Expedition Stories

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

World View

5/20/2021

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Polar Plunge

Plunging into the frigid ocean is a badge of honor for many polar travelers. Watch as brave guests take on our polar plunge into Icelandic waters.

World View

5/20/2021

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Puffin Encounter

Learn more about the clownlike puffins of Grimsey Island from naturalists Karen Vera and Javier Cotin.

World View

A volcanic gas cloud blooms over a river of lava in Iceland

7/1/2021

5 Min Read

What It's Like to Explore Iceland's Erupting Volcano

Can you imagine being close to an active volcano? Geologist Ralph Lee Hopkins just returned from several weeks in Iceland where he got up-close views and jaw-dropping photos. See what he had to say about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World View

7/22/2021

3 Min Read

Dispatches from National Geographic Endurance

A jubilant Lindblad Expeditions team welcomed National Geographic Endurance's first-ever guests and celebrated with time-honored ship christening traditions. Here’s a taste of what it felt like to be there.

World View

6/1/2022

3 Min Read

Wild Personalities: Atlantic Puffin

Small but mighty, puffins can dive to depths of 200 feet and fly as fast as 55 miles per hour. Get to know the unofficial bird of Iceland, everyone’s favorite “parrot of the sea.”

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

1/30/2025

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National Geographic Islander II

Santiago Island

We have had an incredible expedition, and for our last full day we explored Santiago Island. This island is well known not only for its abundant wildlife, but also because it is one of the islands that British Naturalist Charles Darwin visited during his time in the Galapagos.   In the morning, we could opt for a variety of water activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, or a glass bottom Zodiac for non-snorkelers. The water was crystal clear, and the fish were colorful and abundant. Sea lions approached our guests while swimming, and the highlight was seeing whitetip reef sharks in the area.   During the afternoon, we took our guests to explore the coastline of Egas Port where marine iguanas and colonies of sea lions were the attraction. We also enjoyed the black sand beach at this site and relaxed on our last afternoon in the Galapagos.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/30/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Lopez Mateos/Hull Canal/Dunes

On our fourth day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird , we awoke in Lopez Mateos town and early in the morning we headed out to Boca de Soledad to look for gray whales. On our way, our local pangueros stopped for us to see some bottlenose dolphins and beautiful birds on top of the mangroves. Cormorants, white ibis, frigates, and white pelicans were easily seen, so our guests could take pictures and appreciate them. At one point we even saw a coyote!   After cruising, the firsts spouts were seen. The whales were scattered and enjoying the surf of the sandbars at the entrance of the lagoon. It was wonderful watching them.   In the evening, after cruising the Hull Canal, we made it to the bay side of Sand Dollar Beach where guests enjoyed a sunset walk along the dunes.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/30/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Playa Blanca, Costa Rica

Raaaaaaghck (the cry of the scarlet macaw) and kiiiissskadeeee (the call of the kiskadee) greeted guests upon their arrival at Playa Blanca this morning. It was a fascinating way to start a very busy day ashore. Many people enjoyed rainforest hikes in the morning, with fantastic sightings of two and three-toed sloths, and entertainment by local folk dancers enhanced our picnic lunch.   We spent the afternoon visiting local farms where we learned about heart of palm and cacao production. The day culminated with a presentation by a local turtle preservation group and the release of a hawksbill turtle. The calls of the macaws and kiskadees bid us farewell as they returned to their roosts and we to ours. Raaaaaaaaghck.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/30/2025

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National Geographic Venture

Ensenada de los Muertos - Baja California Sur, Mexico

What a glorious day exploring Ensenada de los Muertos! We started the day snorkeling over a large reef at the south end of the bay. We were greeted by colorful king angelfish, multiple species of damselfish, Mexican goatfish, flower urchins, and Chinese trumpet fish. As that group came back to the ship other groups set out on Zodiac tours exploring the bay.   In the afternoon, we traveled by Zodiac to a peaceful cove south of Ensenada de los Muertos to explore a desert arroyo path. We hiked through cardon, organ pipe, and cholla cactus up to a gorgeous lookout over the bay. It was great to stretch our legs while learning about the desert ecosystem of the Gulf of California.   We returned to National Geographic Venture for an interesting recap, including a video of the underwater world shot that day by the undersea team. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!

Daily Expedition Reports

1/30/2025

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National Geographic Resolution

Seno Agostini and Seno Hyatt

For seemingly the first time this trip, we experienced the wild elements for which Patagonia is notorious. Our scout boats hit the water as gusts of wind howled down the fjord. After much consideration, National Geographic Resolution sent Ice Pilot Johan Bernekorn to map these uncharted waters with the bathymetry sounding Zodiac. Once a safe path was set, Johan led the ship into the protective bay of Ensenada Kahn, and we were able to stretch our legs onshore for a truly expedition-style landing. We bushwhacked through the brilliant green forest, muskeg, and cobbled beach. The dive team sought shelter from the wind under the sea and were surprised to find so much bustling marine life in such a silty, shallow bay!   We spent the afternoon in Seno Hyatt, making quite a splash with a Zodiac cruise, braving the weather to closely observe the tidewater glacier and scenery. A resting leopard seal was spotted on an ice floe! Tucked into a deep crack in the vertical rocks was even a gray-flanked Cinclode hopping between pieces of ice. Humpback whales made an appearance after dinner to wrap up the end of a great day.