Expedition Stories

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

World View

4/7/2015

5 Min Read

Exploring British Columbia's Sacred Haida Gwaii

Exploring the British Columbian Archipelago’s Most Remote Sacred Site By Marc Cappelletti I am walking in the footsteps of chiefs and carvers, warriors and weavers, shamans and slaves; people as connected to the land as the very trees from which they once made their homes. The ground is soft. It is sacred. And it lies at the edge of the world—Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. We are at the ancient village of SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, formerly known as Nan sdins or Ninstints, on the eastern edge of SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island).

World View

10/26/2020

3 Min Read

Canada: From Coast to Coast to Coast

When we, as Canadians, talk about our whole country, we say “from coast to coast to coast.” The three coasts feel very different underfoot. In the west, deep moss makes a trail that feels like walking over sofa cushions; in the east, long grasses swish and slap against your boots; and up north rocks and rivulets form tiled patterns over the permafrost. It was the west coast that convinced me to start working at sea.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

1/21/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Santa Cruz Island

We had a day full of wildlife encounters mixed with unique and fun cultural experiences on Santa Cruz Island. From the town of Puerto Ayora, we got on buses to visit El Trapiche Farm. It’s an interactive farm where our guests had the opportunity to learn about the process of sugarcane, cocoa, and coffee production. These activities are displayed by a local family that has followed these traditions for many generations. Our guests took part in these activities by helping to extract sugarcane juice, roasting coffee in an old-fashioned way, and distilling sugarcane liqueur. It was definitely a fun way for our guests to interact with the locals while learning how they make a living from farming. And as an extra bonus, we saw a barn owl sitting on a beam of the interior of the building’s roof.   After visiting El Trapiche, our guests had a great time seeing the emblematic giant tortoises roaming freely by Manzanillo Ranch. We saw tortoises wandering around, some inside a mud pond, and even a mating couple. It was a spectacular way to end another day in the Galapagos.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/21/2025

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National Geographic Resolution

Mar de Hoces, Drake Passage

A day at sea crossing to Antarctica is a unique blend of awe and anticipation. National Geographic Resolution cut through unbelievably calm waters, surrounded by a vast horizon. A calm Drake Passage presented itself with the sky a pale blue and the ocean shifting from deep navy to frosty white.   As we approached the convergence, the fog came in and the air became chilly as we got closer and closer to Antarctica. The temperature dropped, the winds picked up, and the beauty of the pristine landscape ahead kept spirits high, offering a glimpse of the frozen wilderness to come.   We had a few presentations throughout the day, and we learned about IAATO and the protection of Antarctica and were introduced to the outstating teams onboard.   Our day ended with a warm welcome by Captain Martin and the senior officers of National Geographic Resolution .

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Matu Utu, Wallis Island (Uvea)

Our day began anchored off Wallis Island, a hidden Polynesian gem surrounded by a serene lagoon. Rarely visited by outsiders, the island offered breathtaking charm.   Guests explored Mount Lulu, the island’s highest point, with some hiking down and others enjoying the ride back to the stunning cathedral. There, we savored refreshing local snacks, drinks, and fresh fruit.   Meanwhile, a group of divers explored the famed blue hole, cruising turquoise waters to find vibrant marine life below. Lionfish, squirrelfish, and juvenile damselfish thrived among the coral, showcasing the reef’s stunning biodiversity.   After lunch, we set sail aboard National Geographic Orion , looking forward to new adventures ahead.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Venture

Loreto Bay National Park and the San Jose Channel

Our first full day together exploring the waters of the beautiful Sea of Cortez could not have been better. Shortly after sunrise we spotted several tall whale blows in the distance just south of Danzante Island, one of the five islands of the Loreto Bay National Park. Upon closer examination, we realized that the blows belonged to no regular whales, but to the largest animal on our planet, blue whales! We watched them against the magnificent background of the La Giganta mountain range, whose rich colors really made for a spectacular scene.   National Geographic Venture continued sailing south and entered the San Jose Channel. Soon we found not one or two but literally dozens of sperm whales in all directions. Their distinctive blows could be seen all around us and several groups made some close passes, the same as some bottlenose dolphins swimming with the much larger whales. What a way to start our time exploring the waters around the peninsula of Baja California!

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Golfito and Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Today, National Geographic Quest entered Costa Rica. Our Morning was spent enjoying Zodiac cruises or kayaking mangroves as the ship’s officers were checking into this beautiful country.   After lunch, we visited Dolphin Quest Gardens in Golfo Dulce and explored the gardens and tropical rainforest. Teeming with life, we were delighted to find the variety of wildlife that exists within this magical area of Costa Rica. From spider monkeys and scarlet macaws to various lizards and abundant flora, there was something to entice all to fall in love with this destination. As our hikes drew to a close, Mother Nature helped cool us down with a short but substantial rainfall, known locally as a chubasco.