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

5/21/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Santiago Island

Our morning started with an exciting Zodiac ride in very calm waters. We were able to see the most elegant seabird, the Nazca booby. We spent the second part of the morning on the glass bottom boat and in kayaks. We had so much fun observing sea lions, lots of fish, sharks, and even a manta ray through the glass. It was fantastic!   By the afternoon, we had already sailed to a different location on Santiago Island. Puerto Egas, once a salt mine colony, offered us a very pleasant nature walk. We observed a few Galapagos land iguanas which were part of a conservation project for this beautiful and endemic reptile. As we took the trail back, a small colony of fur seals were basking on the rocks and swimming.   At the end of our exploration, we encountered the mysterious Galapagos hawk! It’s the largest bird of prey, imposing yet calm.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/21/2025

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National Geographic Gemini

Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno, Isabel Island

Overnight, after ten hours of navigation, we woke up surrounded by active volcanoes on the western side of the Galapagos Archipelago. We jumped into Zodiacs and explored a pristine and unique mangrove ecosystem. In addition to photographing unique landscapes and endemic animals, we also learned the importance of this area.   By the afternoon, we headed south and reached Punta Moreno, located at the bellybutton of the sea horse. We walked on lava and explored the coastlines, then finished our day of exploration with a mesmerizing sunset.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/21/2025

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National Geographic Islander II

Isabela and Fernandina Islands

We started the day circumnavigating the dramatic sea cliffs of Roca Redonda as the sun rose above the horizon. Later, a Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island revealed penguins, Galapagos fur seals, and flightless cormorants.   We were delighted to encounter a huge pod of Common dolphins on our way to Fernandina Island for our afternoon of activities. Many sea turtles and marine iguanas accompanied us as we snorkeled around the bay at Punta Espinosa.   The day ended with a glowing sky as we walked among marine iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants. It was another memorable day in Galapagos!

Daily Expedition Reports

5/21/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Wrangell, Alaska

We arrived early to the town of Wrangell, excited to get the activities underway for our morning ashore. The excursion options included a jet boat tour up the Stikine River, a visit to the Shake’s house (traditional Long House), and investigating petroglyphs on a local beach.   We returned to National Geographic Sea Bird for a delicious lunch and then went out for the afternoon activities. The options included a visit to the town museum and a hike up Mt. Dewey.   We had lovely weather for our wonderful day of exploring.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/21/2025

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National Geographic Quest

Tracy Arm, Southeast Alaska

This morning, we awoke nestled in the deep fjords of Tracy Arm, National Geographic Quest a tiny miniature in this land of geological and frozen giants. Specks of white ice drifted by, floating on water teal and discolored by the glacial till.   We made our way towards the glaciers and into the ice field which welcomed us coldly. After Zodiac cruising, a number of brave souls lept into the icy waters, defiant in the face of the freezing cold as they polar plunged into the brackish waters.   In the afternoon we left the fjord, heading north when we encountered killer whales who crossed our bow and boisterously led us to a breaching humpback. It was just another glorious afternoon in the majestic waters of the Inside Passage.