We had one whale of a day onboard National Geographic Sea Lion. Nothing could surpass the 360ﹾ views of humpback whales spouting and lunge feeding throughout the day. Early in the morning, Captain Nettles spotted some spouts in the distance and what looked like a lot of commotion on the surface of the water. National Geographic Sea Lion headed over and was able to view a group of humpback whales bubble-net feeding! Moving away to continue our adventure, we cruised to Pavlof Harbor for some kayaking and hiking. After the afternoon activities, we witnessed an opportunity of a lifetime…again! Two groups of humpback whales were bubble-net feeding. While the adults were busy feasting, a curious juvenile swam up to the bow of the vessel, giving everyone a nice look at their rostrum. After pulling away, we could see the juvenile breaching again and again as the adults nearby continued to bubble-net feed.
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.
