Expedition Stories

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

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Daily Expedition Reports

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Daily Expedition Reports

3/11/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Coiba and Cocos Islands

After exploring Costa Rica for three days, we landed at one of the most beautiful national parks of Panama, Coiba.   Since 1919, Coiba Island was a work prison where the prisoners were tasked with its care. After the prison was relocated, the scientific community and the Smithsonian became interested in this unique place. Today Coiba is one of the most important national parks in the country, many people drawn to its vast biodiversity.   We spent the day exploring. Some of our guests enjoyed snorkeling around Cocos Island where they had the opportunity to see whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, and different varieties of fish. At the same time, we offered kayaking and stand up paddleboarding for those looking for something more adventurous. Other guests opted to relax and read a book on the beach at Coiba Island.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/11/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Isabela Island

Today we have explored different spots on Isabela Island. We started the day visiting Urbina Bay where we did a long hike over an uplifted area which occurred in 1954. It is amazing to see how nature has recovered after this geological event and now offers so many things to see, like land iguanas and giant tortoises that we found along the trail.   During the afternoon, we headed to Tagus Cove. We explored by kayak, Zodiac, snorkeling, and hiking. With every single activity we were surrounded by penguins, lots of seabirds, flightless cormorants, and other unique animals from the Galapagos. It was a very special day exploring the islands aboard National Geographic Endeavour II.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/11/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Isabela and Fernandina Island

Today we spent the day exploring the western Galapagos Islands. We visited Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island and Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. This was a remarkable day because we observed some of the most iconic of the endemic species in the Galapagos, such as the Galapagos penguin, Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Santiago and Bartholomew Islands

Early this morning, we went ashore to explore the eastern region of Santiago Island. We reached the shore of Sullivan Bay, a relatively young lava flow that has changed very little and is quite intact. Towards the end of the walk, we returned to National Geographic Delfina to have a well-deserved breakfast. Later in the morning, we went to a nearby beach and had the opportunity to swim and snorkel from the shore.   In the afternoon, we snorkeled in deep waters and watched several species of fish and a very inquisitive Galapagos penguin that came to take a closer look at us. After snorkeling we returned onboard and got ready to go ashore for an invigorating hike to the top of Bartholomew.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Bahia Almejas

The day began with an exhilarating stretch class just after sunrise. Gray whales were spotted on our way south and guests enjoyed the early morning at the bow looking at whales, dolphins, and a couple of curious sea lions. Essentially, we saw whales all the way to the mouth of Bahia Almejas.   During the morning whale watch outing, we boarded pangas with local captains who took us to the best spots. The experience with the whales was characterized by the number of spy hops we saw. At one point we counted up to 10 whales in the same area!   For the second outing in the afternoon, some boats were lucky enough to see whales up close and even touched them. We were fortunate to have perfect weather all day which allowed us to calmly enjoy the whales going about their daily activities.   Back on board National Geographic Sea Bird , guests felt inspired by what we’ve experienced and put it in watercolor. At the end of the day, we attended a presentation about climate change with guest speaker, Joy Ward.