DEC 2019
4 Min Read
Featured Articles
APR 2020
3 Min Read
The Inian Islands: Where Alaska's Wildlife Gathers
In Brief
JUN 2021
3 Min Read
The Wild, Wonderful & Weird Birds of New Zealand
Nearly half of New Zealand’s 200 fascinating bird species are endemic including an alpine parrot, tiny kororā penguin, and the iconic kiwi.
MAY 2021
4 Min Read
Coastal Europe: 6 Reasons to Explore From Portugal to Scotland
National Geographic photographer Alison Wright shares some of her favorite highlights along the European coastline--from enjoying a glass of local ruby port in Portugal to biking England's picturesque Tresco Island.
JUN 2021
5 Min Read
Secrets of South Carolina's Salt Marsh
South Carolina is home to about a half-million acres of salt marsh—more than any other Atlantic coast state. Find out what lies within this dynamic ecosystem on two brand-new itineraries.
JUN 2021
3 Min Read
Why Galápagos Makes the Ideal Summer 'Vaxication'
A new word has entered the lexicon—'vaxication'—coined to capture the sense of elation and possibility being vaccinated inspires. See why Galápagos is the natural choice for your first foray back to travel and adventure.
Daily Expedition Reports
Jun 21
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National Geographic Venture
Lake Eva and Saook Bay
Today we woke up in Hanus Bay to overcast skies with a bit of sunshine on the mountains of Baranof island. As our hard-working deck crew lowered the inflatable boats, we had a delicious breakfast prepared by our talented galley team. We disembarked the vessel from the fantail and headed to shore, with the Zodiac drivers taking extra care to land the boats on a very low tide. Immediately upon entering the forest, we were impressed with the size of old-growth Sitka spruce and eastern hemlock trees. Along the hike to Lake Eva, we saw many flowering plants, including watermelon berry, false Lilly of the Valley, and foam flower. Some of our guests also were lucky to observe a coastal brown bear near a stream. The “long hikers” explored the shoreline of Lake Eva and even observed our Expedition leader Shawn Lucas hugging a huge Sitka spruce tree. While we ate lunch, our skilled bridge team navigated us into protected Saook Bay, where we spent the afternoon exploring the bay via inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Over dinner, we headed into Hanus Bay and then north into Chatham Strait. Another excellent day exploring Southeast Alaska.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Quest
Saook Bay and Chatham Strait
As we entered Saook Bay before breakfast, deer were grazing in the intertidal zone with mirror perfect reflections of Baranof Island. Our morning was divided between kayaking in the bay and hiking along the edge of a large meadow. Flowers were abundant and made for great photo opportunities. A river otter den surrounded by flowering orchids was a particularly cool find. Although we didn’t spot any bears, we did see lots of sign including many fresh tracks in the mud. After lunch it was time to head into Chatham Strait and head south towards Petersburg. Numerous humpback whales were spotted including one that gave us an anatomy lesson. This whale repeatedly slapped its tail and slammed its pectoral flipper. Interspersed with our whale spotting we had presentations on killer whales and humpback whales, both of which we have had excellent encounters with on this voyage.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer’s Cove and Egas Port, Santiago Island.
After an overnight navigation from the western part of the archipelago, this morning the National Geographic Endeavour II dropped anchor at Espumilla Beach to visit one of the most important nesting grounds for Pacific green sea turtles. This morning we were very lucky. A few babies were just heading into the ocean just minutes after sunrise. At the same time, blue-footed boobies were plunge diving for fish, alongside brown pelicans and brown noddy terns. It was an incredible sight, and all before breakfast. Later, we headed for Buccaneer’s Cove for deep-water snorkeling, glass-bottom boat exploration, kayaking, and paddle boarding. After lunch, it was more deep-water snorkeling at Egas Port, where some guests opted for a coastline hike to round up a joyous day.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Isabela Island, Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove
We started our morning with an exciting hike in Urbina Bay. This place is always special because of the large number of land Iguanas all over the place, and today was no exception. Following this hike, jumping into the cool water was the best option for some of our guests. Back onboard National Geographic Endeavour II , naturalist Cristian Saa gave an interesting talk about human history on Galapagos, followed by an amazing Ecuadorian lunch! After a deserved siesta, it was time to go kayaking or snorkeling along Tagus Cove, where Galapagos penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguanas, sea turtles, flightless cormorants accompanied us. Galapagos animals are so calm that we could take all the pictures we wanted. Our wonderful day ended with a beautiful sunset with purple hues. More adventures await us tomorrow.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Venture
Petersburg, Kupreanof Island and Frederick Sound
Our second full day in Southeast Alaska began with soft light and low clouds as the National Geographic Venture tied up at the pier in Petersburg. We had a full day planned, with many activities scheduled in the morning. For the afternoon, we looked forward to exploring the waters of Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait, wrapping up with a sumptuous crab feast and post-dinner cruising into the long summer evening. Conditions dried out as the day progressed, even with hints of sunshine as the sun rolled into the western sky.