There is no better way to wake up on board than with a wildlife sighting announcement. This morning, humpback whales were spotted just off the bow. Guests and naturalists aboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed their morning coffee while watching whales breach. Morning operations included kayaking and standup paddleboarding with sea otters, exploring the forest with naturalists, intertidal walks with our undersea naturalist, and photography walks with our certified photography instructor. We continued our whale watching with more humpback whale sightings in Frederick Sound throughout the afternoon. Many guests enjoyed a cozy, rainy afternoon of playing games, reading, and enjoying conversation and presentations in between wildlife sightings.
7/18/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Freshwater Bay, Chichagof Island
This morning before breakfast, the bridge team of National Geographic Quest spotted orcas in Freshwater Bay. Eager to see this iconic whale species, the bow was quickly occupied by excited guests, staff, and crew. We could not have asked for better conditions. A sunny, calm morning with at least a dozen orcas! Wow! After breakfast we went ashore at Kennel Creek on Chichagof Island and split into aerobic, moderate, and casual walking groups. After yesterday’s wet forest at Fox Creek, we welcomed the firm, dry ground of an old logging road. Along our walks there were abundant signs of brown bears. One of the two aerobic walks had fresh bear tracks on top of their footprints upon their return. In the afternoon cruising down Chatham Strait, we enjoyed time on deck soaking up the sun when an eagle-eye naturalist spotted a group of humpbacks ten miles away! As we approached, we could see that this was no small group, as twenty-three whales were bubble net feeding! This day will long be imprinted in our memories of wild Alaska.
