Expedition Stories

Our fleet navigates the world in search of adventure. These are the stories they bring back…

World View

8/21/2019

11 Min Read

My Wild Polynesia: Exploring Remote & Storied Islands

I was lucky to meet Lars-Eric Lindblad back in 1977; he immediately hired me to be a naturalist, lecturer, boat handler, and guide aboard his famous ship Lindblad Explorer, otherwise known as the “Little Red Ship.” This was the original Expedition Passenger Vessel, a designation made up by the U. S. Coast Guard by necessity in order to categorize this exceptional ship. Lindblad has been in the business of conducting expeditions, ever since. And now, under Sven Lindblad’s guidance, a fleet of 13 ships has replaced the original "Little Red Ship".

World View

5/2/2020

5 Min Read

The Indelible Mark of the Marquesas Islands

Tattoos are so ubiquitous around the world these days, it’s easy to barely even notice them at all. But there’s one place where the tattoos are so distinctive and artful they stand out from the inking seen anywhere else. That place is the remote and rugged Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.

World View

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Spotting Manta Rays

The Marquesas Islands are one of the few places where divers and snorkelers can see both the oceanic and reef species of manta rays. Their unique spot patterns can serve as data points to track the manta ray populations in this region.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Follow Along

Daily Expedition Reports

6/2/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Heimaey

The morning transit to Heimaey was spectacular. We passed several gannet colonies on the offshore stacks and watched hundreds gracefully soaring to and from their cliffside nests searching for fish. We soon encountered a feeding frenzy with nearly 100 gannets soaring above a school of fish and 7-9 orcas feeding within the school! The gannets dove into the water, reminiscent of a volley of arrows launched from the ramparts of a castle by medieval archers. The pod of orcas actively pursued fish in their own way.   After lunch, we had a choice of a panoramic tour of Heimaey or hikes to the top of Eldfell, a potentially active volcano that last erupted in 1973. The tour viewed the puffin colony before visiting the famous Volcano Museum devoted to the 1973 eruption. The hikes attempted to climb to the peak of Eldfell, but unfortunately, the winds were so energetic that the guides wisely decided to turn back below the peak. Nevertheless, it was invigorating to be exposed to high winds on the side of a volcano that last erupted 52 years ago.   The evening (and voyage) concluded with the traditional captain’s dinner and guest slideshow. Future National Geographic photographers perhaps?

Daily Expedition Reports

6/2/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Bjørnøya, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

We woke to a dramatic, windswept seascape this morning. White-beaked dolphins and abundant seabirds traveled with us as we traversed open ocean waters to the Svalbard Archipelago.   Biosecurity and safety briefings were the order of the day heading into the arctic wilderness. The open sea crossing was also a perfect setting for Lars’ talk on Viking longboats.   Bjørnøya is not a place one decides to visit, rather, it’s a place we hope will invite us in. Sun and calm wind welcomed our arrival, and our expedition team prepared for a Zodiac cruise under the island’s stunning bird cliffs. Bjørnøya had other plans!  As conditions rapidly changed, the Zodiacs were secured and we enjoyed a still stunning and much drier ship cruise, with fulmars so numerous they could even be seen on the ships RADAR!

Daily Expedition Reports

6/1/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Djúpivogur, Iceland

The east coast of Iceland is one of the least visited areas of the island, but today we were lucky enough to visit the small village of Djúpivogur. Here, the community is focused on sustainability and an improved, slower pace of life. We went on different excursions to explore this remote area.   Some of us went on a hike to the black sand beaches of Úlfseyjarsandur. This area has been growing over the last couple of centuries, as the ocean is bringing sand from the south which is deposited in the bay. This means that the area we were walking on didn’t exist a hundred years ago, and the rocky outcrops on the beach used to be islets surrounded by the sea. This is a unique location and it’s an example of Iceland’s dynamic landscape.   Many birds nest in this area and we were able to observe some very curious harbor seals too. After lunch we had time to explore town and enjoy the tranquility and slow pace of this small community.   We sailed away after another incredible day exploring Iceland and our next destination calling us, the Westland Islands.

Daily Expedition Reports

6/1/2025

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National Geographic Endurance

Tromsø

Today we had a wonderful time visiting Tromsø, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, since several important polar expeditions departed from here. We visited interesting museums, tasted some local delicacies (including cod tongue and roe), and played with sled dog puppies. We couldn’t have asked for a better time!

Daily Expedition Reports

5/31/2025

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National Geographic Explorer

Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland

This morning, we awoke to a misty morning in Borgarfjörður Eystri with the promise of puffins. And we were not disappointed! Immediately next to our Zodiac landing was a cliff of puffins only an arm’s length away. We returned to these cliffs throughout the day, between our other adventures.   Many of us went on either a gentle or invigorating naturalist-led hike through lupine fields where we saw a variety of local birds and plants, and some of us even neared the foggy summit of Mt. Svartfell. Others explored the valley roads or backcountry trails of the area on e-bikes or enjoyed a tour of the remote hamlet of Bakkagerði. We refreshed ourselves at a local brewery and café, savoring our coffees, pints, and some exceptional cookies. Back on National Geographic Explorer for the evening, our bartender Klaus served his highly unusual but delicious creation: a cocktail (or mocktail) made from local rye bread. We rounded out the gorgeous day with a presentation from our historian Dorothee on the history and grammar of the Icelandic language.