Today we awoke to mist gently rolling over the Kashavarof Islands, our destination for this morning. With the trees peeking through the mist, we were ready to explore by Zodiac and kayak. Whilst the tide was rising, we had enough of the intertidal zone visible, but the real treat was the wildlife with several mink, both river and sea otters, and an eagle with its fresh salmon catch. As we transited to our afternoon destination, we were entertained by Dall’s porpoises coming to investigate the ship and several humpback whales. Then it was off to Bushy Island where we broke into groups to bushwhack, wander in the forest, and explore the tide pools. Some brave folks then chose to jump of the Zodiacs into the cold water as part of the “polar plunge.”
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.
