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

Follow Along

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.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/22/2025

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National Geographic Orion

At Sea

We spent our first day at sea enjoying the amenities of National Geographic Orion as well as the presentations by our naturalists. The sun was shining all day long and some took advantage to birdwatch on the outer decks, while others enjoyed several activities inside, like the plankton project.   During recap, the undersea team had the chance to show the amazing footage they took from the waters of Cabo Verde.