Today’s expedition began with National Geographic Venture cruising into Halleck Harbor on Kuiu Island. Guests were offered chances to hike along the rugged coast or kayak to explore the intertidal zone, which is perfectly exposed due to the extremely low tides often found in Southeast Alaska. Hikers in the temperate rainforest discussed the components of forest succession, and the intertidal groups explored the exposed rocks to find sea stars, small fish, and crabs. In the afternoon, the ship ventured north through Chatham Strait, coming across sea otters, humpback whales, and a variety of bird life on an unusually sunny Alaska afternoon.