From naturalists and National Geographic photographers to our first female captain and first female CEO, here are some of the bold and inspiring women who help bring our adventures to life.
Today we arrived in Northern Santa Cruz. After breakfast we took local buses to Puerto Ayora. We went to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center for Galapagos giant tortoises. After observing and learning about this unique animal, we had a chance to go into town, and we had an opportunity to explore and have lunch next to the sea. This afternoon, we got onto buses and headed to the highlands where we encountered many Santa Cruz giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. Later, we drove further up to the highlands to the twin craters and walked through the endemic giant daisy forest and experienced a bit of garua (light mist). Photos by Walter Perez, Jose Guerrero and Carlos Carrion
Today offered no shortage of hiking adventures through the lush forests of Southeast Alaska. Guests aboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed a variety of hikes at Cascade Creek, including long, moderate, and photo-specific options. Cascade Creek is known for its beautiful waterfalls, and hikers adventurous enough to climb steep rocks using rope handles were rewarded with a sighting of a rough-skinned newt, an uncommon species of salamander. In the afternoon, guests explored Ruth Island, located just across the bay from Cascade Creek. Some hikers experienced their first bushwhack, making their way through thick shrubs, thorny devil’s club, and muddy bogs. Others wandered slowly through the forest, captivated by the many species of lichens, mosses, and plants along the way.
National Geographic Orion is at sea today. Having left Menorca last night, we are on our way to Corsica. Weather and sea conditions are favorable, providing us with a comfortable ride and excellent opportunities for scenic viewing. Throughout the day the expedition team offered presentations, beginning with staff introductions. Certified Photo Instructor Lauren Buchholz offered “Camera Phones 101”, followed by National Geographic Destination Expert Dirk Booms sharing “The Life of a Mediterranean Archaeologist: Wine, Dead Bodies, and Conquests.” A special afternoon tea, “Wine Tasting 101,” was hosted by Chef Lorenco and wine expert Sofia Hollo. This evening, we passed through the scenic and navigationally challenging Bonifacio Strait on our way to the port of Bonifacio.
The first day of our voyage was truly remarkable. We experienced the wonderfully mild weather that makes Cornwall such a popular vacation spot. Guests explored the Cornish seaside on hikes with naturalists and marveled at buildings hundreds of years old, including the Fowey Church which pre-dates Norman conquest. The undersea team explored the nearby waters for interesting marine life around countless underwater granite outcroppings. One of the most charismatic fish in this region, a tompot blenny, was seen peeking out from its home crevice, as well as sightings of numerous European spiny lobsters (a threatened species due to overfishing). To top off the day, the local yacht club had a regatta just as we were exiting Fowey River. The evening was nearly windless, which was not great for the regatta, but the light and subjects were amazing. A fantastic start to our voyage around the British and Irish Isles.
Isabela Island has five active volcanoes and from time to time we can observe how the geology continues to change in a short period of time. Some areas on this island are still in the process of colonization, while other areas are covered with a dense, lush vegetation. This morning, we visited Urbina Bay, which has a lot of vegetation, making it the ideal place for Alcedo giant tortoises and Galapagos land iguanas. This site is one of the best for birding and geology interpretation. Punta Vicente Roca is another fascinating visitor site on Isabela Island. We snorkeled with turtles, sharks, rays, and lots of fish. During our Zodiac ride, we saw many different species of seabirds, such as pelicans, brown noddy terns, Nazca boobies, frigates, and blue-footed boobies resting on the cliffs and plunge diving for fish.
