Santa Ana Island, 1/5/2025, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
The first stop on our expedition was the island of Santa Ana for a visit with the Gupuna people. Before our anchor was set, we were greeted by a welcoming committee. Children splashed in the water to cool off, and adults brought papaya and coconuts to trade. Once ashore, we were treated to a traditional dance performance that depicted the migration to the island. Afterward, we explored the island and learned about the wonderful people who live in this beautiful paradise.
Photo and caption: Visiting Santa Ana Island. Photo by Steve Morello
Steve Morello has had a long and colorful career in the natural history world. Born in New Jersey, he was lucky to be able to summer on the shores of Cape Cod. Whether it was exploring the tidal pools, snorkeling along the beach, or hiking in the dun...
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Today on board National Geographic Orion , we embraced the rhythm of a day at sea, leaving the sight of land behind to seek new horizons and fresh adventures. The day began with Undersea Specialist Rachel giving a fascinating session on coral reef fish identification. We delved into the vibrant world of these remarkable creatures, learning how to recognize various species, understand their roles within the reef ecosystem, and appreciate their stunning diversity. It was a perfect primer for future snorkeling and diving adventures. Later with Steve our Photography Instructor, we turned our attention to the art of iPhone photography with a practical workshop designed to enhance our skills in capturing the essence of our journey. Participants explored techniques to compose stunning images using just a smartphone, ideal for documenting the wonders of our expedition. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the culture and history of Vanuatu with Naturalist Elise’s fascinating presentation on the history of Vanuatu. Through captivating stories and vivid narratives, we explored the traditions, resilience, and rich heritage of this extraordinary island nation. The session deepened our understanding of the region and its profound connection to the sea.
We arrived in the lagoon of Santa Ana early in the morning and had an amazing breakfast aboard National Geographic Orion . We were eager for the morning activities that awaited us ashore. There was a special welcome dance from the local village which depicted stories of their culture and then we hiked across the island to view the other village and the spirit house. The dive team was able to go out for a lovely dive, and guests enjoyed an afternoon spent snorkeling on a lively reef, learning about all the fish. The dive team was able to do a second dive and then we finished the day with a beautiful sunset and the captain’s farewell cocktail gathering.
