Our 2019 class of Grosvenor Teacher Fellows recently returned from expeditions around the globe aboard Lindblad-National Geographic ships. Four of this year’s 45 fellows took time to share some of their favorite, funny, and unexpected moments in the wild.
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil This UNESCO World Heritage site is the definition of remote wilderness. Located 220 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil, this series of 22 islands
Born of influential Edo-period Japan, landscape gardens are tranquil works of art, meant to inspire contemplation. Discover some of the premier strolling gardens you’ll encounter on your journey.
As COVID-19 stilled human sound and motion, the whole world heard it: a silence in which something was calling out to be heard. The wildness at the heart of the world. Now, it’s time to listen. To find out what the world has to say. To give the places where wildness is still sovereign, or still in harmony, or, still unbroken, a genuine listen.
An ancient sanctuary of tower temples and a striking seascape of limestone pillars—these are just a few of the wonders hidden along Vietnam's storied coastline.
Explorer, anthropologist, filmmaker, author, and public speaker Dr. Lawrence Blair will join guests on Lindblad's new expedition to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur Temple rises towards the heavens from a Javanese hilltop. This complex feat of architecture is an absolute must-see for any traveler to Indonesia.
National Geographic Endurance woke up to heavy snow and tabular icebergs this morning. Everyone gathered on the Bridge and in observation areas to count down to our crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Past this parallel of latitude, the sun does not set near solstice. Captain Oliver Kruess and Expedition Leader Dan Olsen plotted a course to Detaille Island, 20 miles south of the circle. This is the site of the British Antarctic Survey Base W. Established in 1956 and used throughout the International Geophysical Year, the base was hastily abandoned in 1959, leaving behind a true time capsule. Trekking from our landing site through drifted snow, we were treated to a rare glimpse of life in an Antarctic base 65 years ago. Our departure from Detaille took us through close, wind-driven pack ice, highlighted by brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains through shifting fog.
National Geographic Orion eased her way through a passage in the coral reef to reach a Melanesian paradise known as New Caledonia. After a short drive into the highlands, we were quickly reminded of the antiquity of this ancient piece of Gondwanan crust. The plants included a native cycad, whose fossil history predates the dinosaurs. The sprawling branches of the Cook’s pine bathed the forest walkways in luxurious dappled light, as we searched for equally intriguing bird life. We didn’t have to wait long before the feathered gems of the forest began to reveal themselves. The striking plumage of the emerald dove brilliantly reflected the morning light. Endemic white eyes raced from branch to branch, casually eluding the best of our photographers. Without warning, the prize of the forest emerged from the dense underbrush. A pair of kagu momentarily slipped into view while our photographers scrambled for their cameras. These enigmatic birds are the sole members of an obscure family, which may be most closely related to the South American sun bittern. Sporting a bright red bill with orange legs and silver plumage, the kagu is a stunning reminder that the remote corners of our planet hold some of earth’s best kept secrets.
After the magic of yesterday's White Christmas in Antarctica, we woke up excited for the day ahead. The festive snowfall in the South Shetland Islands made it a perfect holiday experience for both kids and adults. Today, gusts of wind up to 50 knots reminded us of how wild the Southern Ocean can be. Because of this, we started the day indoors with two inspiring lectures: one about the fascinating dynamics of the Southern Ocean and another given by our visiting scientists and entitled, “Penguin Research Around Antarctica.” In the afternoon, skilled Captain Oliver and Expedition Leader Dan found a sheltered spot in Paradise Harbour, where we launched the Zodiacs for a real Antarctic adventure. Penguins, glaciers, and the Argentinian base Almirante Brown set the scene for an unforgettable Zodiac cruise, with wind and snow adding to the excitement. Guests came back aboard thrilled and ready for a warm dinner. Just when we thought the day was over, we had one last treat. We sailed through the legendary Lemaire Channel, wrapped in a mysterious fog that made it even more extraordinary. It was the perfect ending to a truly Antarctic day.
The degree of endemism in Galapagos is very impressive, and every day we have the opportunity to meet a new species that lives in this part of the world. Today we met an iguana that lives only on this tiny island, making our guests’ experience even more unique. This archipelago brings wonder to all who visit, from the first moment one sets foot on land to the very last.
After a few days of packed activities from sunrise to sunset, today we relaxed on one of the shell-covered, sweeping beaches of Puerto Gato. Our guests had the opportunity to swim, kayak, beach stroll, or join a guided hike. After a morning of beach exploring, we repositioned to Isla San Jose where we hiked an arroyo to a slot canyon, marveling at the geology of the area. We ended the day with a gorgeous sunset.