Expedition Stories

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

World View

coastal landscape - rocks and moss with an island in the background

9/20/2021

2 Min Read

Where Is the Salish Sea?

The name “Salish Sea” is a relatively new term coined to describe the Pacific Northwest's most unique ecosystem. Read on to learn more, and then join us this fall to experience it for yourself.

World View

11/16/2022

4 Min Read

Notable Birds of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest harbors a diversity of habitats ideal for birdlife like the rhinoceros auklet, Steller’s jay, and red-breasted sapsucker. These are just a few of the species to spot on expeditions in the region.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

12/23/2024

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National Geographic Explorer

Gerlache Strait and Fournier Bay

We awoke this morning to low clouds and beautiful views as we transited through Peltier Channel. The winds were too strong for us to make a landing at Damoy Point, but when we exited into the Gerlache Strait to look for wildlife, we were met with a large pod of killer whales!   In the afternoon, we made it to Fournier Bay where some ventured outside in Zodiacs and the rest got to kayak among the Antarctic ice. Humpback whales were our constant companions as we explored the calm waters of the bay.   The day ended with a surprise after-dinner-landing at Danco Island, giving us our first visit to a large penguin colony. Enjoying time with the gentoo penguins was the perfect way to cap off an amazing day.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/22/2024

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National Geographic Islander II

Floreana Island

Floreana Island has been negatively impacted by human activity since the early eighteen hundreds. Explorers, pirates, and first colonizers brought with them domestic animals, which later became a big problem for the native and endemic flora and fauna of this Island. For the last decade the Galapagos National Park has been restoring the island, and hopefully by 2025 we will have giant tortoises, mega prickly pear cacti, and hopefully mockingbirds, all of them endemic to this Island.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/22/2024

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National Geographic Quest

Drake Bay and Caletas Beach

Today, we arrived in Drake Bay at 5:00 AM aboard National Geographic Quest, marking the beginning of an exciting day of exploration in this vibrant region of Costa Rica. Our first adventure took us on a cruise along the Agujitas River where guests enjoyed a serene journey through the primary rainforest. The calm weather allowed for excellent wildlife spotting, including numerous bird species. The lush surroundings were a highlight, with guests immersed in the beauty of this rich ecosystem.   After returning to the ship, we hosted our first presentation of the day, focusing on the fascinating Osa Peninsula and its ecological significance. This provided valuable insight before the afternoon's activities.   In the afternoon, we landed at Caletas Beach, where we embarked on our first rainforest walks. There were several trails offered, catering to different levels of difficulty, allowing all guests to enjoy the natural wonders of the area. Highlights of the walk included a variety of wildlife sightings, such as colorful birds and unique plant life, ensuring that every guest had an unforgettable experience in this pristine environment. The day was perfect combination of adventure and education leaving everyone with a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonders of the Osa Peninsula.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/22/2024

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National Geographic Explorer

Portal Point and Hunt Island

This morning, we awoke to fantastic Antarctic conditions, kicking our trip off with a bang. We began the day at Portal Point, our first landing on the Antarctic Continent and for many, this was the seventh and final to be checked off the list. A great achievement! While ashore, we had the option to hike to the top of a nearby bluff or simply watch the passing humpback whales and gentoo penguins cruise by.   After a hearty lunch, we arrived at Hunt Island where we offered a Zodiac cruise. Here, we were rewarded with many great sights, including more whales, Weddell seals, and calving glaciers. The hotel team also offered a surprise for us in the form of hot chocolates served right on the water! This treat could be taken straight or spiced up with some spirits.   Once back on board, we received our official welcome from the captain and were also formally introduced to the expedition team. It was a fantastic first day.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/22/2024

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National Geographic Resolution

Drake Passage

There’s nothing quite like a wake to the “Drake Lake.” Bright skies, calm seas, and refreshing winds welcomed us to our journey’s jolly jaunt into the fabled gateway to the Antarctic. As National Geographic Resolution’s surroundings streamed past in crisp, high-seas definition, we used our sea day to prepare for tomorrow’s first landings beyond the Antarctic Convergence: Zodiac briefings, decontamination parties, and presentations galore filled our memory banks as we enjoyed this gift of a crossing from the sea gods.   Plentiful seabirds joined the procession. Great albatrosses followed closely astern as Antarctic prions and Cape petrels zoomed about in our slipstream, all phylogenetic and ecological neighbors to yesterday’s Magellanic penguins spotted in the Beagle Channel, just before two sei whales pushed back bedtime by a whale of a margin.   “Blows, big blows up ahead!” came the call from the Bridge, when, in the midafternoon, we came upon a group of lazy fin whales, casually cruising by as the second largest organisms to have ever lived on Earth. With our souls full from this small appetizer of the richness of the world to the south, Captain Martin welcomed us all to the adventures ahead. Tomorrow, the South Shetlands—onward!