Overnight we traveled through Chatham Strait, and this morning we arrived at Shaw Island to explore Fox Creek. A few naturalists went ashore first to scout the bear trails for safety; we were then ready to welcome our guests on the island. We divided into three large groups to explore this majestic old-growth forest. Along the way our naturalists explained the intricate relationships of this diverse environment, a “web of life” as one called it. In the afternoon, we cruised near the Inian Islands looking for marine mammals. It didn’t take long before we saw humpback whales demonstrating feeding behavior. It was another wonderful day in Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Lion.
5/7/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Inian Islands, Port Althorp
The Inian Islands invoke sheer joy and excitement among the naturalists, which in turn, is transferred to the guests. We set out in Zodiacs, traversing in nearly unprecedented calm conditions through the narrow Mosquito Pass, then around North Inian Island. We observed over a dozen bald eagles and sea lions waiting for the inrushing tide to bring fish to the surface for easy pickings. We also saw a couple of male sea otters peacefully lying on the surface while fluffing up their fur to introduce air for insulation (they don’t have blubber). The weather was classic Alaska…sun grading to rain…then to partly cloudy. In the afternoon, we traveled to Port Althorp for kayaking and hikes. Again, very calm conditions with intermittent sun and rain. The hikes were beautiful, winding across the mud flats and into the thick rainforest painted with several shades of green. Bear trails were observed and used by us as convenient paths to follow. Kayakers slowly paddled across glassy water to enjoy the peace and solitude. The day ended with soft sun.
