This very early morning, the guests aboard National Geographic Sea Bird were woken by our expedition leader with an announcement that northern lights were visible. Groggy figures stumbled out on to the decks to be greeted with swirls and flashes of green overhead This display was magical and the talk of the morning until we floated into Kasnyku Bay and sidled up to the lovely waterfall which graces the bay. Kasnyku Falls plunges from the forest above and was a perfect pre-breakfast treat. The afternoon allowed time for whale watching and a presentation by Dr. Andy Szabo, Director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, one which conducts groundbreaking research in the region while monitoring large whale migrations and behaviors. The guests enjoyed learning about the important work conducted, while then viewing humpback whales up front from the bow: What an amazing way to conclude our fantastic week together in Southeast Alaska!
7/21/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Inian Islands
After navigating the Icy Strait overnight, we arrived at Cross Sound which placed us in the perfect spot to explore the Inian Islands. South of Glacier Bay National Park, the Inian Islands are an amazing place to view wildlife. The Pacific’s nutrient-rich waters enter the Inside Passage, which creates an upwelling of fish from the seafloor that sea lions, harbor seals, gulls, bald eagles, and others feast on during the day. In the afternoon, our Captain repositioned National Geographic Sea Lion near George Island, providing our guests the opportunity to explore the island by hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. In the evening, we had an amazing surprise when killer whales appeared near the bow of National Geographic Sea Lion . As our naturalists provided information about the killer whales our guests enjoyed them as they displayed hunting behavior, breaching, and fluke-slapping.