Dawn aboard National Geographic Quest broke with a steady rain, but no wind. For many operations this would present some challenges, but the Inian Islands are so rich in wildlife and world-class scenery, that I knew the only thing that wouldn’t be dampened by this rain would be our spirits. We ventured forth to unwrap the mists and fog that were shrouding this beautiful Alaskan jewel. This is a magical spot that has been created at the confluence of glacially-derived mineral inputs, cold, deep, nutrient-rich waters from the open Pacific, and abundant oxygen that has been introduced through the powerful tides of the eastern Pacific.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 04 Sep 2017
Inian Islands/Fox Creek, 9/4/2017, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Jeff Campbell, Naturalist
Jeff Campbell fell in love with the ocean while attending boatbuilding school in Eastport, Maine. Since completing his MS in Marine and Estuarine Science at Western Washington University, he has worked for NOAA documenting the ecological impacts of t...
Read MoreKen Garrett, National Geographic Photography Expert
Kenneth Garrett is a photographer specializing in The Origin of Civilization. He grew up in a world of photographers and spent his childhood traveling in Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the continental United States. He knew from an early age that he want...
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Treasures of the Inside Passage
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5/23/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Inian Islands and Port Althorp, Southeast Alaska
As we made our way out of Glacier Bay, we turned towards the mouth of the Inside Passage to take in the splendor of the Icy Strait. First, we Zodiac cruised around the Inian Islands, one of the most spectacular cruises in Southeast Alaska. Then we turned into Port Althorp where we made landfall to hike and kayak in the protected arm outside the massive tidal swings.
5/22/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park pulled out all the stops for the guests of National Geographic Quest today. We started our day with four brown bears before enjoying a fantastic brunch. As the day went on, we were treated with calving glaciers, fantastic terns, brilliantly sunny skies for a watercolor workshop on the sun deck, and more animals than we could count. 10/10 expedition day!