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

5/7/2025

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National Geographic Gemini

Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest island in Galapagos and today we had the opportunity to explore Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno. These two visitor sites are very close but very different from one another. Elizabeth Bay is covered with black lava and a mangrove forest, which becomes a perfect shelter for many species. The bay is home to flamingos, brown pelicans, and white-cheeked pintail ducks. This combination is a good reflection of the colonization of flora and fauna of the Galapagos.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/7/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Bahía Urbina and Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

As the sun rose, we headed to Urbina Bay, a visitor site found on Isabela Island at the slopes of the marvelous Alcedo Volcano. Isabela is home to a unique morphotype of dome-shelled tortoises and arguably the most pristine island of the Galapagos. We went for a short walk, and in addition to spotting the popular giants, we also observed the evidence of an uplift event which occurred in 1954.   In the afternoon, we navigated for an hour to the historical Tagus Cove, the same place where HMS Beagle once anchored. With elusive octopi, fast swimming penguins, funny looking cormorants, and breathtaking views, we finished another great day in this enchanted archipelago.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/7/2025

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National Geographic Venture

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

We began the day cruising into the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord surrounded by towering cliffs of rock and beautiful waterfalls. After breakfast, guests set out on two thrilling rounds of Zodiac tours, zipping through a maze of icebergs in all shapes and shades of blue—some small and delicate, others massive and glowing deep blue.   After a warming lunch, the bravest among us took the plunge—literally— into the icy fjord waters. Laughter, cheers, and wide-eyed shouts echoed across the deck as guests leapt in and emerged exhilarated.   In the afternoon, we made our way back out of Tracy Arm, and just when we thought the day couldn't get better, humpback whales appeared. We were treated to an incredible display of fluking dives and dramatic pectoral slaps, a powerful and graceful end to an unforgettable day in Alaska.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/7/2025

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National Geographic Sea Lion

Inian Islands, Port Althorp

The Inian Islands invoke sheer joy and excitement among the naturalists, which in turn, is transferred to the guests. We set out in Zodiacs, traversing in nearly unprecedented calm conditions through the narrow Mosquito Pass, then around North Inian Island. We observed over a dozen bald eagles and sea lions waiting for the inrushing tide to bring fish to the surface for easy pickings. We also saw a couple of male sea otters peacefully lying on the surface while fluffing up their fur to introduce air for insulation (they don’t have blubber). The weather was classic Alaska…sun grading to rain…then to partly cloudy.   In the afternoon, we traveled to Port Althorp for kayaking and hikes. Again, very calm conditions with intermittent sun and rain. The hikes were beautiful, winding across the mud flats and into the thick rainforest painted with several shades of green. Bear trails were observed and used by us as convenient paths to follow. Kayakers slowly paddled across glassy water to enjoy the peace and solitude. The day ended with soft sun.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/7/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Daajing Giids, Haida Gwaii, Hecate Strait

After an evening cruising from SG̱ang Gwaay, National Geographic Sea Bird made one last stop this morning in Daajing Giids to drop off our cultural interpreters, DeeDee Crosby and Grace Garvie. At dock, we had two unique opportunities. The first, our daily morning stretch class had the opportunity to meet on land, and second, we welcomed the incredible artisan, Aay Aay, aboard.   We were familiar with Aay Aay, who we had met two days prior as an interpreter at the Haida Heritage Center. His specialty is a revival of traditional Haida weaving. During Aay Aay’s time on board, he shared with us his personal story about discovering and mastering his art with spruce root, cedar, and wool weaving. He taught us how to hand spin the warp threads that would be the beginnings of a wool piece.   After an artistic morning, we embarked on our journey across Hecate Strait to reach our next destination along our expedition, Alaska. This evening, I write as we make our way into Dixon Entrance preparing to wake up to the scenery of the famed Misty Fjords in the morning.