Fox Creek and Shaw Island/ Inian Islands

Breaching before breakfast… a humpback whale entertained us and we were in awe… this was going to be a really good day! A misty Alaskan morning was a perfect way to start our morning hike in the temperate rainforest at Fox Creek on Chichicof Island. Kayakers paddled around nearby Shaw Island and explored the sea life and rock formations. Inside the forest we saw evidence of bear activity… traditional tracks through moss, a scratching tree and lots of bear scat!

In the afternoon, we loaded into Zodiacs and cruised through the Inian Islands. Stellar sea lions were in abundance and we enjoyed their gregarious companionship. It was a bit surprising that they were so friendly, because nearly all of them were rejected suitors on the mating grounds. They approached our Zodiac and playfully dove under like a well choreographed ballet at sea… flipping and turning and leaping out of the water! It was truly an amazing site! Also sighted were bashful sea otters hiding in their bed of kelp and our first glimpse of a tufted puffin!

On our way back we observed a Zodiac with our Expedition Leader, Purser and Video Chronicler using the spash camera to take pictures underneath the water. Suddenly they were surprised by the surfacing of three humpback whales who came within a few feet of the Zodiac as they were diving. Needless to say the Expedition Leader, Videograper and Purser who were on board had a major adrenaline rush. Even from a distance it was an incredible sight!

After dinner we cruised toward Bartlett Cove, the National Park Headquarters of Glacier Bay, and picked up our rangers for tomorrow’s visit to Glacier Bay National Park.