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Dispatches from Alaska: Orca, Otters, Eagles & More

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We're back in the wilds of Southeast Alaska and it's going to be one whale of a summer! Our very elated staff and guests have been sharing their favorite encounters and the excitement is palpable. Here’s a taste of what it’s like so far. Follow us on Instagram @lindbladexp for more real-time footage and must-not-miss discoveries.

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A Vibrant Return to the Wild

This week, after a hiatus of more than 15 months, guests were back aboard our ships in Alaska. We were greeted by both familiar faces and welcoming new ones. We found our way about the ship, and everything began to feel wonderfully normal again. Then suddenly, a rainbow appeared. It's as if the wild was welcoming us back with open arms. That's the remarkable thing about expeditions—you never know what surprises are just around the bend.

Photo: Sven-Olof Lindblad, @solindblad

To say boarding the National Geographic Quest was a moment of indescribable joy would be an understatement.

Sven Lindblad

Orcas Everywhere

"I can't believe how lucky I was to witness this incredible wildlife moment. There were so many orcas around us. My camera was very shaky in this video because I was seriously about to cry the whole time." —Gracie B., Guest, New York City

Photo: Mike Greenfelder, @gahooley

"After the sea lion craziness we spotted two black fins gaining on us from behind. We slowed down as two orcas got closer and closer until we realized the two fins were hiding two more... little baby orcas! A whole family!" —Kally D., Guest, San Francisco, CA

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The Inian Islands experience was WILD in every sense! After watching some sea lions lounging on a rock, suddenly there was an eerie calm before the wind and the currents started to change and then there were sea lions on the hunt all around us. It was almost too much to take in. Easily the most thrilled I’ve been in the past year and a half.

--Calvin S., Guest, New Haven, CT

Jackpot! An Otter Ashore

"Not very often do you find sea otters on land as they perform just about every aspect of their life in the water. Discovered this fuzzy buddy watching the tide roll out from the Inian Islands." —Certified Photo Instructor Nathan Kelley Follow him @nathan__kelley.

“Alaska was the perfect trip after such a difficult year. It felt remote and energizing but also full of life. The setting was absolutely breathtaking.”
—Juan E., Guest

Happy Trails to Us

Into the green, authentic heart of Ahh-laska! Hikers took to the woods in search of natural surprises. One lucky group had a rare encounter with a gray wolf who watched them for several minutes.

I was completely absorbed in my delicious dinner when suddenly 50 forks drop at once and everyone flocks to the window to see this enormous whale slapping the water repeatedly with his tail! It was amazing and bizarre. It was like he was trying to communicate something. Maybe ‘Welcome back’?!

Aurelie K., guest, New York City

Cheers to New Adventures

After an exhilarating day in the wild there's nothing better than a good cocktail and good company. Guests gathered in the lounge to share drinks and stories before our time-honored tradition of Recap started.

Inspired to join us? There's still some room this summer on our Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketichikan. Don't miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.