Expedition Stories

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

World View

12/18/2012

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2024: The Year in Expedition

In this video, revisit some of the most magical moments that guests experienced in 2024 aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet in the wildest corners of the world.

World View

3/19/2018

4 Min Read

Where to Observe Penguins Around the World

From Antarctica to New Zealand, our expeditions take you to far-flung destinations where you can see a plethora of penguins up close and alongside expert naturalists eager to illuminate every behavior.

World View

4/24/2019

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6 Epic Experiences for Adventurous Travelers

Our Epic Voyages are extended expeditions in our portfolio that afford travelers the rare opportunity to sail places far off the beaten path, where endemic creatures and ancient cultures thrive beyond the reaches of the outside world. Here are five exciting experiences you can have while on one of our Epic Voyages.

World View

A solo paddleboarder stops in front of a waterfall

4/30/2020

5 Min Read

Exploring with Glide: A Paddleboard with Purpose

Not all paddleboards are created equal! When it came to choosing a paddleboard supplier for Lindblad Expeditions' fleet, Glide SUP definitely stood out above the rest. Find out why this is the most sustainable and innovative board in the industry.

World View

5/14/2020

4 Min Read

Going Epic: The Case for Far-Reaching Travel

Author, travel writer for National Geographic and other publications, TV host and frequent Global Perspectives Guest Speaker aboard the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet, Andrew Evans is an authority on “epic.” He is the perfect person to ponder the outsize merits of longer journeys—and the breathtaking surprises that can only be found in the deep unknown.

World View

6/16/2020

2 Min Read

Celebrating Our Oceans: Fascinating Facts About Marine Life

Did you know that the majority of life on Earth is aquatic? It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given that our oceans cover more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface. But, for many of us, life underwater is mysterious and unchartered territory. From long-living species to maintaining a healthy ecosystem, ocean inhabitants are often responsible for maintaining keeping our planet running. Below are some fun facts to celebrate life under the sea.

World View

8/25/2020

1 Min Read

Many Happy Returns: Repatriating the Lindblad Crew

Due to the pandemic, there were a quarter of a million cruise line crew stranded—at or on ships that had suspended operations. Travel restriction and new regulation has made repatriation challenging. Find out how we moved mountains (and ships, and buses, and planes!) to safely repatriate 103 crew members who were still aboard two of our ships in Norwegian & Danish waters.

World View

4/7/2021

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The Artisan Effect

Discover how the Lindblad-National Geographic Artisan Fund gives back to local artisans in the destinations we explore.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

12/19/2024

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National Geographic Resolution

Spert Island

We were in our Zodiacs by 7:30am for a last excursion through the swell and ice of Spert Island and Farewell Rock. Between basalt cliffs, grounded icebergs, and clear turquoise waves, this landscape was one of the most dramatic we have seen. It was also our first opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony.   This adventure was under our belts by 9am and we had the rest of the day for brunch, rest, an art tour, waffles for teatime, a presentation by our National Geographic photographer, and our final recap.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/19/2024

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National Geographic Orion

Day at Sea toward Tauranga, New Zealand

Today was a sea day on National Geographic Orion as we sailed up the east coast of New Zealand followed by bottlenose dolphins towards our destination, Tauranga.   A sea day on our great ship is always full of activity, starting off the day with presentations from Cultural Navigator Tua and followed by Cultural Specialist and New Zealander Alex Hillary.   A fantastic Filipino/Asian themed lunch was prepared by Chef Rannie and his amazing team and ably served by Maître d’ Mio and his spirited team in a very joyous and excited room of hungry guests.   After a short rest from lunch, guests were invited down to deck two to judge a Christmas hallway of decorated doors. A competition was held where crew members would decorate their doorways in a Christmas theme, using whatever decorations they could find or make.   The Christmas spirit was truly alive with festive colors, decorations, and happy Christmas songs as guests were wowed by the artistry and original creations.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/19/2024

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National Geographic Islander II

Santiago Island

Today was the last full day of our expedition and we explored Santiago Island.   We started with a pre breakfast kayaking along Buccaneer Cove, where later in the morning we explored by snorkeling and by glass bottom boat. This place was full of wildlife and dramatic volcanic scenery.   During the afternoon we went to Puerto Egas, where some guests decided to go for a hike and others decided to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Sea lions were rolling around the shore and blue-footed boobies were plunging along the coast. What a great way to finish the day.   Our guests will likely remember this adventure forever.

Daily Expedition Reports

12/19/2024

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National Geographic Explorer

Paradise Bay and Danco Island

The phrase, “Red sky at night, sailors delight…” was an accurate forecast for today (sunset last night at Lemaire Channel was stunning). With calm, sunny, high wispy clouds, and cragged peaks emerging from thick blankets of highly sculptured and absolutely white snow, Paradise Bay was indeed a paradise.   After breakfast, we kayaked among growlers, bergy bits, and small icebergs, enjoying the stunning vistas and observing the ubiquitous gentoo penguins and several Weddell seals lounging on ice floes.   Just before lunch, some of us participated in the time-honored tradition of the Polar Plunge and received a coveted patch attesting to getting really cold and wet.   During lunch, we sailed to Danco Island for hikes around the gentoo colony and Zodiac tours through the ice fields. The penguins provided endless amusement as they constantly stole rocks from each other’s nests. A few eggshells were observed, suggesting that at least a few Gentoos had laid eggs, but lost them to the ever-watchful skuas. While the hikers were on shore and the Zodiacs were cruising, six humpback whales spent the afternoon circling National Geographic Explorer, presumably feeding. The blows were close and loud, and at least one mom-calf pair was sighted.   It was a spectacular day!

Daily Expedition Reports

12/19/2024

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Santa Cruz Island

We arrived at Academy Bay early in the morning. Santa Cruz Island has a large population of giant tortoises as well as the breeding center for giant tortoises that belongs to the Galapagos National Park. We had a great time observing tortoises in captivity as well as in the wild. We also had a great opportunity to see the saddleback tortoises as well as the dome-shaped carapace.   A very important aspect of the archipelago is not only the giant tortoises but also the unusual vegetation, such as the giant daisies and giant prickly pear cacti.   We had a great time exploring this island and observing the wildlife as well as spending some time with the local community.