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

4/3/2025

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National Geographic Delfina

Santa Cruz Island

Today, we had the chance to spend our day among giants as we explored Santa Cruz Island to look for Galapagos giant tortoises. In the morning, we went to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to observe Galapagos giant tortoises and saw several, from the very young to adults. This is the best opportunity to see the saddleback tortoise which is exclusive to the archipelago.   After having lunch at a local restaurant, we got on a bus and headed to the highlands where we explored a local farm and looked for wild tortoises. We were surprised to find a couple mating tortoises and several juveniles and adults roaming the farm.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/3/2025

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National Geographic Islander II

South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands

The first full day of our expedition started with a visit to the small and wonderful South Plaza Island, home to a variety of wildlife, including the famous Galapagos land iguana. It was so amazing to walk nearby this unique reptile while they were heating up their bodies with the first rays of sun. During this fun walk we also spotted different species of birds, such as swallowed-tailed gulls, Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds. The highlight was walking through the colony of Galapagos sea lions. These adorable mammals were resting on rocks, and some mothers were nursing their babies.   Back on board National Geographic Islander II , a delicious breakfast was waiting for us so we could have energy for kayaking along the coast of this tiny island.   The afternoon was adventurous and exciting, as our guests snorkeled inside the calm bay of Santa Fe, having the chance to play with Galapagos sea lions, different colorful fish, and even a Galapagos shark!   Following this incredible adventure, we went ashore to the exclusive home of the Santa Fe land iguana. It was really fascinating to walk in a forest of gigantic Opuntia cactus looking for the iguana. And there it was!...light yellow, on top of a rock, receiving the last rays of sun. What an amazing day.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/3/2025

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Palouse River, Washington

Today we awoke on National Geographic Sea Bird anchored in the Snake River near the confluence of the Palouse River. After a delicious breakfast, we headed to shore via Zodiac and landed on a beach at Lyons Ferry State Park where an eventful morning of exploration ensued. Some set out to admire the canyon via Zodiac, while others chose to paddle a kayak around the protected lagoon at the state park. A third option for exploration was to take the coach up to the rim of the canyon to appreciate the spring melt as it pours over the lip of the canyon in a dramatic waterfall. There were many wonderful bird sightings today, as well as five mule deer.   This afternoon on board, we had two insightful presentations from Naturalist Kerri McAllister on the Missoula floods and from Wine Specialist Eric Degerman on wine production of the Pacific Northwest. The evening was spent cruising through dramatic clouds and low evening light, as well as brief rain, a hailstorm, and a huge rainbow.   We’re looking forward to exploring Hells Canyon tomorrow via jet boat on the last day of the first expedition of this year’s spring season here on the Columbia and Snake River.

Daily Expedition Reports

4/3/2025

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National Geographic Venture

Gorda Banks and Los Frailes

With fond memories of La Paz left in our wake, the sun rose with us to the sumptuous sights of the Los Cabos coastline—the end of the world for the Baja California Peninsula, and home to bustling bio fauna bursting about the benthic banks that have drawn fishermen and leviathans here for millennia.   Later in the day we enjoyed sights of humpback whales on our way to the brisk waters of Bahía Los Frailes, nestled next door to Cabo Pulmo National Park, with snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, beach walks and birding excursions—and maybe a beverage or two on the seashore.   But for today, nothing could live up to the morning’s excitement to be in the company of a dozen killer whales hunting off the Gorda Banks. From the largest male to the smallest newborn through the pod of matriarchs, the sea pandas swarmed us as they chased mobula ray and thresher sharks into fleeing to the skies. At one point a kill was made, and exuberant fluke slaps ensued as gulls, petrels, and fulmars picked at the scraps. What a special start to this exploration of the Gulf—one might even say it was killer. Onward!

Daily Expedition Reports

4/3/2025

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National Geographic Orion

Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

We made it to our third country of the trip-Bonaire! Nestled in the southern part of the Caribbean, Bonaire is one of the ‘ABC’ islands, which also includes Aruba and Curacao. Bonaire is a stunning island filled with natural wonders, beautiful Dutch-inspired colorful architecture, and gorgeous, healthy underwater life.