Eye of the Needle to Honeydew Cove

We timed our departure from Eye of the Needle for the high tide and were sent off by a committee of wildlife: a deer, two otters, and a black bear—none too close, but all part of the charm of this critter-rich hideout.

Sitka Black tail deer watches us as we depart

You know when you’re cute

Guarding Tebenkof Bay is a large islet we call Eagle Rock, Because it is always covered in bald eagles

Tebenkof Bay reported about 10 feet of water at zero tide, and with a +8’ tide under us, the passage was smooth and drama-free.

Conditions couldn’t have been better—calm seas, light winds, and high clouds broken up just enough for the sun to peek through. We didn’t get much help from the current, but the ride was pure pleasure.

Today was all about whales. Dozens lined the east side of Chatham Strait, feeding lazily. Off Washington Bay, distant humpbacks put on a show with tail slaps, flipper flaps, and the occasional breach—too far for the camera but perfect through binoculars.

As we rounded the top of Kuiu Island past Security Bay Marine Park, we hit the jackpot: a pod of 10 to 12 humpbacks bubble feeding. We idled to watch, grateful for front-row seats to this stunning display.

Humback Whales Bubble Feeding

We ended the day at Honeydew Cove, a scenic nook tucked into the northeast corner of Kuiu Island, protected by small islets. With beaches, a hidden grotto, and no one else around, we dropped anchor in 24 feet and enjoyed the solitude of this peaceful hideaway.

honey dew cove

enter between the two islets

the “pass” to the northwest is full of kelp. dinghies only

here’s a good look at the kelp at low tide