Navy vet Neil O'Connor was a guest aboard National Geographic Orion this past season. Here is the story of this 91 year old's poignant return to the island of Attu in the Aluetian Islands chain.
See spectacular wildlife photos taken aboard National Geographic Orion in the Bering Sea. National Geographic photographers captured brown bears, arctic fox, killer whales, bald eagles and many other animals in the region.
The islands and coasts that ring the Bering Sea are teeming with birdlife and fascinating land mammals like muskox, arctic fox, and brown bears; while the surrounding waters are churning with whales, seals, otters, and more.
Inhabited mainly by wildlife and strikingly picturesque, the Kuril Islands are a land of extremes—of snow and volcanoes, of sea lions and arctic foxes. Learn more about this remote and remarkable place.
Guests of National Geographic Resolution enjoyed an unforgettable day on the South Shetland Islands, taking full advantage of a “Drake Lake” crossing to Antarctica. The adventure began with a visit to Barrientos Island where we encountered two species of penguins, gentoo and lively chinstrap penguins, offering a charming first glimpse of Antarctica’s wildlife. As the ship relocated over lunch, excitement rippled through the air when orcas were spotted in the distance, an incredible sighting of these apex predators. Afterward, most guests ventured onto Half Moon Island where they marveled at the historic Camara Base, observed majestic elephant seals, and studied whale bones and hardy lichens. The highlight was a close encounter with even more chinstrap penguins. The day ended with the Antarctic snow swirling around us, adding a truly authentic touch to the experience. What adventures will tomorrow bring as the journey continues around the White Continent?
We awoke this morning to low clouds and beautiful views as we transited through Peltier Channel. The winds were too strong for us to make a landing at Damoy Point, but when we exited into the Gerlache Strait to look for wildlife, we were met with a large pod of killer whales! In the afternoon, we made it to Fournier Bay where some ventured outside in Zodiacs and the rest got to kayak among the Antarctic ice. Humpback whales were our constant companions as we explored the calm waters of the bay. The day ended with a surprise after-dinner-landing at Danco Island, giving us our first visit to a large penguin colony. Enjoying time with the gentoo penguins was the perfect way to cap off an amazing day.
Floreana Island has been negatively impacted by human activity since the early eighteen hundreds. Explorers, pirates, and first colonizers brought with them domestic animals, which later became a big problem for the native and endemic flora and fauna of this Island. For the last decade the Galapagos National Park has been restoring the island, and hopefully by 2025 we will have giant tortoises, mega prickly pear cacti, and hopefully mockingbirds, all of them endemic to this Island.
Today, we arrived in Drake Bay at 5:00 AM aboard National Geographic Quest, marking the beginning of an exciting day of exploration in this vibrant region of Costa Rica. Our first adventure took us on a cruise along the Agujitas River where guests enjoyed a serene journey through the primary rainforest. The calm weather allowed for excellent wildlife spotting, including numerous bird species. The lush surroundings were a highlight, with guests immersed in the beauty of this rich ecosystem. After returning to the ship, we hosted our first presentation of the day, focusing on the fascinating Osa Peninsula and its ecological significance. This provided valuable insight before the afternoon's activities. In the afternoon, we landed at Caletas Beach, where we embarked on our first rainforest walks. There were several trails offered, catering to different levels of difficulty, allowing all guests to enjoy the natural wonders of the area. Highlights of the walk included a variety of wildlife sightings, such as colorful birds and unique plant life, ensuring that every guest had an unforgettable experience in this pristine environment. The day was perfect combination of adventure and education leaving everyone with a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonders of the Osa Peninsula.
This morning, we awoke to fantastic Antarctic conditions, kicking our trip off with a bang. We began the day at Portal Point, our first landing on the Antarctic Continent and for many, this was the seventh and final to be checked off the list. A great achievement! While ashore, we had the option to hike to the top of a nearby bluff or simply watch the passing humpback whales and gentoo penguins cruise by. After a hearty lunch, we arrived at Hunt Island where we offered a Zodiac cruise. Here, we were rewarded with many great sights, including more whales, Weddell seals, and calving glaciers. The hotel team also offered a surprise for us in the form of hot chocolates served right on the water! This treat could be taken straight or spiced up with some spirits. Once back on board, we received our official welcome from the captain and were also formally introduced to the expedition team. It was a fantastic first day.
