6/25/2020
4 Min Read
Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…
6/25/2020
4 Min Read
The Amazon crowns the top of most world travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The colossal river and its surrounding jungle are home to a thriving wonderland of plants and animals, not to mention a rainforest that serves as the oxygen-producing lifeblood of our planet. While the Amazon will always be a must-see, there are four less-traveled destinations in this region of South America that teem with their own unique natural wonders.
2/19/2021
4 Min Read
These rare sights from South America and beyond take some effort to visit, but you’ll be wholly rewarded when you arrive. Here are five wonders to be discovered—if you’re willing to go the distance.
1/11/2023
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In this new short film, Jacob Edgar takes us inside his record label’s studio.
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4/24/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Today's adventure whisked us away to enchanting Futuna, where tales of resilience and tradition echo through the land. Guided by experts, we journeyed back in time, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Lapita civilization. Marveling at ancient artifacts, we admired the ingenuity of past generations. Our exploration led us to the World's Last Cannibal Oven, a poignant reminder of Futuna's complex history. Amidst verdant taro plantations, we learned of the island's defiance against Tongan invasions, preserving its cultural identity. We visited the Cathedral of Poi, where locals honor Saint Pierre Chanel, whose legacy resonates across Polynesia. A cultural war dance immersed us in Futuna's vibrant spirit, brimming with tradition. We reveled in local delights, from snorkeling in pristine waters, to basking on sandy shores. As the day closed, we shared tales over tea and cocktails, cherishing our connections to Futuna's past and present.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
As we sail towards the Azores, we come into what was traditionally whale hunting territory, chiefly by the Basques, a hardy nation within a nation who were hungry for resources. While the earliest evidence of the trade in whale blubber was in the 11th Century, it is not certain whether Basque whalers were simply harvesting blubber from whales that washed up, rather than hunting. By the end of the 12th Century, 46 ports in the north of Spain were associated with whaling across the entire country, not limited to Basque County. Carlos, an ethnographer of whaling, gave us an excellent introduction to the history of this brutal trade to prepare us for our days to come. Basque whalers, he told us, were famously used by Northern European countries to exploit the maritime resources of the northern islands in Europe and Labrador. The cultures of the islands we have visited during this trip have been incredibly diverse, and we were happy to be able to visit Ilhas Desertas for the first time; to land, dive, and conduct science.
4/23/2024
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National Geographic Orion
This morning National Geographic Orion entered the calm waters of Wallis Island, an atoll. We landed with our Zodiacs to a greeting from the local people of Wallis. We were welcomed with a traditional dance and musical performance, along with fresh fruits and coconuts. In the afternoon, we enjoyed our own private motu. With perfect conditions, we deployed the kayaks and standup paddleboards, we snorkeled and swam, we had even more fresh fruit and coconut. It was a quintessential afternoon in the middle of the South Pacific. We returned to National Geographic Orion just before sunset. Another day of adventure awaits us.
4/23/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
To make the most of La Palma Island, we got a very early start today. As the city was still waking up, we walked along the cobbled streets within centuries old architecture. Beautiful wooden balconies with many decorative plants punctuated the colorful houses at the perfect golden hour. The woodwork, textures, and even the different shapes of the doorknobs were fascinating. The island was of enormous importance during trading with the Americas, especially sugar cane. Many traces are still present from those pirate days, including the extensive banana plantations. Some of us toured volcanos of the past and present, among rugged landscapes. The views of the island and the ocean were superb. We all had a chance to taste wines from this volcanic island, and once again we enjoyed a wonderful lunch full of local delicacies.
4/22/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Wow! It was our second day in Samoa and it was another very special adventure. Overnight, we repositioned to the village of Savaia where people were waiting impatiently for us. We were the first ship to ever come to this part of Samoa, and the locals were as thrilled as we were for this visit. We were welcomed by everyone in the village, and the men and women performed a beautiful and colourful dance for us. Afterward, they told us about the Giant Clam Sanctuary that has been in the lagoon in front of the village for 30 years. We then went snorkelling right there, enjoying the water and the abundant clams, some of which were huge! Back on board after an adventurous Zodiac ride, we had a very informative and interesting afternoon with two impressive lecturers. Traditional navigator and Polynesian leader, Tua Pittman, explained the modern Polynesian voyaging canoes, and Doctor Hillary Smith, guest scientist on board, told us about her research on coral reefs. Next, we’re headed to Wallis!