Every day there is a story to be told. Today’s story is an old one about the great inhalation and exhalation of fresh Pacific draughts by the interior waterways of northern Southeast Alaska. Ever since the glaciers retreated enough to open up the passages between Cross Sound and Icy Strait, twice a day great volumes of water have rushed through, forced by the true global tidal wave circling the ocean basins of the world, raising and lowering the elevation of the water according to the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. This exchange also cools the air and brings in nutrients, while stirring up organisms from the depths. Seabirds, eagles, whales, sea lions, sea otters all benefit from the abundance of food.
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 .