Learn how guests aboard select voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions can observe research and conservation in action through the Science at Sea program.
In this short film, learn more about the historic relationship between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic and the way it shapes expeditions for guests.
The day started with an amazing sunrise on National Geographic Orion as we arrived at Beqa Island. The morning activities offered were a morning dive, and for those not diving, an exploration ashore to experience the kindness of Fiji culture at one of the villages on the island. And for anyone up for the extra adventure, a hike starting in the village and ending at a different bay was offered. In the afternoon, we all went ashore to enjoy the mecca welcome dance and the incredible Fiji fire walking performance, which was incredible to witness. The festivities were followed by the last snorkeling excursion of the trip, which we happily enjoyed. We ended the evening with the captain’s farewell - a perfect ending to a perfect expedition.
We awoke to a gentle breeze as National Geographic Venture lifted anchor and set out to sea. As the sun crested the mountains, seabirds departed their roosts to feed on the morning’s bounty. In our time offshore, hundreds of dolphins paid us a visit while grey and humpback whales passed us by. For the afternoon, we set out to get up-close experiences with the marine life. Being in a small boat with our local Mexican guides was a great experience as they navigated the shallow waters of Bahia Almejas and provided us with amazing views of multiple gray whales. With a wonderful first day behind us, we look forward to what tomorrow brings.
Today, National Geographic Quest explored Coiba Island National Park. In the morning, we divided our guests into two groups to maximize the experience. One group visited Coco Islet for a memorable snorkeling adventure, where they encountered a variety of vibrant fish and a whitetip reef shark. The second group headed to the ranger station, enjoying a relaxing time swimming and kayaking in the pristine waters. After a fulfilling morning, we returned to the ship and began our navigation toward the Panama Canal. In the afternoon, guests gathered on the weather decks to observe marine wildlife. Several birds, dolphins, sea snakes, and turtles were spotted, adding to the excitement of the day. The calm seas and clear skies made for perfect wildlife watching conditions as we continued our journey. It was an exciting and enriching day filled with incredible encounters with nature.
Today, National Geographic Islander II anchored at Academy Bay on southeast Santa Cruz Island where we spent a full day enjoying amazing activities. Starting with a visit to a local farm in the highlands, we enjoyed Don Adriano Cabrera stories about life on the islands in the 60s. Afterward, we had the opportunity to visit “The Twins”, two interesting geological features located in the humid zone of the island. After a delicious lunch at a local ranch, we enjoyed walking among the giant tortoises along their migration route. There was even a couple mating while others grazed around us. Then we went to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the breeding program of the tortoises in captivity.
National Geographic Endeavour II awoke in the western realm of the Galapagos Archipelago. We visited the youngest Island, Fernandina! The single shield volcano is still active, and large fields of basaltic lava are covered by Galapagos marine iguanas, a rather harsh environment that hosts amazing wildlife. From the top predator to the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs, everyone is trying to survive. In the afternoon we visited Volcano Ecuador and enjoyed a Zodiac ride along its coast, where Nazca boobies were spotted as well as Galapagos fur seals and Galapagos penguins.
