Spirit Bear in British Columbia. Photo by Justin Hofman.
It was a busy day for guests aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird last week while sailing through British Columbia’s Inside Passage on our Alaska, British Columbia, and San Juan Islands expedition.
Saturday morning was spent with a group of killer whales and a humpback whale, which splashed and rolled off the bow of the ship. Later, after a Zodiac excursion and a naturalist-led walk on Susan Island, we continued heading northbound for Alaska. During dinner that evening, an excited call came from the bridge—“Spirit bear on starboard side!”—and everyone rushed onto the decks to witness this rare event. Kermode bears, also called “spirit bears,” are black bears with white or cream-colored fur caused by a recessive gene that’s unique to the species. Found on only a few islands in the world, they are seldom seen. For about 15 minutes, our delighted guests watched as the bear meandered along the coast before disappearing into the woods.
Book your own voyage to see incredible wildlife on National Geographic Expeditions’ 12-day Alaska, British Columbia, and San Juan Islands trip.
By Juan José Valdés, The Geographer at National Geographic, and the Director of Editorial and Research at National Geographic Maps.
Juan Jose Valdes at work. Photograph by Leslie Trew Magraw
Some of the world’s most historic and picturesque cities are instantly identified by their nicknames — The Big Easy, The City of Light, The Windy City, to name a few. Then, there are those cities whose monikers are more closely held. La Ciudad de las Columnas (The City of Columns), the name eminent Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier gave to Havana, is among them.
Continue Reading…
Roman rooftops from the terrace atop the Grand Hotel de la Minerve
On my way to join the inaugural departure of National Geographic’s new Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast expedition, I stopped in Rome to explore the Eternal City with Inside Italy travelers and Society expert Tim Jepson. Our journey through the wonders of this ancient city and the Vatican culminated with a private visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
Continue Reading…
Liberian Vice President Joseph Boakai speaks to National Geographic travelers aboard the Explorer. Photo by Jean Gortner
By Catherine Torphy
On April 16, 2012, travelers aboard the National Geographic Explorer were welcomed with warmth and celebration as they arrived in Africa’s west coast nation of Liberia. Dancers, drummers, and photographers greeted the ship when it docked in the capital of Monrovia. The excitement was palpable, as the 145 aboard represented perhaps the largest group of travelers to visit the country in many years.
Joseph Boakai, the Vice President of Liberia, joined guests on board that evening along with an entourage of dignitaries and media. After taking a tour of the ship, Boakai gathered with travelers in the ship’s lounge, where he talked about the remarkable strides his country has made since its civil war ended in 2003. He spoke eloquently of Liberia’s economic recovery and ongoing challenges, the important role of women, and the exciting potential for tourism.
Continue Reading…
Runners pace themselves along a tree-lined path near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Those of us who work at National Geographic’s Washington, D.C. headquarters know that spring’s a particularly beautiful time in this city, and that every season holds unique charms. This holds doubly true for photographers, who’ve got a multitude of subjects to choose from here, from gleaming neoclassical and contemporary monuments to people, the Potomac, nature, and a skyline that’s striking without soaring to intimidating heights.
We like it.
I had the privilege of exploring Washington in the best way—with camera in hand in the company of National Geographic photographer Mark Thiessen and avid fellow participants on one of our Weekend Photography Workshops.
Continue Reading…
© 1996-2011 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. 1-888-966-8687
Recent Comments