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.
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Haines, Alaska
The fastidious crew of National Geographic Sea Lion tied off their dock lines in beautiful Haines, Alaska, at 0700. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Haines offered a postcard-perfect welcome. Guests had their pick of daily adventures, from scenic bike tours to immersive hikes into the surrounding wilderness. Eager to make the most of the day, we fueled up with breakfast and set off for Mount Riley by 0800. The 5.6-mile out-and-back trail challenged us with a 1,500-foot elevation gain, but each step brought greater reward. Along the way, we spotted Devil’s Matchstick lichen—an iconic burst of black atop slender stalks, resembling burnt match sticks. As we climbed higher, breathtaking views of the Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal revealed themselves. At the summit, we paused to take in the sweeping vistas, humbled by the scale and silence of Alaska’s wild spaces. It was a moment of shared awe and camaraderie, the kind that forges lasting connections. Afterward, returning to the charming town of Haines felt like re-entering a quiet storybook. This blend of rugged adventure and small-town warmth made the day truly extraordinary.
