This very early morning, the guests aboard National Geographic Sea Bird were woken by our expedition leader with an announcement that northern lights were visible. Groggy figures stumbled out on to the decks to be greeted with swirls and flashes of green overhead This display was magical and the talk of the morning until we floated into Kasnyku Bay and sidled up to the lovely waterfall which graces the bay. Kasnyku Falls plunges from the forest above and was a perfect pre-breakfast treat. The afternoon allowed time for whale watching and a presentation by Dr. Andy Szabo, Director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, one which conducts groundbreaking research in the region while monitoring large whale migrations and behaviors. The guests enjoyed learning about the important work conducted, while then viewing humpback whales up front from the bow: What an amazing way to conclude our fantastic week together in Southeast Alaska!
9/10/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Pavlof Harbor
The day started with an exciting encounter. Before breakfast we observed a group of bubble-netting humpback whales. It was incredible to see them lunge and hear them breathing at the surface. This was coupled by a glorious pink sunrise. After breakfast we took Zodiac cruises searching for bears near Pavlof Harbor. Even though we did not find any (wildlife is always delightfully unexpected), the scenery was beautiful, and we watched many adorable harbor seals. After thinking the excitement of the day was done, we spotted a large group of whales from a distance. While approaching closer, we realized this group was also bubble-net feeding. Close to the shore, we observed these whales for hours. We even dropped the hydrophone to hear their haunting feeding call before they all lunged at the surface. It was one of the most incredible things any of us had ever witnessed. As if this wasn’t enough, at our sunset recap we got the call that there were killer whales around the ship. It was the most amazing ending to the most amazing day.