Unlocking the Wonders of Southeast Alaska: A Wildlife Photography Odyssey
Our 12-Day Seldom Seen Alaska Photo Tour in July 2023 was a magnificent voyage into the heart of Southeast Alaska, an enchanting realm where untamed beauty and wildlife photography opportunities abound. This blog chronicles the extraordinary moments and incredible encounters that made this journey a photographer’s paradise.
From Vision to Reality: Our journey began with a vision to share the wonders of Southeast Alaska with the world. Through meticulous planning and a partnership with a renowned UK-based photography tour company, we transformed this vision into a reality. Together, we crafted an itinerary that promised an unforgettable adventure spanning the vast SE Alaska region.
Awe-Inspiring Encounters in Sitka: Nature welcomed us with open arms from the very start. In Sitka, we were treated to awe-inspiring displays of marine life, including humpback whales breaching, playful otters with their adorable pups, and a plethora of seabirds that became perfect subjects for our
photography. We also delved into Sitka’s rich heritage with a visit to Sitka Historical Park and were delighted by a captivating cultural dance performance by the Sitka tribe.
Wildlife Wonders in Gustavus: As we set sail for Gustavus, we were greeted by tranquil seas and breathtaking vistas. The West Chicagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area and Lisanski Strait unfolded before us, revealing the beauty of about 200 Black Legged Kittiwakes, humpback whales gracefully feeding, and a charming raft of 50 sea otters, wrapped in floating kelp patches. We even had the privilege of witnessing spirited dominance battles among young Stellar sea lions, adding an extra layer of excitement to our journey.
Thrilling Encounters and Magical Moments: While in search of the bubble-net feeding phenomenon, we were blessed with a thrilling encounter – a pod of orcas successfully hunting a Dall’s Porpoise. This encounter was accompanied by breathtaking breaching and acrobatics, with Fairweather
Mountain as a magnificent backdrop. Our journey continued to unveil Coastal Brown Bears in their element, fishing for salmon in a spectacle of nature’s raw power.
The Majestic Waterfall Coast and LeConte Glacier: Our longest leg took us to the majestic Waterfall Coast, where we marveled at towering waterfalls and soaring eagles. The highlight was a group of 12 humpback whales engaged in bubble-net feeding – a sight to behold. Our expedition then led us to the stunning LeConte Bay, surrounded by cobalt-blue icebergs and colossal glaciers.
A Day with Adorable Otters: An off-itinerary exploration took us to an incredible otter raft consisting of over 200 males. This heartwarming and adorable encounter with these playful creatures left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Farewell to Petersburg and Glorious Encounters: As we bid farewell to Petersburg, we were treated to more humpback whales breaching and bubble-netting. The persistent fog added an ethereal touch to the experience, making it even more memorable.
The Final Stretch: Our journey concluded with a sense of accomplishment as we set our course for Admiralty Island and Pybus Bay. There, we reveled in the delightful company of more humpbacks and stunning scenery. The return to Sitka was filled with additional encounters, including playful humpback behaviors.
Forever Cherished Memories: As we stepped back onto Sitka’s shores, our hearts swelled with joy and a touch of nostalgia. Farewells were bittersweet, but our guests departed with full memory cards, newfound friendships, and the satisfaction of having experienced the unparalleled beauty of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
Join Us for Unforgettable Adventures: Our Seldom Seen Alaska Tour will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We invite you to join us on future expeditions, where you can explore the awe-inspiring wonders of nature and capture magical moments that will stay with you for a lifetime. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Stay tuned for more captivating images, videos, and in-depth descriptions of our daily excursions, activities, and experiences on the Captain’s Blog.