What a day! A pod of five killer whales right off the bow started our morning as we transited Cross Sound. After breakfast, we alternated our morning explorations with hikes on George Island and Zodiac tours around the island. Some of us went on a long hike out to the WWII gun, while others enjoyed moderate and casual hikes with more interpretation of the flora and fauna of the rainforest. The afternoon brought us some amazing Zodiac cruises in the turbulent waters of the incoming tide, offering close views of the killer whales, a dozen humpback whales surfacing and feeding all around us, Steller sea lions catching and eating fish, scores of bald eagles in the trees and on the rocks, and sea otters in the calmer waters between the islands. We also visited the Tidelines Institute, a field school dedicated to experiential education and environmental leadership.
6/14/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Southeast Alaska
On the last full day of our voyage, we woke in Endicott Arm near the Dawes Glacier. We spent the morning enjoying Zodiac tours to the face of Dawes Glacier and watched multiple calving events. We were also able to spot several harbor seals, waterfalls, and a couple harbor porpoises on the way. After lunch we had the opportunity to participate in a polar plunge. Forty people decided to brave the frigid water for a short swim. Those of us not eager to jump into glacier water were able to watch from the bow. After the polar plunge, we warmed up on board as we started transiting towards Juneau. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall to once again admire the amazing natural beauty of Alaska. During our farewell recap, we were treated to a quick visit by a humpback whale. We ended our day with a slideshow made up of our favorite photos and memories of an amazing week on board National Geographic Quest .