5/10/2018
4 Min Read
Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…
5/10/2018
4 Min Read
Channel Islands National Park is one of America’s least-visited national parks, but there are plenty of reasons to go. Here, five highlights.
1/31/2020
5 Min Read
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.
4/23/2021
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Explore one of the hidden gems of South California, Channel Islands National Park, with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
4/23/2021
3 Min Read
One of the most biodiverse places on Earth is also one of America’s least visited national parks.
4/18/2022
3 Min Read
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.
5/24/2022
3 Min Read
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.
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4/25/2024
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National Geographic Islander II
Today our guests experienced Santiago Island. This is the Island that Darwin explored the most when he visited the Galapagos back in 1835. Darwin, together with some crew of the HMS Beagle, camped on the island of Santiago for a week. While on the island, Darwin studied Galapagos marine and land iguanas, collected finches, mockingbirds, insects, and plants. Most of the species that Darwin collected were unique to the islands. Before breakfast, our guests were kayaking through the pristine waters of Buccaneer Cove. This was a unique experience, as we paddled gently along the rugged coastline flanked by towering cliffs and volcanic formations. Encounters with curious sea lions and graceful sea turtles added an element of delight to our adventure. We also observed blue-footed boobies and swallow tail gulls along the cliffs. In the afternoon, as we hiked the trail at Puerto Egas, we encountered a number of marine iguanas basking on the dark lava rocks. Their adaptation to a marine lifestyle is unparalleled, with specialized flattened snouts and sharp claws enabling them to forage for algae and seaweed among the rocky seabed. As we were leaving the trail, our guests spotted a great blue heron standing on top of a tree. Their behavior is characterized by patience and precision, as they stand motionless for extended periods, awaiting the opportune moment to strike at passing prey with lightning-fast reflexes.
4/25/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Bula and welcome to Fiji! It’s perfect to start our exploration of this country with the island of Taveuni. First, we were blessed with a picturesque sunrise while the full moon was setting on the other side of the sky. Good morning! After clearance, we jumped on the Zodiacs and disembarked on the island where the buses were waiting to take us to visit Waitabu Village. In the village, everyone was awaiting us, colorful and smiley, prepared for our arrival. To start with, the sacred kava ceremony was performed, after which music took over and kids performed fantastic traditional dances. After enjoying local refreshments, we moved to Bouma National Heritage Park where a beautiful path full of flowers led us to a sublime waterfall, where we swam and have fun. In the afternoon, we headed out in the Zodiacs to Waitabu Marine Park, a reserve promoted by locals to save their reef and resources. After 15 years of efforts and protections, the results are visible. Beautiful snorkelling completed our awesome first Fijian day.
4/25/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Walking down corridors of pure green light, we traversed calm trails with a bubble of water channelled alongside. It was a tranquil morning in the mountains of this pearl of an island. Every island we visit is immediately our favorite, but it is perhaps more, we agree, that Madeira is a place to which we will return. Madeira is an island, it would appear, where it is possible to grow anything. Plants thrive in the perfect environment that is well watered by seasonal rains which are funneled alongside the walking paths, feeding not just the soil but of course myriad animals of the island. There were endemic chaffinches all around us, charmed by the offer of a crumb or two. As we looked across huge, wooded clefts, these colorful birds charmed us all with their confidence and alacrity to join us on the trail. Clever birds, knowing that a crumb will fall from a sandwich or cookie. Since it is the anniversary of the revolution that freed Portugal, the island was deep in party mode. The green spaces that flank the port were colored with exotics, both human and edible. A selection of the fortified wines of the island served to finish the day for us in fine style.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Back to Daajing Giids! After an incredible day in SGang Gwaay visiting an ancestral village with still-standing historic totem poles, our Haida hosts thought it appropriate to bring us to Old Massett – and what a joy it was! This remarkable township is home to two master carvers responsible for sharing their culture far and wide. Jim Hart showed us his home studio where we got to meet his mother and his son. Together, Jim and his son shared the stories of the three totem poles outside of their home, each with a unique story regarding close family members. Another master carver some 5 minutes down the road, Christian White, beckoned us into his carving shed where he and his apprentices were actively shaping a canoe out of red cedar. Christian and Jim honor their ancestors’ legacies by training young Haida as carvers, each having several apprentices. In both workshops, the smell of newly carved cedar brought a sense of purpose and hard work; wood shavings danced in the air like the Haida dancers would just after lunch today. It was another wonderful day of sharing, dancing, singing, and laughing.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
The spring campaign for the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey made its final visit of the season to the wine-loving Walla Walla Valley. Nearly 20 of our guests spent the morning tasting and touring Dunham Cellars, Walla Walla’s ninth-oldest winery. Others visited the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Guests met for lunch at Three Rivers Winery, which is owned by California businessman/philanthropist, William Foley. Bon Appétit Management of Whitman College handled the catering which made for a very tasty meal. Next was a self-guided walking tour of downtown Walla Walla that featured Lindblad-arranged tastings at Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Browne Family Vineyards, Mark Ryan Winery and Rasa Vineyards as well as shopping at the many small businesses along Main Street. Among those favored by guests were Bright’s Candies, Hot Poop Record Store, Pinecone Creamery, and Colville Street Patisserie. Upon returning to National Geographic Sea Bird , after-dinner education featured a presentation titled, ‘Down the Rivers with the Lewis & Clark Expedition’ by historian Robert Heacock.