Our South Pacific trips are packed with thrilling experiences—some carefully planned; others, discovered. Below are just some of our favorites as described by guests and staff.
Close-up shark encounters in their natural habitat is a thrill that relatively few people experience and even fewer forget. Here's where and how to see them.
I was lucky to meet Lars-Eric Lindblad back in 1977; he immediately hired me to be a naturalist, lecturer, boat handler, and guide aboard his famous ship Lindblad Explorer, otherwise known as the “Little Red Ship.” This was the original Expedition Passenger Vessel, a designation made up by the U. S. Coast Guard by necessity in order to categorize this exceptional ship. Lindblad has been in the business of conducting expeditions, ever since. And now, under Sven Lindblad’s guidance, a fleet of 13 ships has replaced the original "Little Red Ship".
Tattoos are so ubiquitous around the world these days, it’s easy to barely even notice them at all. But there’s one place where the tattoos are so distinctive and artful they stand out from the inking seen anywhere else. That place is the remote and rugged Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
The Marquesas Islands are one of the few places where divers and snorkelers can see both the oceanic and reef species of manta rays. Their unique spot patterns can serve as data points to track the manta ray populations in this region.
We reached the penultimate day of our journey in Astoria, Oregon, where the Columbia River collides with the open ocean. We were met with a typical Pacific Northwest day of gentle rains punctuated by moments of sunshine. The guests were divided to conquer this gem of a city, nestled under bridges; half headed across the river to Washington to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, while the other half visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Column. The museum and the interpretive center are both excellent examples of what the west coast can offer with regard to history and culture. Each has thoughtful exhibits that cover broad swaths of topics, and are staffed with informative and helpful faculty. After a hearty lunch on board, the groups swapped in order to have the best of both worlds. Finally, all met back aboard for the week’s final recap and guest slideshow.
Today was another amazing day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion . In the morning we cruised through Wrangell Narrows, a beautiful channel filled with harbor seals, Sitka black-tailed deer, and countless bald eagles. After lunch we disembarked for various activities, including photo walks around the town of Petersburg, bike rides around the city, and hikes through old-growth forests and muskegs. A real highlight was learning about the medicinal uses of native plants from a local Tlingit naturalist. We talked about traditional uses of red cedar, Devil’s club, blueberry, and much more. We’re excited to cruise up toward Tracy Arm overnight, and are looking forward to the rest of our time aboard National Geographic Sea Lion !
Nestled in the narrowest part of the Columbia River Gorge, National Geographic Sea Bird sailed from the sagebrush-step system to a temperate rainforest. We arrived at Hood River, the ultimate playground for wind lovers and recreationalists from Washington and Oregon. Guests visited the majestic 620-ft Multnomah Falls, then crossed the river to climb 52 switchbacks up Beacon Rock — the 880-ft volcanic plug that inspired Lewis and Clark to forge on to the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Another group enjoyed tasty appetizers, pFriem beer, and Syncline wine tastings at the gorgeous Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. The tastes of the gorge set the scene for our final transit through Bonneville Dam and Lock; accompanied by bubbles and a festive playlist, it encouraged a mini dance party on the bow of National Geographic Sea Bird ! Wine expert Eric Degerman delivered a talk on Lewis and Clark’s Trail to World No.1 Wine, followed by recap and dinner. The evening culminated in trivia night, to cap off our epic journey down the mighty Columbia River! Photographers: Patrick MacQuarrie, River Historian and Naturalist , and Maria Cecilla Alzamora Mac, Guest
It was a short night on board National Geographic Sea Lion . Just before midnight our expedition leader, Anna, woke everyone for northern lights! Clear skies were filled with stars, and the aurora borealis glowed at the edge of the northern sky. Ribbons of green with a dark purple backdrop greeted everyone on the bow. For many on board it was their first time seeing the northern lights, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We had another wake-up call at 6:45 a.m., this time for a customs stop entering United States waters. We were met by two very nice customs officers, and our entry into home waters went well. Our vessel then continued up Behm Canal, watching for the enormous marker of New Eddystone Rock. This volcanic plug, left over from a violent geologic history, marks the entry into Rudyard Bay and eventually Misty Fjords, where we spent the remainder of our day kayaking and Zodiac cruising. Misty Fjords is one of eighteen National Monuments in Alaska; it consists of 3,570 square miles of untouched shorelines, towering granite cliffs carved by glaciers 17,000 years ago, and is covered in coastal temperate rainforest.
This morning was our final day in Haida Gwaii. The day commenced with an awe-inspiring discourse by a masterful Haida basket weaver, Paula Varnell, weaving tales of tradition and resilience that stirred our souls. With hearts brimming with gratitude, we bid adieu to Skidegate and set sail amidst a tapestry of azure skies and tranquil seas. Over a sumptuous lunch, our voyage to the mystical landscapes of Alaska unfurled, promising new horizons and untold wonders. In the afternoon, esteemed National Geographic Photographer Drew mesmerized us with captivating narratives of wolves, bears, and mountain lions. A vibrant photo breakout session followed as we reviewed pictures of the last week of our adventure. As we sail onward through the Hecate Strait, we chart our course towards Alaska, carrying with us the echoes of Haida wisdom and the promise of new horizons.