Beginning with a shore visit at the classic launching point, Bartlett Cove, National Geographic Venture spent today exploring the epic scenery of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The epic fjord system was carved by a rapidly advancing glacier in the traditional home of the Hoona Tlingit people. When the first European explorers reached the area, the glacier was at its maximum, extending all the way into Icy Strait. Two hundred years later, the ice has retreated over sixty miles and left in its place an immense body of water, home to a massive diversity and abundance of animal and plant life.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 24 Jul 2023
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 7/24/2023, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
James Hyde, Undersea Specialist
Pacific Northwest born James Hyde grew up immersed in the Salish Sea, on Vashon Island with Seattle as his backdrop. A passionate traveler from a young age, James explored four continents before finishing his degree at Western Washington University's...
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Alaska's Inside Passage
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6/10/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Salt Chuck Bay
We started the morning in Salt Chuck Bay under beautiful, partly sunny skies. We had perfect conditions for our first kayaking adventure. The sandy beach at low tide allowed kayakers an easy entrance into the serene and quiet world of paddling. While some guests paddled away, the rest of the group explored the intertidal zone and took a quick walk in the forest. The afternoon weather held, and we enjoyed one of the expedition team’s favorite activities: exploring the Inian Islands by Zodiac. Steller sea lions argued and growled on the rocks, birds flew overhead, and sea otters roiled in the currents. It all made for a perfect afternoon.
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National Geographic Quest
Ushk Bay and Chatham Strait
We were met today with ideal Alaskan weather: crisp, clear, and calm. We enjoyed perfect conditions for hiking through the forests and alluvial meadow of Ushk Bay. We split into groups depending on hiking desires and set off into the wilderness. We hiked on game trails through forests of western hemlock and Sitka spruce, crossed shallow streams, gazed at spring wildflowers, and investigated intertidal organisms. It was a lovely morning of stretching our legs and exploring the temperate rainforest. In the afternoon, we cruised along the gorgeous fjords of Peril Strait and Chatham Strait, where we searched for wildlife. We were delighted to find a humpback whale that was repeatedly diving and coming up to the surface to lunge feed. It was rolling and slapping its pectoral fins and putting on quite a display of behaviors that were a joy to watch. It was a wonderful first day of expeditions aboard National Geographic Quest .