Featured Articles
4/16/2024
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What to Expect: Kayaking in Antarctica
In this episode of What to Expect, Expedition Leader Mike Jackson prepares travelers for a safe and exhilarating kayaking experience in Antarctica.
In Brief
4/5/2024
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Photos of the Week, April 5, 2024
Guests aboard National Geographic Venture witnessed a rocket launch, while National Geographic Explorer explored South Africa and National Geographic Sea Bird cruised the Columbia River.
4/2/2024
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Expedition Spotlight: Experience the Canadian Maritimes
In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, join Cultural Specialist Susan Flanagan as she reveals what discoveries are in store on our Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland expedition.
3/29/2024
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Photos of the Week, March 29, 2024
This week's photos from the field included a rare river otter sighting in Patagonia, gray whale encounters in Baja California, and a shark off the coast of South Africa.
3/29/2024
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Expedition Spotlight: Discover Patagonia’s Karukinka Natural Park
In this Expedition Spotlight, Expedition Leader Dan Olsen reveals what makes Karukinka Natural Park so special and how we're helping to protect this awe-inspiring region.
Daily Expedition Reports
4/17/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Crow Butte and Cruising the Columbia River
National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Crow Butte in the early morning while guests on the bow enjoyed viewing the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Guests had the option of an aerobic hike, nature hike, photo hike, and history walk around Crow Butte and Crow Butte Campground. The beauty of the area awed guests, sporting views of local vineyards, dams, wildlife refuges, and the dry sagebrush-step ecosystem that dominates the area. Guests spied a variety of wildflowers and birds of prey, including spotting a golden eagle. After hiking, guests enjoyed a hot beverage on shore brought by National Geographic Sea Bird’s hospitality team, followed by an informal chat on food, wine, and energy by Naturalist Patrick MacQuarrie and Wine Expert Eric Degerman. After lunch, the ship transited the McNary Dam and Lock, the last one on the Columbia River. Guests were treated to an expert presentation on geology by Naturalist Kyle Bowman, and ‘Lewis and Clark Lead to World’s No.1 Wine’, presented by Wine Expert Eric Degerman. The evening concluded with cocktail hour, traditional recap, and dinner while sailing through the Wallula Gap.
4/17/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill, Borrero Bay and Daphne Major Island
Today we arrived at Cerro Dragon on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island. The outing allowed us to visit the home of one of the most emblematic creatures of the archipelago, the yellowish, golden Galapagos land iguanas. Later, we went for an amazing snorkeling excursion to enjoy the deep blue waters with playful sea lions and lots of sea stars. In the afternoon, we arrived at Bahia Borrero where we explored the bay by kayaking and paddle boarding, looking for baby sharks and rays in the mangrove forest. Just before sunset we circumnavigated around Daphne Major Islet, a very important study site for the famous Darwin finches. It was another amazing day full of adventure in the Galapagos!
4/17/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Fogo, Cabo Verde
On our second day in Cabo Verde, we explored the island of Fogo. During our tour of the island, we were able to witness the different types of lava that the most recent volcanic eruptions have left behind. Driving and walking across the moon-like landscape, we made our way to the peak of the island, which reaches almost 10,000 feet. We also visited one of the many vineyards that pepper the island and marveled at the resilience of its inhabitants, still re-building after the last eruption in 2014.
4/16/2024
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island
Today National Geographic Endeavour II anchored at Academy Bay on the southeast side of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy a day full of amazing experiences. We started with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Station and National Park Headquarters. Afterwards some of our guests chose to explore the hydroponic farm of the Ochoa family, while others went to El Trapiche, a sugar cane farm of the Cabrera family in the highlands. In the afternoon we enjoyed a walk among the Galapagos giant tortoises along their migration route through the farming area. Afterward, we explored the town of Ayora before returning to the ship. Back on board we enjoyed meeting artisans from the islands, an interesting presentation on conservation work by one of the scientists from the Darwin Station, and a great performance by musicians and dancers. We had such a wonderful time!
4/16/2024
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National Geographic Islander II
San Cristóbal Island
Today's expedition took us to the diverse landscapes of San Cristóbal Island. We experienced the nesting sites of blue and red-footed boobies at Punta Pitt and encountered playful dolphins during our navigation to Cerro Brujo, a pristine beach paradise.