At approximately 6:00 a.m. National Geographic Venture stopped by the headquarters of Glacier Bay National Park at Bartlett Cove and picked up Ranger Daniel to spend the day with us. We sailed north toward Russell Island and went through the “Russell Cut” to look for wildlife, where we encountered a mother humpback and her calf. Turning the corner, we found a brown bear on a beach eating barnacles, mussels, and many other creatures found in the intertidal zone. Further north we spent time in front of the Margerie, Ferris, and Grand Pacific Glaciers, and even saw a bit of calving. Heading south, “Gloomy Knob” showcased quite a few goats and another brown bear. South Marble Island is a hotspot for birds, sea lions, and sea otters.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 27 May 2024
Glacier Bay National Park, 5/27/2024, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Kelly Coursey Gray, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
I like to remind people that there are very few big surprises left in life, but if you are out in nature, with an open mind and a lot of time, you never know what you will find.
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/27/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Inian Islands and George Island
In the morning, guests aboard National Geographic Venture embarked on incredible Zodiac cruises throughout the Inian Islands. A wildlife hotspot, guests had incredible experiences witnessing Steller sea lions, bald eagles, and even humpback whales! In the afternoon, guests went on hikes and had the opportunity to kayak around George Island, all ending with a wonderful polar plunge for the bold few brave enough to dive into the water.
5/26/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Rodman Bay, Alaska
Hiking into an Alaskan rainforest is a journey into a world lush with greenery. We spent the morning underway in search of wildlife. After some of the mandatory briefings, our diligence paid off and we managed to find a large coastal brown bear. Binoculars and cameras in hand, we shared space with this charming creature for a time, soaking in such a fortunate experience. In the afternoon, we hiked through the old logging roads of Rodman Bay. Ferns unfurled alongside sparse old growth trees, lining the trail and captivating our attention. Getting our boots on the ground was a refreshing end to the day before coming back aboard for our first recap.