Before what became a grand sunrise, we were on the shore for some top birding and hiking in the forest. Many birds started moving around and calling incessantly and before mid-morning we had a good 40 species on our lists, including some Australian endemics. Later in the day we hiked to a cultural site with beautiful Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) art and finished the day with some cocktails on the beach while a massive saltwater crocodile observed us patiently!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 11 Jun 2024
Vansittart Bay and Jar Island, 6/11/2024, National Geographic Orion
- Aboard the National Geographic Orion
- Australia and New Zealand
Santiago Imberti, Naturalist
An ornithologist, photographer, fisherman, climber, and writer, Santiago Imberti was born and raised in southern Patagonia, Argentina. He obtained a degree in tourism and later in ornithology, which allowed him to combine his love for nature and the ...
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Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia
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7/31/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Komodo National Park
As the sun rose, we boarded our Zodiacs and made the short trip to the long-anticipated land of dragons. On a trip bookended by giant reptiles, a visit to Komodo National Park proved to be one of the highlights on a trip full of spectacular sights. Our onshore orientation was quickly interrupted by an appearance by one of the hulk lizards that make this park famous. As we strolled through the forest, we encountered multiple Komodo Dragons and learned a little more about their lives on the island with each encounter. The forest also brimmed with other wildlife from Timor deer to ornate sunbirds. In the afternoon we traded the wildlife above water for those below. Snorkeling off a gorgeous pink beach was an unforgettable experience. The reef teemed with life in abundance and variety that is truly hard to comprehend. It was a true privilege to experience a prime example of what the Coral Triangle has to offer.
7/30/2024
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National Geographic Orion
Sumba Island, Indonesia
This morning, we arrived at the beautiful beach of Puru Kambera on the north coast of Sumba Island. Guests were treated to some beautiful snorkeling among some relatively healthy coral and many schooling fish. It was also a great opportunity for us to take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach and up into the dry forest behind it to do some birdwatching. Over lunch, the ship repositioned into the port of Waingapu where we disembarked National Geographic Orion and boarded buses for an afternoon of culture. The people of the village were incredibly warm and welcoming and put on a great performance of song and dance. After the performance, we had an opportunity to do some shopping for souvenirs, as there were many beautiful Ikats on display for sale.