We were treated to a rare occasion as we arrived to our morning destination in Kelp Bay. As the anchor was lowered, we observed two humpback whales feeding very close to shore. This is a new behavior observed by biologists, especially near local salmon hatcheries. As we sped off in small inflatable boats to get a closer look, we caught up with one whale around the north side of the island. It was splashing about ten feet off the rocky shore line, where the low tide was revealing layers of algae and barnacles. It used its pectoral fins to maneuver in the shallows, gulping mouthfuls of young salmon, possibly from a nearby hatchery. These young salmon swim in tight schools, close to the shore for protection – but the clever humpbacks have discovered the tasty treat if they can get in close.
As soon as nearly all the small boats were back on board the ship, the scuba divers took one remaining boat to head out to Plover Rocks. Below the surface, they explored deep cliffs covered in anemones, gorgonians, kelp, fish, sea stars, and a basket star. They collected video footage and shared it with the guests and staff on board later that evening.
After a delicious lunch and a great lecture on our local bears by naturalist Linda Nicklin, it was time to venture ashore in Sitkoh Bay. Everyone could choose their own adventure! Expedition staff offered energetic four-mile hikes, short nature hikes, photography hikes, as well as the option to kayak around the quiet bay. These many ways to explore yielded discoveries of delicious salmon berries, meadows of wildflowers, and endless forests with northern red squirrels, banana slugs, and crafty ravens.
As the sun set late in the evening, we traveled north up Chatham Strait, enjoying a delicious dinner of beef short ribs and mushroom pie and teriyaki sablefish. Just before bed we were joined again by more humpback whales off the bow, and we look forward to another day to come.
