From our Zodiacs, we watched as Steller sea lions and bald eagles fished in the currents. Sea otters with pups sheltered in the kelp beds. In the afternoon, the ship repositioned to Idaho Inlet, where guests explored the sheltered bay with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Throughout the day, we could see the snowcapped Fairweather mountains to the north, providing a taste of what will come tomorrow when we sail into Glacier Bay National Park.
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.
