The extreme abundance of life that surrounds us here in Southeast Alaska is astounding. From the towering biomass of the temperate rainforests that earnestly cover the land, to the cold nutrient-rich waters being flushed in from the Pacific Ocean, there is something for all trophic levels. To compliment the diversity of flora and fauna, our morning expedition in Dundas Bay was similarly varied. Bright orange kayaks soon added a splash of color, along with a few more literal splashes, to the placid waters that are protected by rising peaks. Zodiacs zigged, zagged, and zoomed to expand and enhance our range of wildlife sightings. Meanwhile, a small but intrepid group of hikers braved some mud-and-moss-covered moose tracks to explore onshore. Back on the ship and underway, all this effort was rewarded with a hearty lunch and an afternoon treat, cruising out of Icy Strait to join the humpback whales in the suspiciously stalwart summer sunshine.
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 .