On the final day of our voyage through Southeast Alaska, National Geographic Venture crossed the Holkham Bay bar at dawn and traveled 58 kilometers up Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
This spectacular fjord features sheer granite walls, numerous tributary valleys and streams, and dramatic views from every angle. Curious harbor seals peered at our exploring Zodiacs while Arctic terns rested on pieces of brash ice between foraging sessions. We marveled at the glacier’s thunderous sounds, polished deep blue icebergs, and calving events. Before departing Endicott Arm, more than thirty of the boldest amongst us took the polar plunge!
Our expedition has been packed with activities, wildlife moments, challenging bushwhacks, and lots of shared fun with new friends, but Alaska held one more highlight for the evening. A group of humpback whales swam around the ship feeding at the surface, audible, yet partially hidden by the mist – a wonderful culmination of this week’s explorations.
