While Coastal Brown Bears and Humpback Whales may steal the show for most wildlife lovers in Alaska, we were also impressed by the wide variety of other wildlife we saw along the way. Salmon, of course, are a big part of the wildlife experience in the summer, particularly from middle of July through August when they cram into the streams sometimes in such density that the water looks like one continuous flurry of activity. Salmon stream at Mendenhall Glacier (Mary Curry)
Marine invertebrates
In addition to salmon, we saw quite a few other marine creatures. Seastars clung to the rocks in large numbers along the coastline, jellyfish floated in the water, and sea urchins dotted the tidal pools. We even caught sight of a crab meandering along the tidal pools. Starfish in Inian Islands (Mary Curry)Jellyfish in Inian Islands (Mary Curry) Crab Alaska's Inside Passage (Mary Curry)
Birds
The puffin is one of the quintessential birds of the north and we were lucky to see quite a few reasonably close to the ship. Personally I've never been much of a 'bird watcher' when binoculars are involved, but these little cuties were close enough to see clearly without (though the ship did have binoculars available to borrow for anyone so inclined. Puffin, Inside Passage Alaska (Mary Curry)Puffin, Inside Passage Alaska (Mary Curry)
Besides the puffins, the cormorants made a regal sight, particularly when they decided to pose for us in front of a rainbow... Cormorants and Sea Lions Alaska's Inside Passage (Mary Curry)
Back out in the water, we also spotted sea lions, seals and otters on multiple occasions. The otters spend their time in the kelp forests along the shoreline where they can raise their young. Mama will bundle her otter baby in a piece of kelp so that she can dive down to the seafloor to gather a crab or mussel for a snack. What an innovative daycare system! Sea Otter Alaska's Inside Passage (Mary Curry)Sea Lions, Inside Passage Alaska (Mary Curry)
Finally back on shore we also spotted Sitka deer. Just like back home in Montana, these resourceful deer spent most of their time nibbling on the flowers or lawns in local towns. Sitka Deer (Mary Curry)
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
