Expedition Stories

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

World View

3/20/2020

1 Min Read

Smart Fun in Magdalena Bay with Mika

Hi! I’m Mika (that’s pronounced M-eee-ka!) and I‘m 9 years old. A few months ago, my parents and I had the chance to visit a beautiful and wild place called Baja. We saw so many amazing things like whales breaching, dolphins playing in the water around our ship, and a sky filled with hundreds of sparkling stars. I wanted to share some of them with you along with the photos my dad took of me on our trip. I hope you enjoy my photo diary!

World View

12/11/2020

4 Min Read

Surprising Desert Isles in the Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is teeming with 900-some species of fish and a third of the earth’s marine mammal species. As you approach untouched desert islands, a world of endemic flora and fauna awaits you as you hike through colorful arroyos on protected land.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

1/23/2025

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The Jahan

Chau Doc, Vietnam

During our visit to Chau Doc, a charming town in southern Vietnam, we were captivated by its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. Our first stop was a colorful house / fish farm, where local fishermen raise tilapia. The fishermen shared insights into how they cultivate tilapia, making for an informative and eye-opening experience.   Next, we explored Chau Doc’s bustling market, a lively and aromatic place where fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies are sold. The market was an experience in sensory overload with bright colors, exotic fruits, fish, meats, and vegetables everywhere. It was fascinating to see the local vendors interact, showcasing the town’s thriving community spirit.   Chau Doc itself, nestled near the Cambodian border in An Giang Province, is a town rich in culture and history. Surrounded by lush landscapes, our visit left us with lasting memories of the warmth of the people and the vibrancy of the local culture.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/22/2025

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National Geographic Venture

The Baja Peninsula

A gull flew by the rising sun to begin our day. We rounded the end of the Baja Peninsula and sailed into the Pacific. Soon after the dawn brightened into day, the first whale blows were seen. Bow decks filled with whale enthusiasts pointing at humpback whales diving and breaching all around our ship. We encountered a heat chase: about seven males thrashed through the water to gain the prime location next to a female for possible mating.   Lisa Hornack, our National Geographic certified photo instructor, gave a presentation on “Photographic Storytelling” to help enhance the images of our day. James Hyde explained the “Dynamics of Oceanography” until he was interrupted by a pod of long-beaked common dolphins bow-riding our ship. Rich Kirchner presented his photographic journey, “Wild from Pole to Pole.” We went back on deck for sunset and the chance to see the fabled Green Flash.   Our jam-packed day ended with sunset and photographic proof that the green flash does indeed exist.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/22/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Agujitas River and Caletas Private Reserve

After six days of amazing exploration in Central America, we explored the buffer zone of one of the most important national parks in Costa Rica, Corcovado.   The morning began with a Zodiac cruise on Agujitas River. On this amazing tour, we had the opportunity to observe different species of animals, including iguanas, long-nosed bats, boat-billed herons, and yellow-crowned night herons. Traveling deep into the river, we spotted spider monkeys. These monkeys are indicators of a healthy rainforest. As fruit eaters, they need a large and healthy rainforest.   We enjoyed two rounds of Zodiac cruises before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, we explored another area, Caletas Private Reserve. Guests enjoyed various hikes, including a long hike around the property and a medium walk around the gardens.   For a big surprise that thrilled our guests, we spotted spider monkeys eating fruit in the canopy of the water apple tree. Exploring the rainforest was the best way to finish a great day.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/22/2025

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The Jahan

The Mekong River

We enjoyed our day on board Jahan on our way to Vietnam. We had one last chance to see the brown waters of the Tonlé Sap meet the blue waters of the Mekong in Phnom Pen, before hitting the road. Linguist and historian Jean-Michel Philippi came on board to explain modern Cambodian history to us, and it was fascinating! After the many questions and theories to take in, the rest of the day was lighter. We were treated to a tour of Jahan and also a fantastic cooking class.   The most noticeable difference on this part of our river trip was the change from a countryside landscape punctuated by children greeting us, to a river filled with trading boats and other industries, on which people live. As we descended towards the Mekong Delta, we began to appreciate the importance of this river to the Vietnamese population on a daily basis.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/21/2025

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National Geographic Venture

El Cardonal, Espiritu Santo Island

This morning National Geographic Venture anchored at El Cardonal, one of the many little bays along the protected western coast of Espiritu Santo Island. Espiritu Santo is one of our favorite islands in the Gulf of California for its beautiful pink-red-orange calc-alkaline ignimbrites, which are part of the Comondu Volcanic Field.   We hiked and explored the land, discovering the combination of three magnificent ecosystems –mangroves, dunes with halophytic plants, and the desert vegetation. Many cardon, galloping, and organ pipe cactuses were seen by our interested guests and staff under sunny and breezy climatic conditions. A number of sea and land birds were also observed, as well as tracks of one of the endemic island mammals: the ring-tailed cat, the smallest member of the raccoon family. After lunch and a very interesting presentation about the origin of the Gulf of California, guests were invited to snorkel along the northern rocky shore of El Cardonal and to explore by Zodiac.   This active day was finished and crowned by a multicolored sunset behind the peak of the impressive La Giganta Mountain Range, also built by volcanic ignimbrites.