It feels as though our entire journey north has been leading up to us witnessing a glacier in all her glory. We’ve been learning to notice the signs of glaciers as we admire the stunning wilderness in the fjords we transit. We went up Tracy Arm today in hopes of seeing an active tidewater glacier. As we made our way farther and farther into the fjord, it became apparent that National Geographic Quest was completely surrounded. There was ice everywhere and of every size. Some pieces were small enough for a cocktail, and others were as large as skyscrapers. We embraced the ice and spent our morning cruising around the beautiful sculptures. Many intrepid explorers made a landing on the beach and even got a taste of some of the ancient ice. It seems the glacier was intent on giving us only a tease at her might, so we will rally north to Glacier Bay National Park in search of a closer look at a tidewater glacier tomorrow. Oh…and some very brave souls took the opportunity to polar plunge in the fjord!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 17 May 2023
Tracy Arm, Alaska , 5/17/2023, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Rachel Crane, Undersea Specialist
From the kaleidoscopic coral reefs of the tropics to the swaying kelp forests of temperate seas, Rachel Crane is dedicated to exploring and sharing the ocean’s wonders. With expertise as a Marine Ecologist, PADI Master Scuba Instructor, and USCG 100-...
Read MoreShare Report
Treasures of the Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/23/2025
Read
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
Read
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!