Expedition Stories

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

Featured Articles

World View

10/18/2024

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Photos of the Week, October 18, 2024

This week's photos from the field include shots from National Geographic Endurance in South Georgia Island, a pod of dolphins in the Galapagos, and landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. 

In Brief

World View

9/27/2024

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Photos of the Week, September 27, 2024

This week's photos from the field included antics from sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, stunning panoramas on both coasts of Canada, and a beautiful view of Sea Cloud's riggings as she sails for the Croatian coast. 

Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

10/21/2024

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National Geographic Sea Bird

Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock

The day began in the cool, temperate conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest, an area created by the rain shadow effect of the Cascade Mountain Range. National Geographic Sea Bird transited the Bonneville Lock and Damn system, the first of eight locks she will cross on her way to Clarkston, Washington.   After cruising in the morning and a filling lunch onboard, guests disembarked for an afternoon of activity! First up on the itinerary is a stop at Multnomah Falls, one of the most visited sights in the Columbia River Gorge. Guests were then taken to the Bonneville Hatchery to learn about the salmon rearing process, then those looking for a little exercise had the opportunity to hike to the top of Beacon Rock for spectacular views of the Columbia River.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/21/2024

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National Geographic Sea Lion

Hells Canyon

Today we awoke to gorgeous, moody clouds over the Lewis and Clark Valley before boarding jet boats to travel up the deepest river gorge in America. The wildlife was plentiful. We saw river otters, bald and golden eagles, big horn sheep, kestrels, kingfishers, and a late migrating white pelican.   After a full day with every type of weather you could ask for, we returned to National Geographic Sea Lion for an evening with our incredible speakers, Coco Umiker and JR Spencer.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/21/2024

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National Geographic Quest

Cispata Bay and Sanguare Private Reserve

Our first day exploring the Caribbean coast of Colombia began by exploring a protected mangrove estuary in Cispata Bay. Right after sunrise, we loaded local outboard engine boats (pangas) and left to explore the protected mangrove forests. Several large-billed terns, together with sandwich terns, were doing short plunge dives to catch their morning meals. Egrets, herons, and many other species of birds were also in search of their meal. We were delighted with the birding activities around this productive estuary.   For many years, the population of American crocodile in the bay was declining because of poaching. An organization known as Asocaiman has been reintroducing the American crocodile in this estuary and we had the opportunity to release several juvenile crocodiles into the water.   Our afternoon activities were held in the private reserve of Sanguare. Endemic birds of the region were seen by some of our guests. Others enjoyed the tropical water by kayaking or just relaxing along the beach.   Our activities ended with a cultural program. A local band performed Caribbean music along with dances. We loved it all and embarked National Geographic Quest to share our joy from the day.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/21/2024

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National Geographic Orion

At Sea

We spent the day at sea enjoying life onboard National Geographic Orion . Leaving Norfolk Island and the tropics in our wake, we steered a course 137.5 degrees to the south, destination- Aotearoa.   We were entertained by the onboard facilities, enjoyed a scrumptious brunch, and a surprise Fruhschoppen (sausages, pretzels, and pints). We were also regaled with information from the natural history staff about our upcoming destination, the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand.

Daily Expedition Reports

10/20/2024

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National Geographic Orion

Norfolk Island

Today we were exceptionally fortunate that the ocean swell had subsided overnight, allowing us to access the dock by Zodiac and make a safe landing on Norfolk Island.   This small volcanic rock in the southern Pacific Ocean is in a very remote location between New Caledonia and New Zealand. It is a territory belonging to Australia and has a remarkable history, including its former time as a British penal colony and its settlement of the descendants of the Tahitian and Bounty mutineers of Pitcairn Island.   We toured the beautiful island by bus and enjoyed commentary from local guides describing the inhabitants' everyday lives. On a pleasant sunny day, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of a fish fry in a wonderful outdoor setting on the foreshore.   Back onboard, we were entertained by the spectacular National Geographic Orion crew show and we danced late into the evening.