Expedition Stories

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

World View

3/20/2020

1 Min Read

Smart Fun in Magdalena Bay with Mika

Hi! I’m Mika (that’s pronounced M-eee-ka!) and I‘m 9 years old. A few months ago, my parents and I had the chance to visit a beautiful and wild place called Baja. We saw so many amazing things like whales breaching, dolphins playing in the water around our ship, and a sky filled with hundreds of sparkling stars. I wanted to share some of them with you along with the photos my dad took of me on our trip. I hope you enjoy my photo diary!

World View

12/11/2020

4 Min Read

Surprising Desert Isles in the Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is teeming with 900-some species of fish and a third of the earth’s marine mammal species. As you approach untouched desert island, a world of endemic flora and fauna awaits you as you hike through colorful arroyos on protected land.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

12/26/2024

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National Geographic Orion

Day at Sea

The holiday season is special to us all, but it is especially meaningful to our incredible crew who spend months at sea away from their families and loved ones. The crew of National Geographic Orion is incredibly creative in showing us all their Christmas spirit and a much-loved tradition is the annual Christmas door decoration contest.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/25/2024

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Cerro Dragón and Bahía Borrero (Santa Cruz Island)

Today we explored northern Santa Cruz at Cerro Dragón, which is the leeward side of the island. We started the day with a morning walk through the dry vegetation and we were lucky enough to encounter the endemic yellow Galapagos land iguanas that were exploring the area looking for food.   To continue our day, we stopped by Borrero Bay, and we had the opportunity to learn about and observe the wonderful mangrove ecosystem. From its value as nurturing grounds to its economic value to the local community and tourism, we learned the importance of the mangroves.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/25/2024

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National Geographic Orion

The Coral Sea

The holiday spirit flows through National Geographic Orion on Christmas day. Sailing between New Zealand and New Caledonia, the team took the time for a family photo of the entire staff and crew. After Christmas brunch the National Geographic Orion family enjoyed a presentation on traditional Polynesian navigation by our esteemed cultural expert Tua Pitman. Hotel Manager Fran then spoiled us all with a fortune hunt, games, and prizes.   As black-winged petrels soared above the Coral Sea, we gathered one last time as Dive Master Mike Desiderio teased us with a trivia contest. Though we may be far from home, National Geographic Orion provides us all with a sense of family love and tenderness during this celebrated season.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/25/2024

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National Geographic Endurance

Barrientos and Half Moon Islands

Merry Christmas from National Geographic Endurance which just arrived in Antarctica! It is not a bad Christmas morning when the first thing one does is step foot on the Antarctic Continent to be greeted by penguins!   After a day of sailing, we arrived at the South Shetlands and made our very first landing at Barrientos Island. Already at the beach, we saw gentoos and chinstrap penguins, that seemed to be awaiting our arrival. It was only a short walk to the colonies and there we could see penguins laying on their eggs and even a few recently hatched chicks!   After the great make-your-own-pasta-bar lunch, the next activity was a landing at Half Moon Island. There we chose between a long or shorter hike to get a Christmas Day leg stretch and see even more penguins.   After a busy day of outings, it was time for the first recap of the journey and then finally Christmas dinner, where the Christmas buffet awaited guests with some of the best food there is.   Today was definitely a Christmas Day to remember!

Daily Expedition Reports

12/24/2024

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National Geographic Venture

San Marcial

Merry Christmas Eve and Happy Holidays from National Geographic Venture ! Today we spent a sunny, bright morning cruising south through the Gulf of California searching for wildlife - and wildlife did we find! Breakfast ended early after an exciting interruption by a mom and a calf fin whale traveling alongside the ship! It was a truly fun surprise.   After lunch, guests scrambled into wetsuits and snorkels for an afternoon snorkel off San Marcial. Underwater life fluttered around in flashes of fish, pufferfish, and even a few moray eels!   After a quick turnaround, guests went to shore for a series of hikes in this incredible desert environment as we ended the day enjoying the sunset on the sun deck with drinks and appetizers before a Mexican style buffet dinner!