Today our guests were treated to an unforgettable experience at Pavlov Harbor. We had a spectacular sighting of coastal brown bears eating salmon, including some cubs getting in on the action. We observed a total of six bears. We marveled at their skill and determination as they packed on the pounds in preparation for winter. The sight of these magnificent creatures in the glistening water was truly a privilege. Guests on Zodiac tours not only got to go upriver to see bears by the waterfall, but they also got to zoom outside the bay to watch humpback whales. Observing whales from a Zodiac is a sight unlike any other. Our guests got to watch them breathe and dive from an eye level view. Their soothing yet explosive exhales were captivating as we sat and listened to them breathe. One of the big highlights was the group’s mass participation in the polar plunge. Our brave and daring passengers ran from the shore into the icy waters as screams and cheers were carried over the water. Tonight, we celebrate our last night together by looking for wildlife in Peril Strait and watching our guest slideshow. Reliving our week through the photos our guests submit is one of the best parts of our trip.
7/22/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Sitka Sound
Early risers aboard National Geographic Sea Lion were treated to a stellar show of humpback whales this morning as we made our way south down the mountain-studded coast of Baranof Island. The long, lazy swell that lulled us to sleep overnight contrasted spectacularly with the fast breaches, tail slaps, and fluking displays that surrounded us as we rounded Cape Edgecumbe and entered Sitka Sound. Sea otters and fishing boats galore greeted us as we slipped into the calm waters of the sound, bound for Magoun Islands State Marine Park for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising and hiking. The hikers found ample evidence of recent bear presence in the form of fresh scat and tracks, but no bears were to be found. Most of us were quite relieved not to surprise a bear! The Zodiac cruisers were treated to gorgeous intertidal habitats littered with mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and clams. After warming up a bit at lunch, a record thirty-one brave souls jumped into the frigid waters for our polar plunge! As we arrived in Sitka this evening, we admired the snow-capped mountain tops normally shrouded in mist. Steller sea lions cavorting around the dock served as reminders of our adventures.