In the early morning light National Geographic Sea Lion entered Glacier Bay. After picking up our park ranger Nicole Schaub, rangers in training, and Lee and William, two Tlingit cultural interpreters, we began making our way north in Tarr Inlet. In 1794, Captain George Vancouver sailed the H.M.S. Discovery through these waters, making it only to the entrance of what is now Glacier Bay...there he found a wall of ice, now called Grand Pacific Glacier. The ice wall Captain Vancouver encountered has now retreated 65 miles south up Tarr Inlet. Our journey today, would be cruising those 65 miles of Tarr Inlet in search of wildlife and even more; enjoying the visual feast being presented in the early hours of this glorious day! Our trip, so far, has been graced with astounding weather...from the early dawn hours until sunset each day we have watched the slow moving late spring sun stretch across an open blue sky!
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 .
