Expedition Stories

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

World View

9/30/2019

11 Min Read

Teachers in the Wild: Meet the 2019 Grosvenor Fellows

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.

World View

11/17/2020

2 Min Read

The Wildness at the Heart of the World

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.

World View

4 Min Read

Exploring Vietnam by Sea

On an expedition along Vietnam’s coastline, enjoy easy access to magnificent cultural treasures, natural wonders, and historic sites.

Showing 12 of 12

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

Read

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

Read

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.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

Read

National Geographic Quest

Río Seco and Golfito, Costa Rica

Today, we embarked on an unforgettable journey, beginning with a visit to the private reserve of Dolphin Quest at Río Seco, followed by an afternoon adventure in Golfito. Both locations are nestled in the breathtaking Golfo Dulce, which offered remarkable wildlife encounters and natural beauty.   Our morning expedition took us along the lush trails of Dolphin Quest where guests immersed themselves in the vibrant tropical rainforest. We were fortunate to spot lively white-faced capuchin monkeys, not only during the morning walk but also later in the day. Adding to the spectacle, several pairs of scarlet macaws put on a dazzling display of color and sound. Guests were captivated by the distinctive calls of the three-wattled bellbirds, and a few lucky observers caught a glimpse of the elusive tamandua, a fascinating anteater.   In the afternoon, after repositioning National Geographic Quest to Golfito, guests chose between two exciting activities- kayaking through serene mangroves or joining a Zodiac cruise. Both experiences provided up-close encounters with diverse coastal bird species. A highlight of the Zodiac cruise was encountering a mixed troop of howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

Read

National Geographic Endurance

Saunders Island, Falkland Islands

We arrived in the morning at the beautiful Saunders Island, home to the family of Expedition Leader Russ. It is always very special to visit this island, and the welcome we get is absolutely amazing.   Today we visited the settlement and got a tour of the farm. The working dogs of the island met us on the beach and gladly joined our Zodiacs for a tour around the bay, happily barking at the many Commerson’s dolphins playing around us.   In the afternoon we tried to go to the rookery on the other side of the island for a chance to see rockhopper penguins and black-browed albatross. The weather was not on our side, and halfway through the landing operation we decided to change our plans. It was an adventurous Zodiac ride back to the ship and the joy of being greeted with a warm beverage from our bar team was enormous.

Daily Expedition Reports

3/10/2025

Read

National Geographic Resolution

At Sea - Falklands Trough and Patagonia Shelf

The day dawned aboard National Geographic Resolution as we sailed out of the Scotia Sea. After yet another delicious breakfast, our natural history staff kicked off a series of presentations. Naturalist Joe Holiday started it off with a program on “Geology of the Falkland Islands” followed by an interesting program by our visiting scientist, Ariana Mancusco, about the research she’s conducting throughout this expedition.   By late morning, we crossed the Falkland Trough, the captain and navigation officer were steely-eyed on the bridge, plotting our path through the clashing currents, winds, and waves. At noon, a surreal calm descended as we entered the eye of the low-pressure system. The sea state calmed and lunch was served in the dining room.   Afternoon, the hotel team turned the lounge into a haven, hosting a lovely teatime—scones, clotted cream, and Earl Grey flowing as the ship continued westerly. Meanwhile, the natural history staff continued, with veteran Naturalist Dennis Cornejo explaining the unique plant life of the Falkland Islands.   Approaching dusk, thick fog filled the sky and the Falklands loomed a mere 20 miles off, a promise for our days ahead.