Expedition Stories

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

Showing 12 of 12

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

12/10/2023

Read

National Geographic Explorer

The Drake Passage

Calm seas and clear skies granted us a smooth day on the Drake Passage, or, as naturalist Maria Intxaustegi taught guests, the Mar de Hoces. Amongst other seabirds, petrels, skuas, wandering albatrosses, royal albatrosses, and black-browed albatrosses all graced us with their presence today. Naturalist Eric Guth gave an in-depth presentation on “Southern Ocean Seabirds,” including some of the unique adaptations that allow them to survive in such a challenging environment.   Throughout the day, guests familiarized themselves with National Geographic Explorer. Many spent time with the staff and crew on the bridge. From here, fleeting observations of wildlife kept everyone on their toes, from occasional humpback spouts to the rare sighting of an orca pod.   In between exciting viewing opportunities, a handful of lectures were held. The lectures help guests build their foundational knowledge of the area and better hone their photographic skills so they are ready to capture the best images once we reach the continent tomorrow.   All and all, it’s hard to imagine a better day at sea.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/8/2023

Read

National Geographic Explorer

Northern Drake Passage, Beagle Channel, and Ushuaia

This morning, National Geographic Explorer sighted Cape Horn. With binoculars, we could see the lighthouse and monument that marks this infamous part of the world. After negotiating some of the islands that make up Tierra del Fuego, we entered the Beagle Channel around lunchtime.   Today we listened to presentations by naturalist Emily Mall, ‘A Whale of a Story,’ National Geographic photographer David Wright about his photographic adventures around the world, and naturalist Alex Searle on, ‘Selk’nam People of Tierra del Fuego.’   With fair weather, we sailed through the Beagle Channel, spotting wildlife as we went and admiring stunning views of mountainous peaks across Argentina and Chile in the distance.   We arrived in Ushuaia this evening. We enjoyed farewell cocktails and a fantastic slideshow of images from guests and staff taken throughout this incredible expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/8/2023

Read

National Geographic Orion

Cook Strait and Abel Tasman National Park

We awoke this morning to blue skies and calm seas as National Geographic Orion made her way through the Cook Strait towards our afternoon destination. The ocean was so calm that albatrosses and gannets were stranded flightless on the water, as there was not enough wind for them to fly. New Zealand fur seals occasionally rested on the surface of the water as well. What a magnificent crossing from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand, and in absolutely perfect conditions!   After lunch, we disembarked to Abel Tasman National Park. Three hundred years after Abel Tasman first sighted this beautiful location, the park was designated in 1942 at the height of World War II! Our groups hiked and kayaked in this beautiful national park with its golden beaches and beautiful second-generation forest. Back on National Geographic Orion , we were treated to a scrumptious dinner, a fitting end to a beautiful day!

Daily Expedition Reports

12/7/2023

Read

National Geographic Venture

Islas San Benito

Today we woke up to a beautiful sunrise! The swell was looking a little big, but once we made it to Isla San Benito Oeste, we were able to tuck away from it and get some beautiful weather. The beach landing was at the base of a small fishing village with lots of interesting little houses and a chapel. This is definitely a secluded island. Some of us completed a long hike to the peak of the island at a 660-foot elevation. Others took it slow and hung around the elephant seal haul out. The females had young pups nursing, and the rest were napping with the occasional argument taking place. Along the trail, we managed to see Cassin's auklet burrows everywhere! We also observed some human-made burrows for the auklets that were placed for nest monitoring. After the hike, we went on a Zodiac tour of the island and managed to see all four pinniped species found in Mexico: elephant seal, harbor seal, Guadalupe fur seal, and the California sea lion. What a treat! We also saw blue herons, black turnstones, terns, and two species of cormorants, brants and double-crested. The geology of the coastline was beautiful. After our morning of activities, we returned to the ship for lunch and started on our way to Magdalena Bay. While we cruised, we enjoyed two talks, one on whales and one on camera composition. After dinner, there was a watercolor activity where we painted whale tails.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/7/2023

Read

National Geographic Resolution

Marguerite Bay, Pourquoi Pas Island

We’ve had a bright and beautiful day, well south of the Antarctic Circle at 67° 33’ south latitude. This morning, we explored Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island, where Adelie penguins waddled their way between nests and the sea. Meanwhile, many of us hiked the lateral moraine alongside the glacier. From the top, we enjoyed great views of Marguerite Bay. In the afternoon, we arrived to a rarely visited bay, with stunning scenery and glassy calm seas. We kayaked among countless small bits of ice and saw a few seals resting on the ice, as well as glaciers and tall mountains as a majestic backdrop. Our activities were capped off by the Polar Plunge – a fun and very invigorating (and voluntary) jump into 0° C (32° F) water.