This week, guests aboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed a rare opportunity to witness a rocket launch, while National Geographic Explorer explored the coast of South Africa and National Geographic Sea Bird kicked off its spring exploration of the Columbia River.
Clavero Lake, Peru
Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II, March 27, 2024
Close-up of the Amazon giant lilies. —José Calvo, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, March 28, 2024
A tortoise who is a passion fruit lover.
Santiago Island, Galápagos
Wild Galápagos Escape, March 28, 2024
Striated heron taking a bath at the tidal pools. —Felipe Wittmer Naranjo, Naturalist
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Exploring East Africa and Madagascar: Wildlife and Wonders, March 29, 2024
We went straight into game vehicles for our safari, and it wasn’t long before we saw some excellent game. The highlight was a large bull elephant drinking at a small waterhole. It was a such a treat. —Martin Cohen, Naturalist
Española Island, Galápagos
Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, March 31, 2024
As the sun got lower, Nazca boobies came back to roost for the night. Unusually calm seas allowed us an extra close look at these magnificent residents. —Cindy Manning, Expedition Leader
Richards Bay, South Africa
Exploring East Africa and Madagascar: Wildlife and Wonders, April 1, 2024
A short drive away from Eshowe was Fort Nongqayi, a late 19th century fortification built by the British and home to one of their colonial garrisons. Now the centerpiece of a museum of Zulu culture and even a butterfly dome, guests were able to explore more of Zululand’s colourful and fascinating history. —Stephen Fisher, Historian
Astoria, Oregon
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History, April 1, 2024
Seagull perched at the docks. —Jesse Humbert, Naturalist
Española Island, Galápagos
Wild Galápagos Escape, April 1, 2024
We were delighted to encounter the endemic Galápagos flycatchers flitting among the vegetation. These small, elusive birds showcased their distinctive plumage and graceful flight patterns, providing us with an opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. —Anahi Concari, Naturalist
Huahine, Society Islands
Polynesian Discovery: Exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus, April 2, 2024
Traditional fishing in the lagoon of Huahine. —Alessandro Guerra, Naturalist
Isla San Marcos, Baja California
Baja California: A Remarkable Journey, April 2, 2024
Last night we viewed the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket take its load of 22 Starlink internet satellites into space. The launch was from Vandenburg Space Force Base. —Kimberly Wood, Naturalist (photo by Troy Marquez)
Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, April 3, 2024
Prickly pear cacti are giant in the Galapagos Archipelago. It is endemic and is key for the survival of many iconic species. —Vanessa Gallo, Naturalist
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