Expedition leader Doug Gould woke guests early for our first excursion by Zodiac of icebergs from the LeConte Glacier. These chunks or shooters from the water’s subsurface line themselves along the face of the glacier: They are exceptional and large and blue. Overcast skies and drizzle actually enhances the blue hue of the dense ice. Back on the vessel, guests enjoyed a hearty brunch. National Geographic Quest by midday was docked in the fishing village of Petersburg. Explorers enjoyed an afternoon of hiking, biking, or botany tours among the town’s muskeg. Dinner was a special feast of crab including local Southeast Alaskan brewed beer. The evening ended with a lively presentation by naturalist and Alaska resident Sean Neilson.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 26 Aug 2019
Laconte Icebergs and Petersburg, 8/26/2019, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Kimberly Baldwin, Naturalist
Family vacations to the Jersey shore engendered a deep love affair between the ocean and Kimberly Baldwin. But growing up in Pennsylvania proved challenging for a hopeful marine biologist. College afforded the opportunity to earn a B.S. in Marine Bio...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/11/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Lake Eva, Baranof Island, Alaska
We awoke this morning to beautiful clear skies in Nakwasina Passage in Sitka Sound. We took in the scenery of the snow-covered peaks reflecting in the glassy waters as we waited for the tide to change in our favor to pass through the narrow Sergius Channel. Today turned out to be a marine mammal extravaganza. After last night’s gray whale encounter, we saw humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, river otters, sea otters, harbor porpoises and bow riding Dall’s porpoises. Our day consisted of a variety of hikes and kayaking at Lake Eva and a presentation on an “Overview of Southeast Alaska” and an after-dinner presentation by National Geographic Photo Expert Annie Griffiths. The day was made complete by a spectacular full moonrise over snowcapped peaks. Onward to Glacier Bay National Park.
9/7/2024
Read
National Geographic Quest
Nismeni Point and Sergius Narrows
The final day of our trip held an abundance of sunshine and scenic views for all to enjoy. National Geographic Quest dropped her anchor at the very northernmost point of Baranoff Island — called Nismeni Point — a spot that few expedition staff had visited previously. The landing had plenty of sea critters to investigate, and a muskeg awaited those willing to bushwhack through the dense spruce and hemlock forest. Blueberries and huckleberries offered a sweet treat to anyone with a keen eye and a rumbling stomach. With morning ops concluded, National Geographic Quest weighed anchor and headed for Sergius Narrows, a swift moving tidal passage that must be crossed at the right tide in order to reach Sitka. Just before she departed we were graced by the passing of killer whales, one of Alaska’s most beautiful and mysterious creatures.