Today our guests were treated to an unforgettable experience at Pavlov Harbor. We had a spectacular sighting of coastal brown bears eating salmon, including some cubs getting in on the action. We observed a total of six bears. We marveled at their skill and determination as they packed on the pounds in preparation for winter. The sight of these magnificent creatures in the glistening water was truly a privilege. Guests on Zodiac tours not only got to go upriver to see bears by the waterfall, but they also got to zoom outside the bay to watch humpback whales. Observing whales from a Zodiac is a sight unlike any other. Our guests got to watch them breathe and dive from an eye level view. Their soothing yet explosive exhales were captivating as we sat and listened to them breathe. One of the big highlights was the group’s mass participation in the polar plunge. Our brave and daring passengers ran from the shore into the icy waters as screams and cheers were carried over the water. Tonight, we celebrate our last night together by looking for wildlife in Peril Strait and watching our guest slideshow. Reliving our week through the photos our guests submit is one of the best parts of our trip.
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.