Expedition Stories

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

World View

12/30/2019

4 Min Read

Getting to Know the Guna People

Spending a day under the coconut palms of Guna Yala, off the northeastern Caribbean coast of Panama, is a rare chance to experience a traditional way of life that can also seem decades ahead of its time.

World View

5/18/2022

3 Min Read

Wild Personalities: Coati

A close relative of the raccoon, the coati inhabits The Americas where it can be spotted from Arizona all the way down to northern Uruguay.

World View

7/10/2022

3 Min Read

What to Expect: Crossing the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal—one of the seven wonders of the modern world—has been a key conduit for international maritime trade since it was completed at the turn of the last century. Read more from Expedition Development Manager Ted Kenefick about the profound and poignant experience of crossing the canal for the first time.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

5/6/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Isabela Island

Navigation brought us to the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago, Isabela. Holding half of all land mass in the Galapagos, it has a diverse selection of ecosystems that we were able to visit.   Urvina Bay was geologically uplifted in the 1950’s, taking two square kilometers of seafloor that was thrust upward, in certain areas up to four meters out of the water. Intertidal species were stranded inland, and we walked upon this area. Galapagos giant tortoises and land iguanas were found on our trail, and we were surrounded by Darwin finches and Galapagos mockingbirds.   The afternoon brought us to Tagus Cove where we explored the surrounding waters, encountering Galapagos penguins and Pacific green sea turtles swimming among the kayakers and snorkelers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, adventurous hikers took a fast-paced hike to enjoy an incredible view of Darwin Lake and the immense island of Isabela.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/6/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Isabela and Fernandina Islands

This morning, we anchored at Punta Vicente Roca, the mouth of the seahorse-shaped island, Isabela. The coastline holds a vast diversity of wildlife unique to the area, like the flightless cormorant.   Later we moved to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island where we enjoyed the surprisingly warm water with sea lions, fish, and penguins.   To finish the day, we explored Fernandina and were amazed by the number of marine iguanas in the area. We ended the day with an extra bonus, a beautiful sunset.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/6/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

SGang Gwaay, Haida Gwaii, Canada

Today was filled with incredible experiences. SGang Gwaay is a strongly spiritual land full of important history and culture of the Haida people. The powerful story that unfolded on the island long ago is present on the shores and in the forest of SGang Gwaay.   We were able to take a Zodiac cruise to view wildlife. Humpback whales blew spouts in the distance and bald eagles perched in the trees on the horizon.   A highlight of our day was when the Haida watchmen led our group ashore to explain the mortuary poles and village. We are forever grateful to them for sharing this glimpse of their culture with us. It was a truly special day.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/6/2025

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National Geographic Gemini

Floreana Island

Our visit to Floreana was a magical and peaceful experience, from a pre breakfast Zodiac ride to kayaking and snorkeling before lunch.   In the evening, we enjoyed a sunset hike with flamingos and amazing colors in the sky. Floreana Island welcomed us with unforgettable experiences.   Photos by Ixora Berdonces and Walter Perez

Daily Expedition Reports

5/6/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Calanais, Isle of Lewis

Today’s journey took us to one of the oldest stone monuments of the British Isles. Formed from some of the oldest rock in the world, the Standing Stones of Calanais is located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Our morning began with a thrilling presentation by National Geographic Photographer and Filmmaker David Wright who answered our questions about his career filming wildlife across the globe and told stories of awe-inspiring encounters with nature and his many gripping near-death experiences.   Following this, I gave an introduction to the history of Neolithic monuments and the significance of Calanais, helping us imagine the world of its builders some 5,000 years ago.   After lunch, we went ashore to walk among the iconic and towering stones themselves, which sparked lively discussion and reflection on the beliefs and practices of Neolithic peoples. Some guests ventured beyond the main circle to explore the broader ritual landscape of Calanais, hiking through the peat and heather to visit other nearby megaliths that dot the surrounding fields.   It was a moving day, one that connected us with our ancestors and the enduring mysteries of the ancient past.