Expedition Stories

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

World View

8/21/2019

11 Min Read

My Wild Polynesia: Exploring Remote & Storied Islands

I was lucky to meet Lars-Eric Lindblad back in 1977; he immediately hired me to be a naturalist, lecturer, boat handler, and guide aboard his famous ship Lindblad Explorer, otherwise known as the “Little Red Ship.” This was the original Expedition Passenger Vessel, a designation made up by the U. S. Coast Guard by necessity in order to categorize this exceptional ship. Lindblad has been in the business of conducting expeditions, ever since. And now, under Sven Lindblad’s guidance, a fleet of 13 ships has replaced the original "Little Red Ship".

World View

5/1/2020

5 Min Read

The Indelible Mark of the Marquesas Islands

Tattoos are so ubiquitous around the world these days, it’s easy to barely even notice them at all. But there’s one place where the tattoos are so distinctive and artful they stand out from the inking seen anywhere else. That place is the remote and rugged Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.

World View

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Spotting Manta Rays

The Marquesas Islands are one of the few places where divers and snorkelers can see both the oceanic and reef species of manta rays. Their unique spot patterns can serve as data points to track the manta ray populations in this region.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

4/28/2025

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National Geographic Gemini

Tagus Cove and Fernandina Island

During a calm and nocturnal navigation, we made it to the western region of the archipelago. Here, colder temperatures enrich the waters, providing better quality and quantity of food for the species in the area. This is reflected in the size and numbers of the marine iguanas and the amazing amount of sea turtles we saw during snorkeling today at Fernandina. We are so excited to keep exploring this amazing destination aboard National Geographic Gemini.     Photos by Walter Perez and Ixora Berdonces

Daily Expedition Reports

4/28/2025

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National Geographic Endeavour II

Floreana Island

Our morning started with a walk on the sparkling green beach at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. We crossed to the other side of the point, stopping along the way to see flamingos in the lagoon right behind the green beach. After our hike, some of us enjoyed an exciting snorkeling excursion around Champion Island. Others enjoyed a ride in our glass-bottom boat where we saw plenty of fish, as well as Galapagos sea lions, a green sea turtle, and a whitetip shark.   The afternoon was just as fun, with a visit to Post Office Bay to drop off and pick up postcards from the barrel, a tradition that dates back to the whaling days of the late 18th century.   The day finished with a late afternoon kayak near Post Office Bay surrounded by sea turtles. It was a peaceful ending to this perfect day!

Daily Expedition Reports

4/28/2025

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National Geographic Sea Lion

Sitka, Alaska

The winds howled and the rain ran in Alaska today. National Geographic Sea Lion and her people sailed the Inside Passage from the mouth of Glacier Bay, down Chatham Straight, through Sergius Narrows to eventually make it to our destination, Sitka. Along the way we saw soggy bald eagles, drenched Sitka black tail deer, and submerged Dall’s porpoise.   In Sitka, we visited the National Historical Park, also known as Totem Pole Park. We braved the squalls and the heavy rain to walk amongst the beautiful trees and witness the poles and artifacts of the Tlingit peoples that still call this land home. It was a magnificent way to end a wonderful journey.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/28/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Ilhas Desertas, Madeira

Today we saw the rarest seal in the world! We explored the rugged coastlines of the Ilhas Desertas by Zodiac, marveling at towering cliffs and hidden caves. We went ashore to visit a scientific station working to protect the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal. In an incredible moment, about half our guests spotted a wild monk seal — one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth. Later, north of the islands, Captain Leo found a pod of short-finned pilot whales, ending a remarkable day.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/27/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

San Cristobal Island

San Cristobal Island is always full of surprises. In the morning, we visited Punta Pitt, and the outstanding landscape and creatures left our guests with a sense of wonder.   In the afternoon, we visited Cerro Brujo, one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. After a relaxing walk along the beach, we departed towards Kicker Rock to circumnavigate this dramatic rocky outcrop while we enjoyed a wine tasting experience on board National Geographic Delfina.