Wildlife Viewing and Nature Photography

Natural rock arches and walls along shores of Cross Sounds provide perfect photograph opportunities 

Natural rock arches and walls along shores of Cross Sounds provide perfect photograph opportunities 

Our daily excursions on the Yakobi allow us to explore many remote areas of this region. From Gull Cove Alaska lodge on Chichagof Island, our charter boat will take us to the islands, bays, and inlets of the Icy Strait area.  During our daily travels, we see lots of wildlife. Humpback whales frequent these waters and daily sightings are common.  On occasion, pods of orcas can be seen cruising Icy Strait.  Other frequently seen marine life are Steller sealions, sea otters, harbor seals, and porpoises.  Bald eagles, puffins, and a variety of seabirds seem to be everywhere.  And along the coastline we are always on the lookout for an Alaskan brown bears, black bears or Sitka blacktail deer roaming the beaches.

Orca Whales swimming in pods

Orca Whales swimming in pods

Whale watching.   Icy Strait is a prime summer feeding ground for humpback whales.Whales can often be observed from the deck of your cabin at Gull Cove but great views can be had from on board the Yakobi.   In addition to humpback whales, pods of orcas (killer whales) and an occasional minke whale are sometimes seen.  There are lots of opportunities for photography of marine wildlife.

Puffins fishing for herring

Puffins fishing for herring

A pod of 18 Orcas pass by in Icy Strait, allowing perfect amateur photography practice. 

A pod of 18 Orcas pass by in Icy Strait, allowing perfect amateur photography practice.

 

May and June are the Ruby Throated Hummingbirdss migratory time in Alaska. Hundreds make Gull Cove their home with many our many feeders, while provide a perfect photography option.

May and June are the Ruby Throated Hummingbirdss migratory time in Alaska. Hundreds make Gull Cove their home with many our many feeders, while provide a perfect photography option.

Humpback Whales bubble feeding

Humpback Whales bubble feeding

Vast mountain ranges are annually snowcapped and are picture perfect

Vast mountain ranges are annually snowcapped and are picture perfect

Other wildlife viewing.  Marine life is abundant, again starting right at Gull Cove where harbor seals and sea otters can be observed just off shore.  Steller sealions that inhabit this area have favorite hauling out areas on rocky islands near the outside coast.  We will also look for Alaskan brown bears, black bears, and Sitka black tailed deer along the shorelines and at the river mouths. Mountain goats are sometimes spotted along the cliffs of the mainland.  Bald eagles are abundant throughout the area.  Wildlife viewing and nature photography possibilities abound!

Two brown bear cubs cross a river to get to mom who was giving a fishing lesson

Two brown bear cubs cross a river to get to mom who was giving a fishing lesson

A Brown Bear sow stands up to say hello after feeding in a estuary where many other bears feed

A Brown Bear sow stands up to say hello after feeding in a estuary where many other bears feed