Ice was today’s theme. Although the air was crisp, we were all smiles as we cruised towards the face of a magnificent tidewater glacier resplendent in dazzling blues. The end point of Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier is the source of ice for many harbor seal females that are weeks away from the start of their pupping season. Gulls, mountain goats, orange-crowned warblers, and black oystercatchers stood out against towering walls, and Sitka alders painted swaths of green along the ledges where no other trees could gain a foothold. Even on barren rock, life finds a way.

Our afternoon kayak operations allowed guests to get up close and personal with the deep character of this fjord. This will undoubtedly be an exploration to remember.