There is no better way to wake up on board than with a wildlife sighting announcement. This morning, humpback whales were spotted just off the bow. Guests and naturalists aboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed their morning coffee while watching whales breach. Morning operations included kayaking and standup paddleboarding with sea otters, exploring the forest with naturalists, intertidal walks with our undersea naturalist, and photography walks with our certified photography instructor. We continued our whale watching with more humpback whale sightings in Frederick Sound throughout the afternoon. Many guests enjoyed a cozy, rainy afternoon of playing games, reading, and enjoying conversation and presentations in between wildlife sightings.
9/4/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Kelp Bay and Hidden Falls
It was drizzling a bit as we made our way to the scenic anchorage at Kelp Bay. Through the drizzle, we were excited to see a sow brown bear with her two cubs fishing for salmon in the stream! It was a fantastic start to an amazing day. Our guests went on some beautiful hikes through the dense temperate rainforest, which had the fresh scent of rain and evergreens. One of the hikes led to a muskeg and a huge beaver pond. It was worth the effort to get there. During lunch, we repositioned National Geographic Quest to a bay near Hidden Falls where there is a salmon hatchery. At the hatchery, the air buzzed with activity as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and birds feasted on the salmon schooling at the fish ladder. The massive bears of varying ages and sizes stood poised to strike at the wriggling fish. They snatch their prey in their powerful paws and jaws. This time of year, the bears are hyper focused on feeding, so they can replenish their reserves before their winters sleep. Our viewing of the bears was a thrilling reminder of nature’s raw and untamed beauty.