The richly biodiverse Channel Islands National Park is a mere 70 miles off the coast of California—but venture there and you’ll find it feels like a world away.
Endemic to Southern California’s Channel Islands, this diminutive fox is found no other place in the world. Get to know this fast-moving, high-climbing mammal.
Close to California’s coast but a world away, the Channel Islands are home to 145 endemic species that have developed in this isolated sanctuary. Discover some of these unique plants and animals and the conservation efforts that have kept them thriving.
What a fantastic way to kick off 2025 aboard National Geographic Venture. Today we awoke anchored at Puerto Los Gatos and as the sun rose, everyone knew we were in for a treat as we saw the light shining on the red rocks of the petrified sandstone cliffs ashore. We shuttled ashore where guests chose from a variety of activities including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and hikes ranging from casual to strenuous. Back on board, we made a short move over lunch to Isla San Jose where we anchored the ship at a protected beach called Playa Encantada and went ashore to explore the arroyo and slot canyon. We beach combed the area, also investigating various bones from trigger fish, porcupine fish, moray eels and even feral goats. After the hikes, guests were amazed at the incredible service from our hotel team when they set up a beach BBQ, campfire, and even a s’more station!! To top it off, one of the guests, Elizabeth, put on a three-song show showcasing her incredible voice. Back on board, we ended the day with an evening of board games, stargazing with Sharyn and Tim, and were even treated to an amazing show of feeding fish off the stern. Wow, this trip is only 2/3 of the way through and we have had so many incredible experiences!!! Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
Today marked the first day of the year and our inaugural day in Costa Rica. We began our morning in the picturesque port town of Golfito, where passengers embarked on an exciting array of kayak tours and Zodiac rides. The morning was filled with thrilling wildlife sightings, including a troop of monkeys and up to six different three-toed sloths. Numerous bird species, including vibrant toucans, were also spotted along the way. After returning to the National Geographic Quest for a delicious lunch, we set off for an afternoon adventure to Rio Seco in the Piedras Blancas National Park. Guests hiked through the stunning tropical rainforest, immersing themselves in the rich ecosystem and beautiful trails that wound through the lush jungle and vibrant gardens. Along the way, we encountered three species of monkeys and an impressive variety of birds, highlighted by the striking scarlet macaw. The day was filled with excitement and natural beauty, setting the tone for a fantastic journey ahead.
It’s a foggy start to the day here in the Drake Passage as we make our way south towards the white continent of Antarctica. Today we will be crossing the polar front where water temperatures will plummet, and we can officially say we have entered Antarctic waters. This morning, we got to meet our eclectic expedition team that will be guiding us through the coming days, with the perfect mix of personalities and expertise. Also, this morning we had our first presentation by Naturalist Jackie Weston in the Ice Lounge entitled, “Brain Candy for Bird-Curious Humans”, where we learned more about the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. This afternoon we had our mandatory Antarctic landings briefing followed by a biosecurity decontamination in basecamp, where we cleaned and prepared all our outer gear and bags for the expedition ahead. Late afternoon, National Geographic Certified Photographer Andrew Peacock was joined by guests in the Ice Lounge to present some tips and tricks for using our smartphones for expedition photography. And to finish of this Drake Lake of a sea day, we were treated to a welcome by our very own Captain Martin Graser during cocktail hour and toasted to the trip ahead.
What an amazing way to start the year! We woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the ocean as we cruised toward the beach of Nendo in the Solomon Islands. Piling into our BAT mobiles (Best Available Transport), we headed up the mountain for an hour to reach the remote village of Noipe, rarely visited by outsiders. The locals gave us a warm, vibrant welcome—dancing, singing, and sharing delicious local dishes. They also showed us their traditional crafts, demonstrating skills passed down through generations. This included the creation of tevau, feather money, an extremely rare art and currency still used in the Solomons today. Back on board, the adventure continued as we encountered a small pod of sperm whales, including a mother and calf. As we continued cruising, we made our way to circumnavigate Tinakula Volcano. With a stormy sunset painting the sky, it was a powerful, unforgettable way to end the day. What a first day of the new year—full of new sights, sounds, and experiences we’ll never forget!
Today we explored the western realm of the Galapagos. The western islands are formidable! We started early in the morning navigating near Punta Vicente Roca, a collapsed caldera of Volcano Ecuador where we proceeded across the equatorial line. After a Zodiac exploration, we snorkeled under great conditions, with swimming iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, flightless cormorants, several species of fish, and foraging Pacific green sea turtles feeding on seaweed. In the afternoon, we went ashore for a walk on Fernandina Island, the youngest of the archipelago, where it seemed we had been transported back to a time when the land was newly formed. The highlight of the hike were the countless Galapagos marine iguanas that were basking in the sun at the shoreline. We ended the day on the top deck with a wine tasting event at sunset.
