Expedition Stories

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

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Daily Expedition Reports

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Daily Expedition Reports

3/30/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Española Island

The first full day of expedition on the oldest island of the archipelago was an amazing surprise box. After a safety briefing, we received our snorkel gear and some of us headed to Tortuga Islet in Gardner Bay for our first “deep-water snorkel.” Others practiced in shallower waters at the beyond-description beach with white sand and a turquoise bay.   After this first encounter with the marine world, we returned to National Geographic Endeavour II for a quick change and then a Zodiac ride to the beach to stroll, swim, and observe the graceful sea lions in their natural habitat. We took this opportunity for photos, while they were peacefully laying on the beach.   By midday we moved from the eastern side of Española Island to the western side for a visit to Punta Suarez. This is the only site at the Equator where waved albatrosses breed, and we witnessed the first ones arriving. We observed female marine iguanas fighting for a burrow, the blowhole, as well as the Española mockingbird and lava lizard.   What a unique visit we had, and we’re looking forward to more!

Daily Expedition Reports

3/30/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island

On our first full day in Galapagos we went to San Cristobal Island, where we explored two different sites. In the morning we hiked to the top of Punta Pitt and looked for red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, and some of the most impressive landscapes in the archipelago. Later in the morning we went snorkeling along an islet off the coast and had a great time playing with Galapagos sea lions and observing marine life all over the area. In the afternoon we went to Cerro Brujo and enjoyed playing in the waves and taking a stroll along the coast.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/30/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Holandeses Cayes, Guna Yala Archipelago

Today, National Geographic Orion cruised along the Caribbean side of Panama. Several small islands were spotted in the distance. These little islands are part of an immense archipelago, an autonomous area called the Guna Yala archipelago.   When we finally arrived, a lovely white-sand island surrounded by turquoise water invited us to disembark and explore. Local Guna people shared traditional music and dance performances. Our guests had the opportunity to visit each mola artist and learn about the meaning of the handcrafted textiles.   The other highlight of our visit was an opportunity to snorkel. Guests observed different species of hard and soft coral. Colorful reef fish were also enjoyed.   Back on board, we all gathered in the lounge to share thoughts about our marvelous day in the Holandeses Cayes.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/30/2025

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National Geographic Islander II

Floreana Island

Today we visited Floreana, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. We started the morning with an early visit to the very famous Post Office Bay. Here we continued a fun tradition by leaving behind our postcards with hopes that they reach our loved ones sometime in the future. After breakfast, we went snorkeling near a beautiful rock formation called Champion, where we enjoyed the presence of sea lions, colorful fish, and some sharks! As we had lunch, a pod of bottlenose dolphins swam nearby. We enjoyed observing them jump and race our ship.   In the afternoon, we visited Cormorant Point. This area is an active sea turtle nesting site. It has a beautiful brackish water lagoon, where a colony of flamingos is found. It was a spectacular day.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/29/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Panama Canal, Gatun Lake

Hola (Greetings) from Panama!   Our grand ship, National Geographic Orion , passed through the famous locks of the Panama Canal today, crossing from the Pacific Ocean into the Gatun Lake. We anchored to await our turn to cross through the second lock into the Atlantic Ocean.   Guests enjoyed the morning with various tours offered within the area, including hikes and Zodiac cruises. We spotted many varieties of birds along with monkeys and crocodiles. A great day was had by all as we awaited our turn to pass through the last lock before entering the Caribbean Islands. Cheers!