Expedition Stories

Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…

World View

10/15/2021

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Exploring the Upper Amazon

When you explore the Upper Amazon aboard Delfin II, you'll experience spectacular wildlife, top-notch accommodations, and unparalleled expertise from our team of naturalists.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

6/3/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Milos, Greece

Today we started our exploration with kayaks, swimming, and Zodiacs at the Kleftiko Caves (The Bandits’ Lair) where pirates would use the many caves and secluded coves to plan their attack on ships passing by. This volcanic island is the primary source of obsidian, and we enjoyed a view of the abandoned bentonite mines.   The afternoon was spent discovering the hilltop town of Plaka and Sarakiniko, with an unforgettable lesson in Greek mythology sitting within the ancient theatre of Tripiti.

Daily Expedition Reports

6/2/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Sifnos, Greece

The Cycladean island of Sifnos is one of those rare and special places that seem to embody the essential nature of some beautiful ideal, in this case that of the quintessential Greek island rising from the blue Aegean. Steep cliffs of sparkling schist embrace quiet harbors, while tucked into the hills above are many small villages of brilliantly whitewashed buildings and tiny blue-domed churches. As is the case with the Church of the Seven Martyrs, which we visited this morning, these are often built on rocky promontories, accessible only by long steep staircases that climb the cliffs behind them. Bright bougainvillea, shady little cafés, friendly Greek shopkeepers and the cats basking in the sun everywhere you look make this lovely island exactly what travelers to Greece see in their imaginations when dreaming of the journey to come.

Daily Expedition Reports

6/2/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Heimaey

The morning transit to Heimaey was spectacular. We passed several gannet colonies on the offshore stacks and watched hundreds gracefully soaring to and from their cliffside nests searching for fish. We soon encountered a feeding frenzy with nearly 100 gannets soaring above a school of fish and 7-9 orcas feeding within the school! The gannets dove into the water, reminiscent of a volley of arrows launched from the ramparts of a castle by medieval archers. The pod of orcas actively pursued fish in their own way.   After lunch, we had a choice of a panoramic tour of Heimaey or hikes to the top of Eldfell, a potentially active volcano that last erupted in 1973. The tour viewed the puffin colony before visiting the famous Volcano Museum devoted to the 1973 eruption. The hikes attempted to climb to the peak of Eldfell, but unfortunately, the winds were so energetic that the guides wisely decided to turn back below the peak. Nevertheless, it was invigorating to be exposed to high winds on the side of a volcano that last erupted 52 years ago.   The evening (and voyage) concluded with the traditional captain’s dinner and guest slideshow. Future National Geographic photographers perhaps?

Daily Expedition Reports

6/2/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Bjørnøya, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

We woke to a dramatic, windswept seascape this morning. White-beaked dolphins and abundant seabirds traveled with us as we traversed open ocean waters to the Svalbard Archipelago.   Biosecurity and safety briefings were the order of the day heading into the arctic wilderness. The open sea crossing was also a perfect setting for Lars’ talk on Viking longboats.   Bjørnøya is not a place one decides to visit, rather, it’s a place we hope will invite us in. Sun and calm wind welcomed our arrival, and our expedition team prepared for a Zodiac cruise under the island’s stunning bird cliffs. Bjørnøya had other plans!  As conditions rapidly changed, the Zodiacs were secured and we enjoyed a still stunning and much drier ship cruise, with fulmars so numerous they could even be seen on the ships RADAR!

Daily Expedition Reports

6/1/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Antiparos and Despotiko

This morning, we awoke to strong winds and beautiful scenery. We began the day’s adventure with a Zodiac cruise around Despotiko Island and along the cliffy shoreline of Antiparos. Along the cliff-lined coast, there were many sea caves which we accessed with the shallow-draft Zodiacs. We saw lots of interesting geology and also stopped at the temple ruins of Despotiko, devoted to the god of fertility and sun, Apollo.   In the afternoon, we dropped anchor near the Blue Lagoon and had the opportunity to swim or Zodiac around the local island group. To our surprise, the bar team had set up an unexpected floating bar, serving ouzitos (a mix of ouzo and mojito!). The most intrepid of the group enjoyed a swim in the shallow, clear waters before returning to National Geographic Orion for the captain’s welcome.