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.

World View

7/10/2022

3 Min Read

What to Expect: Crossing the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal—one of the seven wonders of the modern world—has been a key conduit for international maritime trade since it was completed at the turn of the last century. Read more from Expedition Development Manager Ted Kenefick about the profound and poignant experience of crossing the canal for the first time.

Showing 12 of 12

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

5/15/2025

Read

National Geographic Sea Lion

Endicott Arm, Southeast Alaska

It was a glorious first day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion . Overnight, the ship transited from Juneau to Endicott Arm where we spent the majority of our day. Our first operation was a Zodiac cruise to Dawes Glacier where large groups of harbor seals bobbing between bergs stole the show. After lunch, we maneuvered toward the mouth of the fjord where we were treated to viewings of a cinnamon-colored black bear and a humpback repeatedly feeding at the surface.   Following a lively recap, National Geographic Sea Lion found herself motoring toward Haines where a day of adventure awaits us tomorrow.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/15/2025

Read

National Geographic Resolution

Kongsfjorden and Signehamna

Our expedition got off to a great start with beautiful weather and scenery all around us. The morning began with staff introductions, a few briefings, and biosecurity cleaning of our gear. We cruised into Kongsfjorden to linger along the incredible Lilliehookbreen glacier. This tidewater glacier’s ice meets the sea at a width of seven kilometers.   After lunch, we enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon of hiking and kayaking at Signehamna. The hikers went up the hill and were treated to wide views of the fjord, the mountains, the glacier, and wildlife, including snow buntings, an arctic fox, and rock ptarmigan. Kayaking took place in the calm bay with fast ice, common and king eiders, and a great skua, along with birds starting their nesting season up on the cliffs. Black-legged kittiwakes, Brunnich’s guillemots, and glaucous gulls soared above while guests paddled around the serene waters.   We ended our fun-filled day with the Captain’s Welcome cocktail party in the Ice Lounge.

Daily Expedition Reports

5/15/2025

Read

National Geographic Sea Bird

Haines, Alaska

Nestled between the northern reaches of the Lynn Canal, eastern border of Glacier Bay National Park, and the outflow of the Chilkat river, Haines Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.   Today’s activities ranged from float trips down the Chilkat River, starting at the ancestral homeland of the Klukwan, to hiking and biking on the outskirts of town. Calm winds and lots of recent migratory arrivals made birdwatching an eventful bonus to many of these activities.   A few of us took to the smaller freshwater rivers in search of aquatic species. Dolly Varden is a species of salmonid, related to salmon but not built to transition into saltwater environments like other anadromous fish like Coho or Chinook salmon. With local guides, our guests caught and released numerous Dolly Varden on their fly-fishing adventure.   With the rain holding off for yet another day, we are off to a great start on this inaugural Southeast Alaska trip of the season for National Geographic Sea Bird .

Daily Expedition Reports

5/15/2025

Read

National Geographic Quest

Desolation Sound

Today was a lovely introduction to the expectations of this temperate rainforest. Our morning was spent cruising towards Desolation Sound in search of wildlife. We had an incredible presentation from our Tlingit guest speaker, Jim Thomas, and an introduction to smartphone photography with a presentation from Photo Instructor Alex.   After lunch, guests had two rounds of Zodiac tours into Prideaux Haven, a stunning glacially carved archipelago filled with sea stars, algae, ducks, and the misty mystical-ness of British Columbia. It was a fun full day on board National Geographic Quest !

Daily Expedition Reports

5/15/2025

Read

National Geographic Islander II

South Plazas and Santa Fe Islands

Our day began with a wildlife-packed morning on South Plazas Island, where we watched with fascination as seabirds used the updraft to soar back and forth along the cliffs. Afterwards, we kayaked along the neighboring island of North Plazas. Sea lions clambered up the boulder-strewn shoreline, and lava herons hunted crabs.   We navigated to Santa Fe Island in the afternoon and enjoyed a snorkeling excursion. Curious sea lions played with each other, and multiple Pacific green sea turtles swam by serenely. Much to our amazement, a school of eleven spotted eagle rays glided by in formation! We went ashore in the late afternoon to explore Santa Fe’s unique landscape and giant opuntia cactus forest. What a wonderful end to our day!