Expedition Stories

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

World View

2/22/2019

4 Min Read

60 Years of Science & Conservation in Galápagos

The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galápagos Archipelago.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Venture

Loreto Bay National Park and the San Jose Channel

Our first full day together exploring the waters of the beautiful Sea of Cortez could not have been better. Shortly after sunrise we spotted several tall whale blows in the distance just south of Danzante Island, one of the five islands of the Loreto Bay National Park. Upon closer examination, we realized that the blows belonged to no regular whales, but to the largest animal on our planet, blue whales! We watched them against the magnificent background of the La Giganta mountain range, whose rich colors really made for a spectacular scene.   National Geographic Venture continued sailing south and entered the San Jose Channel. Soon we found not one or two but literally dozens of sperm whales in all directions. Their distinctive blows could be seen all around us and several groups made some close passes, the same as some bottlenose dolphins swimming with the much larger whales. What a way to start our time exploring the waters around the peninsula of Baja California!

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Golfito and Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Today, National Geographic Quest entered Costa Rica. Our Morning was spent enjoying Zodiac cruises or kayaking mangroves as the ship’s officers were checking into this beautiful country.   After lunch, we visited Dolphin Quest Gardens in Golfo Dulce and explored the gardens and tropical rainforest. Teeming with life, we were delighted to find the variety of wildlife that exists within this magical area of Costa Rica. From spider monkeys and scarlet macaws to various lizards and abundant flora, there was something to entice all to fall in love with this destination. As our hikes drew to a close, Mother Nature helped cool us down with a short but substantial rainfall, known locally as a chubasco.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Floreana Island

Today was our second full day exploring the islands and we started with a fantastic prebreakfast hike. Punta Cormorant is famous for the presence of a brackish water lagoon where greater flamingos can often be observed. As we hiked a mile inland, we arrived at a beautiful coralline beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles. Some individuals were basking at the shoreline and a couple of turtles were mating not far from the breakers. What a show!   We saw boobies diving, sea lions playing, lots of fish, rays, and reef sharks while snorkeling. In the afternoon, we went kayaking among sea turtles and rays. Post Office Bay, well known for a traditional posting system used by early sailors, was the late afternoon activity, finishing off an amazing day on our expedition.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/20/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Hercules Bay and Grytviken, South Georgia

After yesterday’s windy start to our South Georgia visit, it was delightful to awaken this morning to calm conditions in Hercules Bay. Exploring by Zodiac, we found riches of avian and pinniped wildlife, lush vegetation, and swirling kelp forests. Macaroni penguins clambered down steep hillsides from their tussock burrows to the sea. Light-mantled albatross soared overhead, and playful young fur seals filled the intertidal zone. Strikingly folded sedimentary rocks created a dramatic landscape.   The blustery and snowy afternoon was spent at Grytviken, one of six former shore-based whaling stations on the island. In the small cemetery, we honored the legacy and leadership of Sir Ernest Shackleton with a toast. Hikers climbed above the site for a view over the bay, while others enjoyed walking tours with a historian from the South Georgia Heritage Trust to learn about station infrastructure and daily life. The whaling and sealing past of this region provide a tangible reminder that modern conservation efforts are critical to the Southern Ocean’s ecological future.

Daily Expedition Reports

1/19/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Futuna and Alofi Islands

Malo and greetings!   Welcome to beautiful Futuna and Alofi Islands in the Wallis and Futuna Islands group. Today, National Geographic Orion anchored in the lagoon between Futuna and Alofi Islands. The excursions to begin our day were to visit the cathedral of St. Peter, a patron saint of these islands, then proceed to a scenic outlook to admire the view the island.   This was followed by a pristine lagoon snorkel off the shore of Alofi Island where guests were given the opportunity to frolic in the lagoon and snorkel the reef’s edge.   It was another fantastic day exploring this special region. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is about creating opportunities for these unique moments and today was one of them.