Morning mist reveals a broadly tiered waterfall, and early risers are rewarded with a brief observation of two black bears at the edges of the cascade. Ethereal mist persists as we venture into Green Inlet for a paddle and Zodiac cruise in these placid waters. Reflections of cedar paint the still coves, and the chatter of a kingfisher brings our attention back to the boughs draped in dew. In the afternoon, Chief Mate Sean Kummer spies a peculiar creature drifting at the ocean’s surface. Expedition diver Amy Malkoski quickly identifies it as a Mola mola, or ocean sunfish. It’s fair to say that it’s unusual to see this fish in these waters, yet over the next hour of cruising two more are spotted! A breaching humpback whale rounds out our afternoon of wildlife encounters.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 08 Sep 2019
Green Inlet & Queen Charlotte Sound, 9/8/2019, 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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5/16/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Johnstone Straight and Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Billowing wisps of fog ribboned their way among the drooping bows of Sitka spruce as our ship cut through Johnstone Straight. Uncle Jim showed us many of his priceless treasures. Marveled by the craftsmanship of cedar spoons and intricate beadwork, the highlight was the opportunity to lay hands on a Chilkoot blanket, only ever seen behind protective panes of glass. The rain showers slowed as the gangway was lowered, and we took to the streets of Alert Bay. On foot or by bus, we made our way to U’mista Cultural Center. Enriching artifacts lined the walls for us to see, while outside we heard tales from a master carver and got to witness the artist in his element. A truly unique experience awaited us in the big house. Dancers in well-detailed regalia stomped and twisted in concert while the white smoke wisps weaved in the spaces between us and a nearly forgotten culture. The tribe invited us down for one last dance, and as we walked out the doors of the big house, wonder and joy reflected on our smiling faces.
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National Geographic Quest
Desolation Sound
Today was a lovely introduction to the expectations of this temperate rainforest. Our morning was spent cruising towards Desolation Sound in search of wildlife. We had an incredible presentation from our Tlingit guest speaker, Jim Thomas, and an introduction to smartphone photography with a presentation from Photo Instructor Alex. After lunch, guests had two rounds of Zodiac tours into Prideaux Haven, a stunning glacially carved archipelago filled with sea stars, algae, ducks, and the misty mystical-ness of British Columbia. It was a fun full day on board National Geographic Quest !