On the final day of our voyage, guests awoke to a beaming sun and a bright blue sky. Today, we would take a Zodiac tour of the famed South Sawyer Glacier, a tidewater glacier that carved this fjord some 400 years ago. At this time of year the floating icebergs serve as birthing platforms for harbor seals, so we were careful not to spook the mothers and month-old pups into the water. As we waited in anticipation for falling ice at the face of the glacier, a gang of pirates surprised us with mugs of hot chocolate — a welcomed treat to ward off the chilly wind blowing off the glacier. After an exciting morning, guests enjoyed a relaxing paddle through the protected waters of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Between the perfect weather and breathtaking views, this final day of our voyage was one we won’t soon forget.
5/7/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Inian Islands, Port Althorp
The Inian Islands invoke sheer joy and excitement among the naturalists, which in turn, is transferred to the guests. We set out in Zodiacs, traversing in nearly unprecedented calm conditions through the narrow Mosquito Pass, then around North Inian Island. We observed over a dozen bald eagles and sea lions waiting for the inrushing tide to bring fish to the surface for easy pickings. We also saw a couple of male sea otters peacefully lying on the surface while fluffing up their fur to introduce air for insulation (they don’t have blubber). The weather was classic Alaska…sun grading to rain…then to partly cloudy. In the afternoon, we traveled to Port Althorp for kayaking and hikes. Again, very calm conditions with intermittent sun and rain. The hikes were beautiful, winding across the mud flats and into the thick rainforest painted with several shades of green. Bear trails were observed and used by us as convenient paths to follow. Kayakers slowly paddled across glassy water to enjoy the peace and solitude. The day ended with soft sun.
