Today began with a view of the Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers hanging down from the misty peaks of the Chilkat mountain range. A humpback whale swam by slowly in the morning light as we anchored and prepared for the day’s adventures. Some of us went ashore to Chilkat State park for a long hike through the temperate rainforest, while others traveled further down the peninsula to stroll through the wildflowers and kayak along the edge of Moose Meadows. After our morning activities, we went back aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird and headed south through the Lynn Canal. Our scenic afternoon cruise took us past a Steller sea lion haul out, Eldred Rock Lighthouse, and a pod of killer whales. We continued south through the evening to Chatham Strait, scanning for wildlife and watching the sun go down, seeing the last of the light fade on the surrounding mountains.
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.
