The wind this morning was not as forecast — it gusted to 20 knots as our deck team set the anchor. While the sunshine of the last few days seemed to have left us, the rain stayed away just long enough for our guests to enjoy one last wonderful landing. One group spent a long while exploring the intertidal zone, seeing everything from washed up jellyfish to sessile organisms on the rocks. Yesterday we had the pleasure of witnessing a black bear feasting on the barnacles and mussels of this ecosystem, and it was incredible to take a closer look! The rest of us divided into small groups and ventured into the nearby woods to do what we dubbed “light bushwhacking.” Signs of minks, river otters, squirrels, ravens, and bears were all over the beautiful forest floor. Rodman Bay was once a prominent site for logging the Tongass National Forest; old rusty cables and other remnants dotted the landscape as a reminder of what used to occur in this magical place.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 21 Jun 2024
Rodman Bay, Southeast Alaska, 6/21/2024, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Nick Brown, Divemaster
Born and raised on the edge of the Mojave Desert, Nick was accustomed to hot dry days, far from the ocean. Everything changed when he attended California State University Monterey Bay, a short 1.5 miles from the beaches of Central California. This is...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/19/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Petersburg, Alaska
National Geographic Venture made its way to Petersburg early this morning, where guests disembarked and had an authentic glimpse into this charming fishing village nestled on Mitkof Island. Known for its rich Norwegian heritage and vibrant maritime culture, Petersburg provided a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Upon arrival, guests embarked on guided Zodiac tours through the bustling harbors, learning about the local fishing industry from their naturalist guides and the locals. The town’s Norwegian roots were evident in its architecture and community spaces, adding to the cultural immersion. Adventurous guests took to bicycles to explore the scenic surroundings, including the unique muskeg ecosystems characterized by stunted trees and carnivorous plants. The day culminated in a crab feast, thanks to a local supplier in Petersburg, and we enjoyed a beautiful late evening sunset.
5/18/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
Early morning sailing through Fords Terror Wilderness Area boasted spectacular views. Wispy, low hanging clouds hugged the cracks in the mountainside of the glacial fjord we navigated. The waters have a distinct turquoise green tint, and the calm surface reflects the mosses, lichens, and trees on the shoreline. We were lucky to find a humpback whale feeding near the shore. The whale stayed shallow and continually raised its pectoral flippers out of the water. What a spectacular sight to wake up to! We observed hauled out harbor seals and had a fantastic view of Dawes Glacier during our Zodiac tours. Our spirits are high, and guests are eager for our next adventure.