The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest and most vibrant reef system in North America—though it's seldom explored and known to few. Watch and see why we're eager to return in 2022.
Distinctive. Spirited. Powerful. Soulful. These are just a few words to describe the music produced by the Garifuna Collective, an internationally recognized world music group from Belize.
There's a wealth of wildlife living within the rainforests, rivers, and reefs of Belize. See where we go and learn more about the many incredible animals.
Home to six Important Bird Areas, Belize is an avian oasis—crucial for endangered species like the yellow-headed Amazon parrot and the mouse-sized black rail.
In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist and certified photo instructor Jeff Litton explores the wonders of Tikal and shares why the ancient Maya ruins are perfect for expedition photography.
Lindblad Expeditions undersea specialist Katie Mills-Orcutt discusses this thriving underwater ecosystem and how our guests experience it all through snorkeling and zodiac cruising.
Today marked the beginning of our Antarctic adventure aboard National Geographic Explorer, a day brimming with excitement and discovery. The morning greeted us with dazzling views of the South Shetland Islands, an inspiring first glimpse of this remote wilderness. We began our day with essential safety briefings, ensuring everyone was prepared for the adventures ahead, followed by introductions to our passionate and knowledgeable expedition team whose expertise and enthusiasm promise to enrich every moment of this journey. In the afternoon, we had our first landing on the enchanting Half Moon Island, a crescent-shaped isle renowned for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife. Guests were captivated by the bustling chinstrap penguin colony, with their distinctive black chin-strap markings, who were busy tending their nests and socializing. Alongside them, charming gentoo penguins delighted observers with their bright orange beaks and playful demeanor. Southern elephant seals were spotted along the shores and a sleeping Weddell seal inspired moments of quiet reflection amidst the pristine landscape. Kelp gulls, skuas and snowy sheathbills added to the vibrant scene. Back on board, the evening culminated in a delightful captain’s welcome, where we celebrated the day’s successes and toasted to the adventures yet to come.
Finally, Antarctica! After two days spent crossing the Drake Passage, we reached our destination. Early this morning, with sunlight illuminating glaciated peaks, we woke to the sight of a pod of orcas—a remarkable welcome under perfect weather conditions. Shortly after, Zodiacs navigated through icebergs to Pourquoi Pas Island, where we observed Adelie penguin colonies and hiked along the moraine for stunning glacier views. Calm seas and ideal conditions continued into the afternoon, allowing us to kayak through a glacier-lined bay. We paddled among seals and penguins resting on icebergs, creating unforgettable memories. The day ended with eighty-two adventurous guests taking the Antarctic Polar Plunge, earning well-deserved patches in waters colder than the freezing point of freshwater. Ended? Well, not quite. South of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun neither rises nor sets near the solstice, guests continued to enjoy the ship and the views. As National Geographic Endurance continued southward through the pack ice, some guests took in the view from the Bridge or outside decks, while others contemplated it from the sauna or the hot tubs. It was an ideal end to an extraordinary day.
Ahoy from the Drake! This is day two of our crossing of the Drake Passage. All are in good spirits as crossing the Drake is part of the experience of journeying to Antarctica. By afternoon, the seas calmed to a gentle roll. It was quite pleasant. Guests were briefed on a myriad of subjects from Zodiac safety to biosecurity protocols. We are headed to visit the most pristine and untouched wilderness on the planet. Protecting this place is at the top of everyone’s list. Guests enjoyed educational talks by a few of our expert staff members. Vigilant guests spotted a few humpback whales and over five wandering albatrosses! We closed the day by crossing into the Antarctic Circle, a dream come true for many guests on board National Geographic Endurance . Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to land in Antarctica. The excitement is palpable.
A truly unforgettable day unfolded in the Weddell Sea aboard National Geographic Resolution. The adventure began early in the morning, as guests were roused by exciting news from the bridge: a pod of killer whales had been spotted near the ship. Without hesitation, guests quickly donned their parkas over pajamas and gathered on deck to witness these awe-inspiring apex predators in action. The morning was spent navigating through colossal tabular icebergs, with Captain Martin and the bridge team expertly guiding the ship through a maze of frozen giants. The focus of the day was clear: ice and penguins, especially the majestic emperor penguins. Guests were treated to incredible views of these remarkable birds—first from the ship, then from the Zodiacs, and finally, during an afternoon ice walk near the Snow Hill Island colony. With stunning weather, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable encounters, today was a day for the books aboard National Geographic Resolution .
Following a late evening show by the killer whales of the Gerlache Strait, expectations were high for a final day of fun for our guests. A sunny morning greeted National Geographic Explorer as she sent her landing craft to Half Moon Island, where naturalist scouting parties found a great deal of excitement ashore. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins hopped along the rocky shores of the island, delighting all with their movements and cries. Our hikes meandered along the shoreline and concluded with a viewing of two subadult Southern elephant seals sparring on the beach. Our final afternoon aboard was spent cruising through scenic Antarctic waters toward King George Island where guests came ashore and mingled with scientists headed home from missions on the island. As the sun set and we bid our farewell, we did so with a great deal of satisfaction.
