Rounding off an exceptional trip, our last full day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion was filled with views of beautiful ice in Tracy Arm. To add to the wonder of Southeast Alaska, mountain goats were spotted from the ship as we cruised toward the tidewater glacier, South Sawyer. Harbor seals were scattered among the bergy bits and growlers, while we marveled at the river of ice that is a tidewater glacier. On our way back to the ship, an American bald eagle was spotted launching itself from a rocky outcropping, adding the final touches of America’s iconic beauty.
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.
