The last day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird was action packed! Guests awoke to Expedition Leader Oren Frey announcing that there were orcas around the ship, which we had the opportunity to watch for some time before breakfast. In the afternoon, guests were treated to a plethora of hike options, anywhere from a long bushwack to a casual forest wander through the Tongass National Forest. Before cocktail hour, the most adventurous of guests jumped into the frigid waters of Saook Bay, while our Global Explorers had the opportunity to learn to drive Zodiacs. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to the people we have gotten to know so well, but we hope that we have created stewards and ambassadors of the wild, Alaska, and nature.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 03 Aug 2024
Cruising and Saook Bay, 8/3/2024, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Alaska
Melissa Heres, Naturalist
Melissa Heres is a diver, captain, marine biologist, and hydrographer. Growing up on a farm in a landlocked portion of Germany, she explored the natural world surrounding her which translated into a fascination with the sea and travel.
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Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord
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We had an amazing day today exploring the Inian Islands and Fox Creek. In the morning, guests left National Geographic Sea Lion to explore the Inian Islands on Zodiacs. This location is known for its currents and the upwelling that happens here. Nutrients rise to the surface, producing a great opportunity to witness the feeding behavior of bald eagles, Steller sea lions, sea otters, gulls, and other marine mammals. After a delicious lunch, guests chose from two exploratory opportunities at Fox Creek. One of the options was a moderate hike with our naturalists interpreting along the way. The second option was an intertidal walk with naturalists, enjoying a bit of tidepool exploration. We concluded this amazing day back onboard listening to the recap, having a wonderful dinner, and planning for another great day tomorrow with our visit to Haines.