The nutrient-rich waters of Cross Sound were our playground for exploration today. With amazing weather and clear skies, we enjoyed views of Steller sea lions and the Fairweather Mountain range. While guests were enjoying the WWII history of George Island, our undersea dive team went on an exploratory dive to discover the wonders of Southeast Alaska. We encountered numerous soft corals, sponges, and the beautiful amber light of a kelp forest. Guests were regaled with stories of our adventurous dive, and got to see the vibrant beauty of Southeast Alaska’s underwater world from the comfort of the lounge during cocktail hour.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Jun 2024
Inian Islands and George Island, 6/13/2024, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Justin Hofman, Undersea Specialist
Justin started working on expedition ships in 2008 after realizing that his new career in scientific illustration meant too much time inside. He has since worked aboard expedition vessels in numerous countries and filmed wildlife for major production...
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Alaska's Inside Passage
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We started our first full day on board by visiting the Dawes Glacier by Zodiac. As we floated among the growlers and bergy bits, we experienced multiple calving events. We observed many harbor seals with cute, brand-new pups relaxing on the ice. While cruising in the afternoon, we came across a few humpback whales. One humpback hung out close to the ship, lunge feeding and solo bubble netting. Another whale had some fun breaching in the distance, and a third showed off by tail slapping. We ended the day with a great view of Five Finger Lighthouse and look forward to our day in Petersburg tomorrow.
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Our final day here in Southeast Alaska was filled with steep fjords, awe-inspiring glaciers, fierce polar plungers, a number of humpbacks, and a beautiful sunset. As we spent the last day in Zodiacs, driving and adrift amongst the ice in front of Dawes Glacier, we were reminded of how tiny we are on this blue rock that abounds with natural beauty and ecological wonders. As the harbor seals swam by, we celebrated the journey with our shipmates, some partaking in a polar plunge. Then we turned off into the sunset surrounded by the sounds of humpback exhalations. Alaska has been a wonder, and we have been thoughtful visitors in a place fragile yet vast.