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

4/23/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Terceira, Azores

Today, guests aboard National Geographic Endurance awoke early in the harbor of Praia, Terceira Island, named because it was the third island of the Azores Archipelago to be colonized by the Portuguese.   After breakfast, guests had the choice between a hike on the volcanic coast or a leisurely guided tour of the island. During the hikes, the natural pools in front of the sea were visible and inland, the fog created a misty impression in the fields, making the cows disappear.   After the burger lunch buffet on board, guests continued to explore the volcanic island and the lava tunnel, or they went on a UNESCO-site city exploration with a visit to Angra do Heroismo.   Guests returned on board for recap and an exquisite degustation of Azorean cheese. Following dinner, Naturalist Claudia gave a presentation about literature under the sea.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/22/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Walla Walla, Washington

We awoke today with National Geographic Sea Bird anchored at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers near Sacajawea State Park. A few intrepid explorers set out for a daily survey of birds by way of Zodiac, and we were able to identify 15 different species of birds. Highlights for some guests were seeing a pair of wood ducks and a few big male turkeys, or toms, strutting around the park like they owned the place.   After breakfast, all 58 guests disembarked, boarded our trusty motor coaches, and headed into the Walla Walla Valley where we learned about some of the human history and regional wine production. A wildlife highlight of the day was getting an up close and personal view of a Northern harrier, a small slender raptor, near Mill Creek.   We’re looking forward to our journey over the next few days, continuing west and down river towards the Pacific Ocean.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/22/2025

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National Geographic Islander II

Chinese Hat and Sullivan Bay

With a very relaxing hike at North Seymour Island, our day began. We enjoyed a nice, breezy shore walk among a massive colony of blue-footed boobies and amazing views.   Later on Rabida Island, we had a great snorkel excursion with a bunch of marine birds, in addition to a colony of sea lions. We enjoyed the uncommon landscape of the red island of Rabida, with its pronounced cliffs and a bunch of diving boobies.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/22/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Our day started at Urbina Bay on the island of Isabela, the largest island in Galapagos. Through the dense vegetation we spotted some tunnels in the undergrowth. As we crouched down to look into the tunnel, we spied our first of many giant tortoises. We saw many more, of different sizes, either hiding in the undergrowth or sharing the same trail as us. After our hike many of us took the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the sea before heading back to National Geographic Endeavour II.   The afternoon at Tagus Cove, also on Isabela Island, was full of activity, including kayaking (where we watched pelicans fishing and marine turtles stick their heads above the surface) snorkeling (where we swam alongside penguins and cormorants chasing fish) and then a short hike up to a panoramic view of Darwin’s Lake. It was a great place to reflect on the perfect day we had!

Daily Expedition Reports

4/22/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Isabela and Fernandina Island

Today we spent the day exploring the western region of the Galapagos Islands. We visited Punta Vicente Roca on the north side of Isabela Island and Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. This was a remarkable day because we observed some of the most iconic endemic species in the Galapagos, such as the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants.