An Alaska Rarely Seen

Exploring any true wilderness region offers rewards unlike anywhere else on planet Earth. Add in journeying by boat, and you have a trip of a lifetime. For me, having led our Seldom Seen Alaska trip, this is exactly what was on offer. The chance to explore ancient fjords, visit remote communities and photograph some of the world’s most iconic wildlife leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to experience it. 

Spending just under two weeks venturing through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery filled us all with anticipation. What would our time ahead reward us with? Would we be lucky enough to find and photograph south-east Alaska’s remarkable wildlife? Well, quite simply, yes. 

On our first day out on the water in Sitka Sound we were lucky enough to see our first humpback whales, sea otters, tufted puffins and nesting bald eagles. What more can you ask for? From a photographic point of view, this was merely a gentle introduction to what lay ahead of us. 

We continued onwards towards the remote community of Gustavus, situated close to Glacier Bay. Along the way, more humpbacks delighted us with their presence, their blows and rumbling calls echoed throughout the steep-sided fjord we found ourselves in. This is all after already enjoying exquisite views of Steller’s sealions as they basked and squabbled on a rocky island. 

Again, this was only to whet the appetite for the coming days. We spent a morning watching a pod orca successfully hunt a Dall’s porpoise, while the male decided to entertain us with multiple breaches and tail-slapping galore.

Then, the following day, a humpback provided us with the most wonderful entertainment as it made breach after breach, tail-slapped and pectoral-fin slapped. The photography opportunities were simply out of this world. Something none of the group will forget. In fact, the next few days were filled with countless moments which left everyone smiling from ear to ear. A lone grizzly bear fishing on an isolated creek, Dall’s porpoise riding our bow wave and wonderful hospitality were just a few of the delights. 

The moment when everyone knew this was a tour to remember was when we witnessed the first set of humpback whale bubble-net feeding events. This was undoubtedly one of the aims for this ambitious trip, but we were not disappointed. After seeing our first couple of events, and trying to work on our ability to predict where the whales may surface, we started to understand the process. Part of the magic is listening for the whales’ feeding call. One whale initiates the feeding event to begin and blows bubbles around a school of fish. This whale emits a call which all of us could hear through the hull of the boat. 

Even now, thinking back, I get goosebumps as I remember the moment the pitch of the call changed, and the whales suddenly lunge at the surface. Filling their vast mouths with seawater and fish, they then use their baleen to trap the fish and expel the water. This really is the most mesmerising of behaviours and with only 100 whales in the world thought to practise this communal feeding, it really is a treat to be able to watch and listen. 

This part of Alaska offers so much more. Black bears fish on creeks, indigenous communities share their hospitality, whales abound and then there are the landscapes. No words can ever do justice to the natural beauty, awe-inspiring scenery and ethereal quality of this special corner of the world. You just have to experience it for yourself and treasure it forever more.

If you're interested in our Seldom Seen Alaska Photography Holiday, our friendly team are available to help - just contact them today.