Idaho Inlet & Inian Islands
“You otter be here!” could be the slogan for our full day of explorations. Morning found the Sea Bird anchored in Idaho Inlet, where we quickly zoomed ashore for various levels of hikes and kayaking. We properly muddied our boots while following bear-trails in the forest. Kayakers who paddled around nearby Shaw Island gaped at a giant lion’s mane jellyfish, sea otters, and eagles soaring high above.
With the sun pushing through the clouds, and delicious treats topping our ice-cream sundaes, we made way for the Inian Islands, a small island grouping located in between Cross Sound and Icy Strait. These islands are in the midst of strong currents flowing to and from the nearby open ocean. Fish and other nutrients are frequently caught up in these swirling waters, which make for ideal feeding grounds for marine mammals such as Steller’s sea lions, sea otters (pictured above), and various coastal birds. We were able to see such feeding activity via afternoon Zodiac cruises: sea lions fishing for salmon, and a sea otter using his belly to support its crab dinner.
Early evening found us approaching Pt. Adolphus, a scenic area known for humpback whale sightings. Just as cocktail hour began, Bette Lu’s gentle voice invited us on deck to partake of the gorgeous light, the beautiful cloud formations …and the humpback whale right next to the ship! Before we could even recover from the delight of the close encounter with the solitary animal, a brown bear was spotted foraging along shore! What a way to end a great day of explorations in Southeast Alaska – with a whale and a bear. You otter be here!
“You otter be here!” could be the slogan for our full day of explorations. Morning found the Sea Bird anchored in Idaho Inlet, where we quickly zoomed ashore for various levels of hikes and kayaking. We properly muddied our boots while following bear-trails in the forest. Kayakers who paddled around nearby Shaw Island gaped at a giant lion’s mane jellyfish, sea otters, and eagles soaring high above.
With the sun pushing through the clouds, and delicious treats topping our ice-cream sundaes, we made way for the Inian Islands, a small island grouping located in between Cross Sound and Icy Strait. These islands are in the midst of strong currents flowing to and from the nearby open ocean. Fish and other nutrients are frequently caught up in these swirling waters, which make for ideal feeding grounds for marine mammals such as Steller’s sea lions, sea otters (pictured above), and various coastal birds. We were able to see such feeding activity via afternoon Zodiac cruises: sea lions fishing for salmon, and a sea otter using his belly to support its crab dinner.
Early evening found us approaching Pt. Adolphus, a scenic area known for humpback whale sightings. Just as cocktail hour began, Bette Lu’s gentle voice invited us on deck to partake of the gorgeous light, the beautiful cloud formations …and the humpback whale right next to the ship! Before we could even recover from the delight of the close encounter with the solitary animal, a brown bear was spotted foraging along shore! What a way to end a great day of explorations in Southeast Alaska – with a whale and a bear. You otter be here!
