Our scheduled for today was titled "Cruising for Critters" meaning we'd spend the day in passage from Glacier Bay down to Sitka and hopefully find something in between to keep us content as guests onboard. There were several items on the schedule. Yoga was in the morning followed by our scheduled massages. Then a poker tournament with Captain Dano in the Pesky Barnacle Lounge. And in the afternoon more yoga and then a few of the deckhands would teach us all how to tie the ship knots. In the moments between we expected to stare out the window and just cruise along - a book in one hand and cappuccino in the other.
Apparently the WHALES had another plan in mind! Our crew informed us that they hoped to see one or two but the majority had already migrated down the coast to warmer waters. Little did they know. . . .
Our first sighting happened just before lunch and the Captain came over the loud speaker, calling us outside from the poker tournament. We all hussled to the railings and watched in awe as far in the distance, we saw a humpback breaching the water's surface. As we sailed slowly forward the pod emerged from the water and gave us quite a show as they fed off the shore. I cannot describe the awe that you have at this moment watching these beautiful and elegant creatures skimming along the water. Then out of nowhere we see them begin to bubble net feed. They created a cyclone net of bubbles that scares the fish to the surface of the water. Then with all the fish condensed in a group you see four, five, six giant mouths piercing the surface gobbling them up. Each feeding is about ten minutes apart and you never know where they'll end up when they surface. We begin to watch the birds who swarm when then see opportunity rising below. They dive to catch fish a split second before the whales breach.
Hours passed and we weren't even aware. We watched them feed along the inlet and you could hear the soft puff of air as they exhaled reaching the waters surface and spouting mist into the air. We hear shouts from the aft of the ship as another humpback was spotted coming into the cove. He was on a mission for food and we could not get in his way! We speculated the reason for his coming to be the call of one humpback in the feeding group. He seems to be sending out the message of abundant food in this little cove - Dinner, get it while it’s hot!
Cocktail hour rolled around and we took a short break to refresh ourselves in the lounge. The whales humored us by waiting another ten minutes before surfacing. By that time we had grabbed a couple drinks and piled a plate with crab legs, fresh baked bread & artichoke dip and scurried back up to the top deck below the captain looking out from the bridge. Cheers to you Whales, you magnificent beasts! All in all not a bad day. Certainly not the uneventful cruising day we had originally expected.
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 hours ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
1 day ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
2 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!