What a day it was in Glacier Bay National Park! Waking up at the face of Johns Hopkins Glacier, we are delighted by the sight and sound of this exquisite tidewater glacier. Harbor seals dot the bergy bits of ice around our vessel. Dramatic rocky cliffs of igneous and metamorphic rock tower above us, capped by peaks of white. From upper bay to lower, we are treated with a landscape that has undergone an ecological makeover, 250 years in the making. By the time we reach Bartlett Cove, we see a lush rainforest engulfing a rustic lodge and ranger station. Sea otters, sea lions, and sea birds are familiar companions, and we are treated to a coastline briming with coastal brown bears, and a tawny wolf.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 03 Sep 2019
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, 9/3/2019, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Sarah Keefer, Naturalist
Sarah’s fondest memories of nature are experiences she’s shared with friends—especially when those experiences involve spotting wildlife from the bow of a ship! She’s captivated by the wonders of the natural world, and it was the lure of expansive wi...
Read MoreAndrew Peacock, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Andrew was born in Adelaide, South Australia and (mis)spent his youth surfing and kayaking in the ocean, as is the case for many Aussies! After graduating from medical school, he spent a year working as a surgical resident in Santa Barbara, Californi...
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Treasures of the Inside Passage
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5/23/2025
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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
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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!