The bridge team of National Geographic Quest navigated Chatham Strait from the northern end of the inside passage to Kuiu Island. We made Halleck Harbor our home for the day, where guests enjoyed kayaking and “bushwacking,” our term for exploring the temperate rainforest off trail. That evening we sailed south looking for wildlife and we were rewarded! We saw dozens and dozens of humpback whales in every direction. We even got to see bubble-net feeding and many breaching individuals! What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 20 Jun 2024
Halleck Harbor, Alaska, 6/20/2024, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Lisa Hornak, Naturalist/Photographer
Lisa Hornak is a visual journalist and filmmaker based in San Diego, CA, who has worked for newspapers, magazines and wire services worldwide since 2004. She focuses her work on women’s issues, human rights and the impacts of climate change. Her awar...
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.