Day 2 – Exploring Tracy Arm Fjord’s Glacial Wonders

After an exhilarating first day sailing out of Juneau, day two of my Alaska yacht charter brought new natural marvels along Tracy Arm fjord. Tracy Arm is a 25-mile long fjord situated south of Juneau, surrounded by the steep forested walls of the Tongass National Forest. It was carved out over thousands of years by the massive Sawyer Glacier, our destination.

Cruising Tracy Arm’s Emerald Waters:

As we sailed further up the fjord’s emerald waters, the landscape became increasingly dramatic. The fjord walls towered 2,000 feet above us, marked with scars from the glacier’s ancient movements. Snow-capped mountains reached up to 5,000 feet around us. We kept a vigilant watch for icebergs calved from the Sawyer Glacier ahead.

Approaching the Breathtaking Sawyer Glacier:

Inching closer to the end of Tracy Arm, we were rewarded with the extraordinary sight of the Sawyer Glacier. This gigantic frozen river stretched across the end of the fjord, its blue and white ice glinting in the sun. We watched in awe as house-sized chunks of ice broke off the glacier’s face and crashed into the sea with thunderous splashes. Getting up close to the raw, elemental power of the glacier was an incredible experience.

Seal Puppies and Wildlife:

Along the way, we spotted harbor seals pupping on the ice floes, so we gave them a wide berth. We hoped to avoid transient killer whales that hunt here. Seeing the fjord’s abundant wildlife, like eagles, mountain goats, and whales, against the dramatic glacier backdrop was a special treat.

Conclusion:

After the magic of Tracy Arm, I could not wait to see what the next day of my Alaska yacht adventure held. Cruising through this glacier-carved fjord and witnessing the Sawyer Glacier up close exceeded my expectations. I was learning that each bend of Alaska’s waterways reveals new wonders.