We began our day earlier than normal in the protected waters of Halleck Harbor in Skanax Bay. A dedicated group of adventure-seekers went ashore for a multi-hour bushwhack through the forest of Kuiu Island, which has one of the highest densities of black bears in Southeast Alaska. Soon, other hikers ventured out for forest walks on game trails and to explore the incredible intertidal zone of this area. We all returned for a delicious brunch on board National Geographic Venture before heading back out for more hikes and kayaking opportunities. After our young Global Explorers took the helm on the Zodiacs, we pulled anchor and looked for wildlife in Frederick Sound. Almost immediately, we came across a group of humpback whales bubble-net feeding, a perfect end to our afternoon!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 13 Jul 2022
Halleck Harbor and Skanax Bay , 7/13/2022, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Gemina Garland-Lewis, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Gemina Garland-Lewis is a professional documentary photographer based in Baja California Sur, Mexico, with experience in over 30 countries across seven continents. Her photography explores the myriad connections between humans, animals, and their sha...
Read MoreShare Report
Alaska's Inside Passage
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
5/28/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Kelp Bay
Southeast Alaska’s rainforest was verdant in the morning rain. Small whitecaps textured the surface of the sea as we searched for marine life. Then, ahead in the distance, a big splash. Then another splash, followed by another. The bridge team expertly moved our ship closer. The young humpback whale had unlimited energy for throwing itself out of the water and flopping back in. We watched this youngster breach over and over until we needed to be on our way. Our next off-vessel excursion was on Baranof Island in Kelp Bay. Bushwhackers and moderate hikers passed along animal trails, climbing through Sitka spruces and western hemlocks. Giant bear’s bread fungus sprouted from downed trees. Delicate flowers, including Jeffrey Shooting Stars, decorated the path. We made our way to the boggy muskeg where few trees survive the wet environment. Streams of snowmelt and raindrops were occasionally blocked by the busy work of beavers. The forest was quiet and warm while hardy Zodiac cruisers toured the shoreline to view waterfalls and gulls hitching a ride on a floating log. Once back on board, we felt the warm comfort of the ship and came to realize that in just a few days, National Geographic Venture has come to feel like home.
5/27/2025
Read
National Geographic Quest
Glacier Bay National Park
A nice morning that only got better and prettier and sunnier! Truly a gift to bring guests here to witness the scale and diversity of ice and wildlife. South Marble Island had so many tufted puffins, and a few unexpected horned puffins, with sea lions and humpback whales galore. During lunch, we cruised up towards Margerie Glacier to view the impressive glacier and look for Arctic terns. Afterwards, we went past Gloomy Knob and saw mountain goats, looked for wildlife at Russel Cut (saw an osprey!), and ended the day with a stunning colorful sunset with an abundance of whales!