Snowy Island, Antarctica
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent, December 27, 2021
A curious weaner (baby elephant seal) takes a break from its nap to see what all of the commotion is about. —Tanish Peelgrane, Naturalist/Expedition Diver
Coiba National Park, Costa Rica
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, December 29, 2021
Snorkelers enjoyed swimming among the many colorful fish living along the reef and spotting a majestic green sea turtle feeding on algae, unconcerned with our presence next to it. —Cristian Moreno, Undersea Specialist
Bartholomew Island, Galápagos
Galápagos aboard National Geographic II, December 30, 2021
We had a surprise visitor: a curious and tired female sea lion was sleeping comfortably on one of our Zodiacs. She was very relaxed and even slept through the ride to the shore and back. Eventually, she jumped back into the water and swam away. —Gilda Gonzalez, Naturalist
Bahia Amortajada, Baja California, Mexico
Baja California: A Remarkable Journey, December 31, 2021
An amazing sunrise for the last day of 2021! —Kelly Coursey Gray, Naturalist
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, January 1, 2022
The highlight of the day was a pair of mountain lions encountered in the middle of Río Pargo trail. What a way to start our expedition, our adventure and of course, a new year. —Frank Simms, Naturalist
Marguerite Bay, Antarctica
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent, January 3, 2022
On a Zodiac cruise after breakfast, we enjoyed sunny and calm conditions with great wildlife viewing of a flock of Antarctic shags in particular. —Andrew Peacock, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Playa Blanca, Costa Rica
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, January 4, 2022
Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, a beautiful mammal that loves to hang out in treetops. —Gabriel Ortiz, Naturalist (photo by Frank Simms)
Isabela Island, Galápagos
Galápagos aboard National Geographic II, January 4, 2022
This morning, our expedition leader made an announcement over the PA system: someone spotted orcas near the ship! After breakfast, we boarded Zodiacs and headed out to see the orcas more closely. We carefully approached the pod and waited. Our patience paid off, and the pod grew curious and moved closer. One large male, four females, and at least two calves came to check us out. —Gilda Gonzalez, Naturalist
Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent, January 4, 2022
Guests aboard National Geographic Endurance enjoy birdwatching from the portside igloo. —Michael Nolan, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Bahía de Loreto National Park, Baja California
Exploring the Sea of Cortez: A Living Sea and Desert Isles, January 5, 2022
Orion rises from behind us as we start to explore the beach at night. The moon is only a sliver now so the sky is dark and full of stars. —Gemina Garland-Lewis, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
