We awoke this morning to beautiful clear skies in Nakwasina Passage in Sitka Sound. We took in the scenery of the snow-covered peaks reflecting in the glassy waters as we waited for the tide to change in our favor to pass through the narrow Sergius Channel.

Today turned out to be a marine mammal extravaganza. After last night’s gray whale encounter, we saw humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, river otters, sea otters, harbor porpoises and bow riding Dall’s porpoises. Our day consisted of a variety of hikes and kayaking at Lake Eva and a presentation on an “Overview of Southeast Alaska” and an after-dinner presentation by National Geographic Photo Expert Annie Griffiths. The day was made complete by a spectacular full moonrise over snowcapped peaks. Onward to Glacier Bay National Park.