After traveling through the night, we awoke this morning in the secluded bay next to George Island. The day began with sightings of sea otters, bald eagles, and a variety of other birds. We made a shore landing in Zodiacs and split up into different adventure groups to enjoy the morning exploring George Island. We repositioned during lunch and then explored the Inian Islands in Zodiacs. We observed the bounty of wildlife drawn to this area to feed, thanks to the upwelling of nutrients caused by tidewaters rushing in between the islands from the Pacific Ocean.
9/4/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
Haines, Alaska
After spending the past two days exploring the remote reaches and corners of Chichagof Island, it was time for a day of adventure in one of our favorite Alaskan small towns. Haines straddles a unique peninsula that juts out into the Lynn Canal and is framed by exquisite mountain ranges and dynamic tidal flats. The choices for guest excursions in Haines are abundant and diverse; rafting and visiting a tribal village, fly fishing, hiking the highest peak in the area, going on a guided bike tour, or free time to explore town with its many museums and unique shops. There are no poor choices when it comes to deciding what to do for the day. Brown bears, dolly varden, sockeye salmon, harbor seals, bald eagles, banana slugs the size of real bananas, and plenty of other endemic flora and fauna were sighted by guests throughout the day. And of course, what better way to celebrate a successful day in Haines than a glorious bottomless crab feast back onboard National Geographic Sea Lion ? We rounded out the evening with a lively and spirited round of trivia in the lounge, which is always a smashing hit, with tonight being no exception!