Our final full day of exploration in the wilds of Southeast Alaska began at the junction of Chatham and Peril Straits, the “triple junction” where Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof Islands come together. Generally, it is a hot spot for observing humpback whales feeding over underwater reefs and coastal brown bears strolling the shorelines. We started with a good taste of the wilder weather that sometimes overlays this coastal wilderness. Low clouds, a stiff breeze, and swirling precipitation made for challenging conditions on the bow, but our cozy ship was a welcome refuge from the weather with warm coffee, a hearty breakfast, and an entertaining presentation that introduced some of the natural history highlights of the bear world. By afternoon, we were able to anchor in Saook Bay for an afternoon of kayaking and hiking.
6/15/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Endicott Arm
Today, we embarked on a voyage through the breathtaking Endicott Arm, a 30-mile fjord carved by ancient glaciers. As our vessel glided through the jade-green waters, towering granite cliffs rose on either side, with cascading waterfalls fed by melting snowfields. The fjord's serene beauty was punctuated by the occasional splash of harbor seals diving from ice bergs and the distant sight of mountain goats navigating the rugged terrain. Approaching the terminus of the fjord, the awe-inspiring Dawes Glacier came into view. Standing over 500 feet tall and half a mile wide, its icy facade shimmered in hues of blue and white. We boarded Zodiacs to get a closer look, maneuvering through a maze of icebergs, each uniquely sculpted by nature. Suddenly, a thunderous crack echoed as a massive chunk of ice calved from the glacier, crashing into the water below and sending ripples across the fjord—a humbling reminder of nature's power. The journey through Endicott Arm was more than a scenic cruise, it was an intimate encounter with the raw, dynamic forces that shape Alaska's wilderness. The memories of shimmering glaciers, playful seals, and towering cliffs will linger, a testament to the allure of this pristine frontier.