Today, we pulled up anchor and began making our way south through Chatham Strait, one of the great cruising routes of the Inside Passage, and a well-known area for wildlife viewing.

Sure enough, soon after breakfast, a pod of three Dall’s porpoise swam to our ship and began riding the wave of our bow. Smaller than their dolphin cousins, these porpoises are known for their remarkable swimming speeds, reaching up to 35 mph. We watched with excitement as these agile porpoises slipped and spun through the water below us.

After lunch, there was an adventure for everyone, on land and in water. Hikers set out from the beach and disappeared into the old growth forest. Kayakers paddled into a mirror-like lagoon, and voyagers explored the jagged coastline by Zodiac.

It was a fulfilling day and with full bellies and warm hearts, we watched the “world premier” of our voyage video. The many wild and beautiful experiences from our voyage aboard National Geographic Sea Bird were quite special.

At the end of the night, guests lingered in the lounge as if not wanting the voyage to end. This will be a trip we will replay forever.