It was another beautiful day in Southeast Alaska. There was a blue sky over Saook Bay as the Zodiacs were launched and everyone prepared for a morning of exploration. Several adventurous souls went on bushwhack hikes through the temperate rainforest on Baranof Island. Everyone was on the lookout for wildlife or signs that the wildlife had recently been in the area. There were also tours of the bay by Zodiac, investigating the crystal-clear water and the life below. In the afternoon, the National Geographic Venture cruised through Peril Strait. Killer whales were sighted off the port bow and everyone found a spot on the ship’s deck to watch the whales swim by. It was a fantastic end to another sunny Alaska day.
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.
