We had a wonderful day! We were able to see an abundance of life in the Inian Islands! Whales came bursting from the sea below. These humpback whales can be up to 60 feet long. The whales push fish towards the shoreline so they can feed. Upwelling from below also pushes rockfish to the surface. Unable to decompress, the fishes’ eyes and bladders bulge, and the fish become food for the Steller sea lions feasting in the waters. The sea lions are all males, bulking up to become larger. Bulls can be up to 2500 pounds and eleven feet long. A series of birds feed on these fish. Bald eagles are the primary feeders. Juveniles have brown heads. As they mature, the feathers on their heads turn white, and their beaks turn yellow. We also saw pigeon guillemots and cormorants. These marine birds swarmed the island, and drifting around the rocks was another endearing surprise. Sea otters! Multiple sea otters were tied together to form what is called a raft. These sea otters have millions of hairs, so many that they do not need blubber or brown adipose fat to keep them warm. Later in the evening, guests entered Dundas Bay for a relaxing and meditative hike. Dundas is part of Glacier Bay National Park. Guests had the chance to kayak and Zodiac as well. During these amazing excursions, the undersea team collected footage that included marvelous views of massive ribbon kelp. The footage played during cocktail hour. Overall, it was an exceptional day!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 20 Jun 2023
Inian Islands, 6/20/2023, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Sierra Phillips, Naturalist/Expedition Diver
Sierra Phillips is a United Nations Youth Delegate and National Geographic Educator who received a master's degree in Exploration Sciences. Her training includes extensive work in marine biology/ecology, nautical archaeology, marine mammal care, shar...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/19/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Petersburg, Alaska
National Geographic Venture made its way to Petersburg early this morning, where guests disembarked and had an authentic glimpse into this charming fishing village nestled on Mitkof Island. Known for its rich Norwegian heritage and vibrant maritime culture, Petersburg provided a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Upon arrival, guests embarked on guided Zodiac tours through the bustling harbors, learning about the local fishing industry from their naturalist guides and the locals. The town’s Norwegian roots were evident in its architecture and community spaces, adding to the cultural immersion. Adventurous guests took to bicycles to explore the scenic surroundings, including the unique muskeg ecosystems characterized by stunted trees and carnivorous plants. The day culminated in a crab feast, thanks to a local supplier in Petersburg, and we enjoyed a beautiful late evening sunset.
5/18/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
Early morning sailing through Fords Terror Wilderness Area boasted spectacular views. Wispy, low hanging clouds hugged the cracks in the mountainside of the glacial fjord we navigated. The waters have a distinct turquoise green tint, and the calm surface reflects the mosses, lichens, and trees on the shoreline. We were lucky to find a humpback whale feeding near the shore. The whale stayed shallow and continually raised its pectoral flippers out of the water. What a spectacular sight to wake up to! We observed hauled out harbor seals and had a fantastic view of Dawes Glacier during our Zodiac tours. Our spirits are high, and guests are eager for our next adventure.