream.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 21 Jun 2023
Exploring Alaska's Inside Passage, 6/21/2023, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Share 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.