The extreme abundance of life that surrounds us here in Southeast Alaska is astounding. From the towering biomass of the temperate rainforests that earnestly cover the land, to the cold nutrient-rich waters being flushed in from the Pacific Ocean, there is something for all trophic levels. To compliment the diversity of flora and fauna, our morning expedition in Dundas Bay was similarly varied. Bright orange kayaks soon added a splash of color, along with a few more literal splashes, to the placid waters that are protected by rising peaks. Zodiacs zigged, zagged, and zoomed to expand and enhance our range of wildlife sightings. Meanwhile, a small but intrepid group of hikers braved some mud-and-moss-covered moose tracks to explore onshore. Back on the ship and underway, all this effort was rewarded with a hearty lunch and an afternoon treat, cruising out of Icy Strait to join the humpback whales in the suspiciously stalwart summer sunshine.
9/3/2022
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National Geographic Quest
Ushk Bay and Peril Strait
National Geographic Quest arose amidst light clouds within the protected waters of Ushk Bay. This area is known for a salmon stream and yields plenty of opportunity for kayaking and exploring the vast meadows of its inner waterways. On this day’s occasion, guests were able to hike and paddle their way along the coast of Ushk Bay and witness firsthand the life cycle of Pacific salmon making their way upstream. As we transited through Peril Strait, we were lucky to see humpback whales. These immense mammals were “lunge feeding” very near our ship. Being able to witness this event was unique for guests and staff. Lunge feeding is process through which individual whales push their gaping mouths through the surface and collect any fish or planktonic invertebrates in the process. Witnessing this behavior was truly a remarkable experience for all. We will cherish this moment for a lifetime.