Our day on board National Geographic Venture started inside of Williams Cove as guests had the chance to stretch their legs on a variety of hikes, including a bushwhacking hike that got up to a peat bog, or muskeg. After lunch, we cruised up Tracy Arm to the South Sawyer Glacier, where we deployed our Zodiacs for an up-close look at the glacier and bergs in the arm. Harbor seals, mountain goats, and glacier calving were some of the amazing things we got to witness.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 12 Sep 2019
Williams Cove & Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, 9/12/2019, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Nathan Kelley, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Nathan Kelley developed his love for nature as a kid at his family’s cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Family fishing trips, camping, hiking and a trip to his first National Park in the Everglades, all vigorously shaped his passion for the natural world. ...
Read MoreShare Report
Treasures of the Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/16/2025
Read
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.
5/15/2025
Read
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 !