Today was truly an Alaskan experience with plenty of rain and spectacular wilderness all around us. Many explored Williams Cove via kayaks and paddleboards, navigating the frigid glacial waters in search of ice and wildlife on the shore. Hikers trekked through a section of the Tongass National Forest, which is the most intact temperate rainforest in the world! We splashed through puddles, stared up at massive trees, and foraged the last remaining blue berries of the season. Following lunch, the National Geographic Sea Bird began weaving its way through the magnificent fjord of Tracy Arm. Near the terminus, we all boarded the expedition landing crafts for an up close and unforgettable view of Sawyer Glacier.
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.
