MAR 2019
1 Min Read
Featured Articles
MAR 2019
4 Min Read
The Inspiring Legacy of Freya Stark
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
George Island and the Inian Islands, Southeast Alaska
We spent our day around the northern entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage. In the morning we hiked George Island, exploring the wonderful forest and beaches, and learning about the role this island played during the Second World War. We ended our time at George Island by taking a polar plunge as a huge group! It was refreshing and exciting, and officially inducted many guests into the wilds of Southeast Alaska. While everyone was polar plunging for a few minutes, the undersea expedition team went on an hour-long polar plunge, scuba diving off George Island on a quest to find the weird, wild, and wonderful things that live under the sea! Once we all warmed up and ate lunch, it was time for the afternoon’s adventures! The tide was on the rise, so we took our expedition landing craft out to the Inian Islands to see what kinds of critters were taking advantage of all the swirling currents. We found sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and more! All of them were feasting on the fish that the tides brought in, and the action was nonstop in every direction. Just when we though the day could not get more terrific, we were greeted by humpback whales and a stunning sunset over the Fairweather Mountain Range. It was another remarkable day in Alaska!
Jun 21
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National Geographic Venture
Glacier Bay National Park
The National Geographic Venture entered Glacier Bay National Park bright and early, and we woke up to a beautiful view of the icy blue Marjorie Glacier. After a rainy morning on the bow of listening to the “white thunder” sounds of the glacier calving, we cruised through the park fjords, entertained by black bears, mountain goats, sea otters, and Steller sea lions galore! We ended our day with a mossy, forest hike around Bartlett Cove and returned to the ship with to soak in the late night sunset. Today was extra special because our younger explorers aboard completed their National Park Junior Ranger program. A few inductees wrote these great poems to capture their experiences in Glacier Bay National Park: The glaciers are blue Bears roll rocks to find dinner Bears are humongous. Evan Petrey , age 9 Animals are amazing creatures Humpbacks eat krill and small fish. Davis Petrey , age 7
Jun 21
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Santa Cruz Island & Bachas Beach
We started our day in the Santa Cruz highlands exploring a unique geological formation called Los Gemelos, located in a cloud forest with scalesia trees, where we spotted several species of finches. Then we headed to Manzanillo Ranch for lunch and an incredible visit with the iconic giant tortoises. We had our last outing of the day at Bachas Beach, where we spotted three flamingos in a brackish lagoon. As the sun set in beautiful colors of baby purple and pale pink, some of us recorded the moment with cameras, others absorbed the experience in their minds and hearts.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Quest
Skanax Bay, Southeast Alaska
We awoke before breakfast to enjoy the sights of humpback whales diving and feeding at the mouth of Saginaw Bay. Fresh coffee was brewing as a young calf kept alongside its mother as she rested between breaths. A playful sea otter seemed to want to play with the calf while the mother skirted her child away. Harbor seals lay on rocks nearby, looking on with curiosity, as the National Geographic Quest sailed past. Kelp forests floated near shore harboring a striking diversity of invertebrates and algae. While our dive boat went out to collect footage to share, our guests explored a section of Skanax Bay known as Halleck Harbor. Kayaks and paddleboards scattered themselves around the bay to allow our guests to get up close and personal with the intertidal life of Southeast Alaska. Meanwhile, several guests embarked on a bushwhack across Kuiu Island, eventually meeting up with the rest of beach party.
Jun 21
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Punta Cormorant and Floreana Island
Floreana Island has been severely impacted by introduced animal species since the early 1800s, a situation the Galapagos National Park has started addressing for about a decade and will continue until the eradication program is complete. We have already witnessed the positive impact on the islands because its recover has been amazingly well managed. If we recount all the great experiences we had today, we would fill many pages. We are thrilled that the National Geographic Endeavour II is sailing in Galapagos once again. To finish our day, we had a spectacular sunset.