July 16, 2025 – Wednesday
As we departed the quiet charm of Hoonah, we veered left at Icy Strait Point, drawn by whispers of whales and the promise of magic in the waters. Word had it that the stretch between Point Adolphus and Pleasant Island was a favored haunt of humpbacks, and the sea did not disappoint. About four miles west of Point Adolphus, we stumbled upon a pod in the midst of a mesmerizing bubble-net feeding ritual — a coordinated ballet of giants beneath the waves.
Though the photos were taken from a respectful distance aboard a boat that pitched and rolled with the rhythm of the strait, I hope they convey the wonder of the moment. We simply drifted, letting the engine idle and our hearts swell, as nature staged an hour-long performance that rivaled any theater.
When we finally turned away, the awe lingered. The raw beauty of this place — the deep blues, the misty silhouettes of distant islands, the sheer presence of these magnificent creatures — etched itself into memory. It was one of those rare moments when the world feels vast and intimate all at once.
For a summary of bubble feeding you might enjoy reading: Humpback whales make custom fishing nets — out of bubbles by NPR reporter Lauren Soomer.
