We awoke to gray skies, wind, and rain, but one shouldn’t really be surprised—this is Southeast Alaska, and we’re surrounded by the largest temperate rain forest in the world. As many a seafarer says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather—just poor clothing choices.” So we all bundled up in our warmest six layers, added rain gear on top, and headed out on expedition landing crafts to explore the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness region. The weather cleared a bit just as we began to hear the thundering booms of ice calving from South Sawyer Glacier. Winding our way back to the ship through an obstacle course of icebergs, we spotted several harbor seals lounging on the ice. Later on, we set off again via kayak or expedition landing craft to further explore the fjord and get a closer look at the 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.
