The guests and crew of National Geographic Quest experienced an incredible day. We woke up surrounded by Yosemite-like landscapes in Tracy Arm, within the Terror Wilderness. Huge ice-covered rock faces towered overhead, teal blue waters sparkled below, and unlimited possibilities filled our guests’ imaginations. The sunny blue skies made the ice dance before us. What a surprise! We zoomed over to South Sawyer Glacier, where we saw numerous harbor seal moms with their new pups, a harbor porpoise, and too many cascades to count. After an unbelievable morning, we cruised out of the fjord to a place called the Hole in the Wall, a gorgeous waterfall with a hole right in the middle. We gathered around the bow and listened to our on-board geologist discuss what might have created this hole. We watched a coastal brown bear move through the grass before ending our night by eating dinner with the company of humpback whales.
7/15/2024
Read
National Geographic Quest
Baranof Island, Alaska
The first morning aboard National Geographic Quest introduced guests to the enchanting coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem. As they emerged from their cozy beds, a misty drizzle and low-hanging clouds greeted them, casting a serene and mystical ambiance over the treetops and calm waters. Our initial day of exploration led us to Baranof Island's Rodman Bay, an area rich in logging and fishing history. The undersea team plunged into the dark tranquil waters, capturing the incredible diversity of marine life for an evening show-and-tell session. Guests donned their boots and rain gear, ready to embrace their first off-ship adventure. Some guests chose a Zodiac cruise, hoping to encounter wildlife, and they were richly rewarded. Bald eagles dotted the trees, harbor seals peeked curiously from the water, and marbled murrelets, mergansers, Bonaparte’s gulls, and surf scoters made delightful appearances. Others opted for a shoreline walk, discovering brown bear prints before venturing into the extraordinarily lush rainforest. The day's exploration brought back many smiles as guests gathered for cocktail hour, sharing warmth and stories. The expedition team’s evening recap highlighted the day's wonders. Tomorrow promises even more adventure. What surprises will Glacier Bay unveil?
