This naturalist’s favorite day on any of our itineraries in Southeast Alaska is when we get to bring our guests to the Inian Islands. A small archipelago in the center of Icy Strait, the islands are a breakwater for the inflowing tide of nutrient-laden waters from the Pacific Ocean. It is true enough that the morning was spent at Fox Creek on Baranof Island, but the real adventure would come to occur later that afternoon at Inian Islands.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 22 May 2019
Fox Creek and Inian Islands, 5/22/2019, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
James Hyde, Undersea Specialist
Pacific Northwest born James Hyde grew up immersed in the Salish Sea, on Vashon Island with Seattle as his backdrop. A passionate traveler from a young age, James explored four continents before finishing his degree at Western Washington University's...
Read MoreDavid Pickar, Videographer
David Pickar is a native of Portland, Oregon. He studied anthropology at the University of Oregon, then spent several years working as a field archaeologist. Participating in excavations in countries like Jordan, Belize and Italy and in every corner ...
Read MoreShare Report
Treasures of the Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/23/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Inian Islands and Port Althorp, Southeast Alaska
As we made our way out of Glacier Bay, we turned towards the mouth of the Inside Passage to take in the splendor of the Icy Strait. First, we Zodiac cruised around the Inian Islands, one of the most spectacular cruises in Southeast Alaska. Then we turned into Port Althorp where we made landfall to hike and kayak in the protected arm outside the massive tidal swings.
5/22/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park pulled out all the stops for the guests of National Geographic Quest today. We started our day with four brown bears before enjoying a fantastic brunch. As the day went on, we were treated with calving glaciers, fantastic terns, brilliantly sunny skies for a watercolor workshop on the sun deck, and more animals than we could count. 10/10 expedition day!