Expedition Stories

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

World View

12/30/2019

4 Min Read

Getting to Know the Guna People

Spending a day under the coconut palms of Guna Yala, off the northeastern Caribbean coast of Panama, is a rare chance to experience a traditional way of life that can also seem decades ahead of its time.

World View

5/18/2022

3 Min Read

Wild Personalities: Coati

A close relative of the raccoon, the coati inhabits The Americas where it can be spotted from Arizona all the way down to northern Uruguay.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

12/2/2024

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National Geographic Orion

Ulva and Rakioura Stewart Islands

After a couple of days at sea, the sheltered and forest-lined shores of Paterson Inlet made for a dramatic change of scenery this morning. The winds were slack, making our Zodiac rides ashore all the more pleasant. The pest-free Isle of Ulva provided a cacophony of native bird song and the temperate rainforest plants and lichens made for a kaleidoscope of reds (rata flower), greens (ferns) and yellows (lichens).

Daily Expedition Reports

12/1/2024

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National Geographic Orion

At Sea, Macquarie Ridge, and Snares Islands

With following seas and a clear horizon, it was a superb day for sea-watching from the outer decks. Keen birders gathered on the bow to get rare close-up views of highly pelagic seabirds. The bird theme continued when, at sunset, we witnessed an astonishing abundance of sooty shearwaters as they readied themselves for their nightly return to land on the Snares Islands (all two million of them!).

Daily Expedition Reports

12/1/2024

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National Geographic Explorer

Deception and Livingston Islands, Antarctica

We look up to dramatic cliffs of Neptune’s Bellows as National Geographic Explorer slips through the passage into Deception Island. This volcanic island remains active, as noted by the steam billowing out from the beach of Whaler’s Bay. Remains of industrial whaling line the shore in the form of metal tanks, abandoned boats, and skeletons of the whaler’s harvest.   After hiking to incredible viewpoints, we set out to Edinburgh Hill on Livingston Island. This assemblage of columnar basalt is breathtaking, and our skillful bridge team set us up for stunning views. With calm winds we set towards King George Island, wrapping up our amazing expedition in Antarctica.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/1/2024

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National Geographic Endeavour II

North Seymour and Rábida Islands

Are there pirates in the Galapagos Islands? Well, North Seymour Island has a large colony of frigatebirds known as the pirates of the sky. With a large wingspan of seven feet and weighing approximately a kilo, these fast and maneuverable seabirds are skilled thieves, posing a threat to other seabirds. Gulls and boobies share this island along with the pirates. We had a great nature walk focused on natural history and the ecology of the islands. It was an amazing morning on this small island.   In the afternoon, we visited Rábida Island, known as the red island due to the high concentration of iron minerals found in volcanic rock. Snorkeling was a lot of fun. Rábida is home to greater flamingos. They gave a fabulous display right in front of our eyes. We captured their interesting social behavior in the best light of the day, just before sunset. As we departed the island, a Galapagos hawk gave us a pleasant farewell. What a fantastic day!

Daily Expedition Reports

11/30/2024

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National Geographic Resolution

The Drake Passage to Ushuaia

We awoke to a Drake shake. Light-mantled albatrosses soared around the stern of the ship, dancing with the wind ever so gracefully. We started the morning with a presentation from our visiting scientist Dan, who shared the interesting work on phytoplankton he had been conducting during the journey. That was followed by Naturalist Johnny presenting on acoustics.   During the afternoon, we celebrated our entrance to the Beagle Channel with ice cream and then proceeded with the voyage slideshow that was enjoyed by all. For our final dinner of the trip, we were treated to an Argentinian feast, which was very fitting as we arrived back in Ushuaia.