Our voyage continues to be one chock full of activities, wildlife, and remarkable scenery as we explore the varied regions of Southeast Alaska. National Geographic Venture has headed south to the junction of Chatham and Peril Straits, geographically central to the major islands of Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof. The morning was spent anchored in Sitkoh Bay, with options for hiking and kayaking. In the forest, on the beaches, and in the bay, we saw abundant wildlife and their signs, including bears, river otters, banana slugs, and lion’s mane jellyfish. In the afternoon, we cruised these scenic waters for wildlife, and we were mesmerized by the cascading Kasnyku Falls. Whale watching was in order, and we were duly rewarded.
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.
