Expedition Stories

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

World View

5/20/2021

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Polar Plunge

Plunging into the frigid ocean is a badge of honor for many polar travelers. Watch as brave guests take on our polar plunge into Icelandic waters.

World View

5/20/2021

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Puffin Encounter

Learn more about the clownlike puffins of Grimsey Island from naturalists Karen Vera and Javier Cotin.

World View

A volcanic gas cloud blooms over a river of lava in Iceland

7/1/2021

5 Min Read

What It's Like to Explore Iceland's Erupting Volcano

Can you imagine being close to an active volcano? Geologist Ralph Lee Hopkins just returned from several weeks in Iceland where he got up-close views and jaw-dropping photos. See what he had to say about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World View

7/22/2021

3 Min Read

Dispatches from National Geographic Endurance

A jubilant Lindblad Expeditions team welcomed National Geographic Endurance's first-ever guests and celebrated with time-honored ship christening traditions. Here’s a taste of what it felt like to be there.

World View

6/1/2022

3 Min Read

Wild Personalities: Atlantic Puffin

Small but mighty, puffins can dive to depths of 200 feet and fly as fast as 55 miles per hour. Get to know the unofficial bird of Iceland, everyone’s favorite “parrot of the sea.”

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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 Islander II

Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island

What a fantastic way to spend Christmas Eve, by exploring the enchanted Galapagos Archipelago. Our guests arrived early in the morning to enjoy an invigorating walk along the trail of Punta Pitt, a magical place where you can see the three types of boobies found in Galapagos, red, blue, and Nazca booby.   The scenery was astonishing and the weather perfect, which made it a great morning. On the beach were two adorable baby sea lions, and the swimming and snorkeling were very refreshing.   In the afternoon we moved to Cerro Brujo, a white sandy beach which is home to colonies of sea lions and seabirds. We had a great time together enjoying this special location.   Finally, we circumnavigated Leon Dormido to observe the wildlife and experience how quickly the sun goes down at the equator. What a fabulous journey!