Sitkoh Bay is an extraordinary place to visit here in Southeast Alaska. Guests on board National Geographic Venture awoke in a place of peace and quiet. Water within the bay remained completely still as our vessel approached the anchoring. Quickly, Zodiacs were lowered onto the water’s surface – a shear sign of another day of adventure. Everyone on board was given the opportunity to hike on the trail or kayak along the shore banks. Kayakers explored the shallow coastline, noticing many sea jellies within the water column. Hikers spent their time walking under the forest canopy, stepping carefully to not disturb any banana slugs in the middle of the trail. After morning operations were complete and lunch commenced, our captain moved our expedition party into Chatham Strait to search for wildlife. Humpback whales, breaching salmon, and even Dall’s porpoises were spotted on the beautiful last day of our voyage.
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.