Located in southeastern Alaska, just 50 miles south of Juneau, is the breathtaking 30-mile-long Endicott Arm fjord. At the end of this stunning, iceberg-filled waterway sits the famed Dawes Glacier, a massive block of brilliant blue ice slowly making its way through the surrounding mountain landscape. A staple of many Alaskan cruise itineraries, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are two iconic Alaskan wonders, and seeing them in person is an experience I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
We began slowly cruising down Endicott Arm around 5 a.m., surrounded by towering, forested mountains. Everywhere we looked, there was a waterfall, an iceberg, or a smaller floating chunk of ice lovingly known as a “bergy bit.” These pieces of ice ranged from tiny fragments to massive slabs large enough for a fully grown person to stand on. Seeing so many icebergs in real life is a rare treat; you simply don’t get an experience like this anywhere else in the United States. Every so often, a bergy bit would gently bump against the side of the ship, and all I could think was, “Titanic!!!” 😂
Aside from the dramatic landscape and otherworldly icebergs, another incredible feature of Endicott Arm is its mesmerizing turquoise-blue water. I’ve seen the ocean in numerous places throughout the United States and around the world – including Hawaii, the entire West Coast, South Carolina, Massachusetts, England, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the coasts of Portugal and northwestern Africa – and none comes close to the beautiful, crystal-clear, strikingly blue water of Endicott Arm. While swimming is certainly not encouraged given the frigid temperatures, if there were any water I’d feel safest swimming in based solely on how clean it looks, it would be here.
The crown jewel of traveling through Endicott Arm is the renowned Dawes Glacier, which sits at the very end of the fjord. This active, 20-mile-long tidewater glacier is well known for its dramatic “calving,” when massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water with a booming crack. Sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to witness any major calving events, but seeing the glacier in person was still an incredible experience. There are no roads leading to Dawes Glacier, so the only ways to see it are by boat or airplane. Unlike the fjords of Norway (Norwegian Fjords: Beautiful, Breathtaking, & Majestic.), there are also no towns or homes along Endicott Arm, making Juneau the closest place to stay if you’re not visiting by cruise ship.
Even though we visited at the beginning of July, it was still shockingly cold, so be sure to pack warm clothes! While this is true for much of Alaska, even during the summer, it was especially chilly during our journey through Endicott Arm and around Dawes Glacier. This may seem obvious, considering the floating icebergs and the fact that we were just a short distance from a massive glacier, but many visitors from the Lower 48, Hawaii, and other parts of the world don’t realize that even in July, temperatures in parts of Alaska can feel more like late fall or early winter. Many cruise passengers, including us, enjoy taking in Alaska’s scenery from their private balconies, making warm layers such as sweaters, sweatpants, and jackets an absolute must.
Overall, while not every Alaskan cruise itinerary includes a visit to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, I firmly believe it should be a top priority when choosing your cruise. Even if you’ve traveled through other famous fjords, such as those in Norway or New Zealand, this is still a truly special experience, given the icebergs and glaciers. The towering green mountains, endless waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and countless bergy bits and icebergs of every size create scenery that’s both relaxing and breathtaking. It’s an experience many people sadly never get the opportunity to enjoy in person. If you have the chance, don’t pass it up. Just remember to bring those sweaters!
