Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
SPECIAL OFFERS
- 2024 Signature Land Early Booking Offer
For a limited time, National Geographic Expeditions travelers can save on exciting Signature Land trips to North America and around the world. Book by September 5, 2023 and enjoy the following offers:
- Save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries
- Save $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries
Take advantage of these limited-time savings by calling (877) 728-7282, contacting your Travel Advisor or booking online with the Offer Code: SLEBR24.
This offer has limited availability, so reserve your trip soon!
Important Details
- Trip must be booked by September 5, 2023 to take advantage of this offer
- Booking begins June 7, 2023
- Offer excludes Jordan and Petra Extensions
- Valid on select Signature Land itineraries only
- Valid on new bookings only
- Available for online booking with the Offer Code: SLEBR24
- Offer is not combinable with any existing offers, discounts or promotions
- Offer availability is limited for each departure
- Disney Vacation Club Member Exchange: At least one person in the traveling party must book with Reservation Points when exchanging through Member Services.
Between June 7 and September 5, 2023, book select National Geographic Expeditions Signature Land itineraries and save: (1) $400 off per person on select North America Land departures; or (2) $500 off per person on select International Land departures. Valid only on select departures with travel start dates between January and December 2024. The per-person savings is taken from the non-discounted prevailing rate for each departure as quoted on the date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates are based on double occupancy, vary depending on departure date and time of booking, and are subject to change. Offer availability is limited for each departure. Travel must be booked 30 days prior to applicable departure date. Not applicable to deposit or extensions. Qualifying itineraries have an offer designation on the Special Offers box of the itinerary page on https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/. Any offer designations may not reflect real-time offer availability. Availability of the offer is subject to confirmation at time of booking and paying the standard trip deposit. Any courtesy hold, without payment of the standard deposit, will not guarantee availability of the offer for the selected departure date. Valid for new bookings only. Subject to availability at the time of booking. May not be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Not valid for group bookings. Offer valid for residents of the US and Canada (except for Quebec where the offer is only available to travel agents). Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to restrictions and conditions and may change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and trip standard terms and conditions.
Available Departures- Oct 18-27, 2024
- Dec 17-26, 2024
- Disney Vacation Club Member Special Offer: Save Up to $500 on Select 2023 Departures
For a limited time, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can save on select 2023 Signature Land and River Cruise departures. Book by July 24, 2023 for travel between June 2023 and December 2023 and enjoy savings on trips to amazing destinations throughout the world:
Save $350 per person on select 2023 North America Signature Land itineraries:
Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords
- August 30, 2023
- September 6, 2023
Canadian Rockies by Rail and Trail
- September 18, 2023
Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation
- October 10, 2023
- November 7, 2023
- December 5, 2023
Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks
- June 3, 2023
- September 23, 2023
- October 7, 2023
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- June 10 & 23, 2023
Save $500 per person on select 2023 International Signature Land itineraries:
- September 16, 2023
- December 4 & 28, 2023
Hiking the Alpe-Adria Trail through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy
- June 19 & 30, 2023
- July 21, 2023
Human History: Northern Spain and Southwest France
- June 1 & 8, 2023
- September 14 & 28, 2023
Iceland: Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Whales
- June 28, 2023
- July 20 & 27, 2023
- August 19, 2023
- September 3 & 15, 2023
Ireland: Tales and Traditions of the Emerald Isle
- June 29, 2023
- August 31, 2023
- September 21, 2023
Italy: Renaissance Cities and Tuscan Life
- June 14, 2023
- October 18, 2023
On Safari: Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya
- June 2, 2023
- July 9, 2023
- August 11, 2023
- September 30, 2023
- December 4, 2023
Morocco Photography Expedition
- September 16, 2023
Morocco: Legendary Cities and the Sahara
- October 7 & 21, 2023
New Zealand From North to South
- October 13, 2023
- December 29, 2023
- June 4 & 18, 2023
- July 16, 2023
- August 13, 2023
On Safari: Tanzania’s Great Migration
- August 16, 2023
- September 2 & 20, 2023
- December 27, 2023
Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas
- October 16, 2023
- November 12, 2023
Remembering D-Day: London to the Normandy Beaches
- June 1, 2023
Scotland Hiking Adventure: From the Highlands to Islands
- July 15 & 22, 2023
- August 5 & 19, 2023
Southern Africa Safari by Private Air
- August 30, 2023
- December 28, 2023
Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago
- June 16, 2023
- September 15, 22 & 29, 2023
- October 6, 2023
Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District
- June 4 & 25, 2023
- July 2, 16, 23 & 30, 2023
- August 13, 2023
The Holy Land: Past, Present, and Future
- November 11, 2023
- December 30, 2023
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders
- October 14, 2023
- December 30, 2023
Save $500 per person on select 2023 River Cruise itineraries:
Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise
- December 9, 2023
Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
- September 18, 2023
Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise
- December 7, 2023
Take advantage of this National Geographic Expeditions 2023 Offer for Disney Vacation Club Members by calling (877) 728-7282, contacting your Travel Advisor or booking online with the Offer Code: DVCNGE23
Important Information
- Book by July 24, 2023
- Offer is good for select itineraries and dates only
- This is a cash-only offer; Members cannot use Disney Vacation Club Points or a combination of points and cash
- Offer is for new booking only
- Offer availability is limited for each departure
- May not be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions
- Not all stateroom categories are available for booking; not valid for Suites
Between May 23 and July 24, 2023, Disney Vacation Club (“DVC”) Members who book select National Geographic Expeditions itineraries save: (1) $350 off per person on select North America Land departures; or (2) $500 off per person on select International Land and River Cruise departures. Offer valid only for select departures between June and December 2023, and offer availability is limited for each departure. The per-person savings is taken from the non-discounted prevailing rate for each departure as quoted on the date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates are based on double occupancy, vary depending on departure date and time of booking, and are subject to change. Travel must be booked 30 - 60 days prior to applicable departure date, depending on the itinerary. Not applicable to deposit, baggage fees, extensions, or airfare. Not all stateroom categories are available for booking, and the offer is not valid for Suites. Availability of the offer is subject to confirmation at time of booking and paying the standard trip deposit. Any courtesy hold, without payment of the standard deposit, will not guarantee availability of the offer for the selected departure date. Offer valid for new, cash bookings only; not valid for bookings with points or a combination of cash and points. Subject to availability at the time of booking. May not be combined with other offers, discounts, or promotions. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Not valid for group bookings. A limited number of staterooms of certain categories are available for the promotion. Offer valid for residents of the U.S. and Canada (except for Quebec where the offer is only available to travel agents). Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to restrictions and conditions and may change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and trip standard terms and conditions. Disney Vacation Club Members can book by calling National Geographic Expeditions directly. To receive these discounts, Members must be eligible for Membership Extras. Membership Extras is an incidental benefit subject to change or termination. Members should refer to the Membership Extras Acknowledgement and Disclosure Statement for more information or visit disneyvacationclub.com.
Available Departures- Oct 16-25, 2023
- Nov 12-21, 2023
- Discover the extraordinary undersea wonders of Palau, encountering spectacular reefs, corals, and marine species that the National Geographic Pristine Seas team documented on a 2014 expedition.
- Enjoy special access to private marine sites with our seasoned guides, who have spent years exploring the natural habitats of Palau.
- Snorkel over coral gardens teeming with fish, turtles, and reef sharks; kayak to a stalactite-adorned cave and a hidden lagoon; and swim among thousands of non-stinging jellyfish.
- Experience Palauan culture through a performance by a traditional dance group and a visit to an ancient bai, or meeting house, where community elders once gathered.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Identified by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project as one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, the Pacific archipelago of Palau is home to an aquatic wonderland of more than 1,300 species of fish and some 700 species of corals. This beautiful island nation is a world leader in marine conservation, with an ancestral tradition of environmental protection that dates back thousands of years, and an ambitious modern-day conservation program that includes the creation of a historic 193,000-square-mile marine reserve—one of the largest of its kind in the world. Set out on an unforgettable adventure to experience Palau’s treasures firsthand. Snorkel and kayak among emerald islets in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rock Islands, experience the “underwater Serengeti” of Ngemelis Island, hike through lush forests, and meet Palauan people who strive to honor and protect their natural heritage.
Please note: Due to local tidal cycles, some departures may operate on a slightly altered schedule in order to maximize snorkeling and kayaking opportunities.
Arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Palau and transfer to our beautiful hotel overlooking a turquoise lagoon.
Meet fellow travelers, our local Palauan guide, and our National Geographic Expert at an orientation briefing this morning. Then travel by boat to Nikko Bay, where we’ll learn about a coral-spawning study that was completed here, and enjoy a private snorkeling excursion in Rembrandt's Cove. After lunch, embark on a scenic hike to a perch overlooking a deep-water channel. Here, visit a former Japanese bunker to view WW II artifacts. Later, launch kayaks to explore a stunning, stalactite-adorned cave and paddle through a tunnel to a lake filled with delicate corals. This evening, learn about Palauan culture with a performance by a traditional dance group followed by a welcome dinner.
(2 hours snorkeling, 2 hours kayaking, 1-2 hours walking/hiking)
Board a speedboat for a visit to the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), which collaborated with National Geographic on the 2014 Pristine Seas expedition to document the biodiversity of Palau’s marine ecosystem. Hear about the PICRC’s involvement with the Pristine Seas project, launched by marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala to explore and help save the last wild places in the ocean. At center’s aquarium, get an introduction to Palau’s marine habitats, conservation efforts, and geologic history. Cruise to Risong Bay, nestled among the mushroom-shaped limestone islets of Chelbacheb—known as the Rock Islands—a World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and its extraordinary marine life. Swim through a shallow passage lined with pink sea fans to the oasis known as Mandarin Fish Lake, named for the eponymous and elusive fish species that live here. In the shelter of rocky outcrops, snorkel among reefs swirling with diverse fish species including crocodile fish, pajama cardinalfish, and gobies. (2 hours snorkeling)
Today, we snorkel in the sheltered lagoons of Ulong—one of the largest of the Rock Islands. Here, an astonishing aggregation of hundreds of bumphead parrotfish gather to spawn in the early morning. Snorkel among fields of branch corals and shimmering fish. Then venture ashore to hike to an ancient village and learn how Palauans once lived in this remote paradise. Pitch in with a local conservation project by planting a giant clam in a marine sanctuary and witness the fruits of over a decade of planting efforts. Following a barbecue lunch on the beach, explore the labyrinth of islands comprising Ngeruktabel. Snorkel among a myriad of colorful soft corals and swim through a spacious tunnel leading to a hidden lagoon. (3 hours snorkeling, 1-2 hours hiking)
Head to Palau’s Outer Reef and explore the protected coves of Carp Island. Here, untouched reefs teem with fishes, turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, garden eels, and much more. An easy swim to the reef's edge leads to a clear blue-water drop-off where colorful sponges and gorgonian sea fans line the vertical walls. The margin between reef and open ocean is home to some of the Indo-Pacific’s most prized fishes, including white spotted clown triggerfish and palette surgeonfish, along with an abundance of hawksbill and green sea turtles. From the coves of Carp Island we continue to Barnum’s Wall and the epic chasms that provide hiding places to schools of bump head parrotfish and brown marbled grouper. The chasms are also one of the best places in Palau to spot a host of stingray and shark species, including the graceful spotted eagle ray, the feather tail stingray, and the elusive zebra shark. (3 hours snorkeling)
Set out for a sand flat where our kayaks await. As the morning tide rises, paddle beneath a canopy of mangroves into a mile-long saltwater lake that is home to the ancient Micronesian cycad plant and endemic Palau fruit doves. As we explore by kayak, we’ll search for juvenile eagle rays and endemic plants found nowhere else on Earth. Ride the tide back out of the lake and continue to a white-sand beach for a picnic lunch. Later, explore the opaque waters of the Milky Way lagoon, where visitors can enjoy a white mud bath made from the lagoon’s limestone and calcium clay, which is believed to have healing powers. Finish our day with a snorkel among the multi-colored brain corals that thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the Rock Islands. (2 hours kayaking, 3 hours snorkeling)
Our first snorkeling site of the day is home to dozens of “super mollusks,” including giant clams that are more than a century old and weigh over 500 pounds. Next, it’s on to Rainbow Reef to snorkel among shoals where fish drift on gentle currents while feasting on plankton. Have lunch on Ngeanges island—which, after a successful initiative to clear invasive rodents—bustles with native bird species. Enjoy a walk in the forest, searching for chicken-like megapode birds and their enormous nests. Cool off with a refreshing snorkel, watching dazzling damselfish dart in and out of a colossal turbinaria coral formation. Snorkel at a cave where local conservation efforts have helped protect the cave’s corals from the predatory crown of thorns starfish. (4 hours snorkeling, 30 minutes walking)
Experience an "underwater Serengeti" at one of the world’s greatest snorkeling sites at the outer reef of Ngemelis, which the National Geographic Pristine Seas team identified as one of the most vibrant marine protected areas in Palau. After nearly 20 years as a "no-fishing zone," the Ngemelis Conservation Area allows for close encounters with Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and pyramid butterfly fish. We’ll snorkel spectacular sites including German Channel, where the Pristine Seas team filmed majestic manta rays and waters vibrating with vast schools of fish. Later, enjoy lunch on the water, venturing out a few miles to spot spinner dolphins and sperm whales. (4 hours snorkeling)
Set off early to the island of Mecherchar, home to one of Palau’s most famous natural wonders: Jellyfish Lake. This saltwater lake has been known to contain up to 20 million non-stinging golden jellyfish, whose ability to sting has weakened since the basin was cut off from the ocean hundreds of years ago and they were no longer at risk of being eaten. We’ll be among the first visitors of the day, enjoying a serene snorkel amid these harmless creatures. Later, hike back to our speedboat for a quick ride along the coast to discover a treasure of Micronesian history: a two-ton relic of the world’s largest—and heaviest—currency. On a private visit to the site, examine enormous stone money that was created by the ancient people of neighboring Yap—who traveled more than 200 miles by canoe to quarry the stone from the limestone-rich Rock Islands. Next, head to the quiet waters of Ngchus Cove and enjoy lunch on the beach, then visit a secluded bay that harbors fragile yellow sea horses and other marine life. This evening, visit at a local museum and view the museum's exhibits, including an ancient bai, or meeting house, where community elders once gathered. Our local Palauan guide will discuss past and present politics, and describe how Palauans have maintained their culture, language, and customs in the face of modernization. Return to Koror and toast our adventure at a farewell dinner this evening. (3-4 hours snorkeling, 45 minutes hiking)
Transfer to the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) and depart on homeward-bound flights. Please note that flights from Koror generally depart in the early morning. Homeward-bound flights should be booked for the morning of Day 10 and not the following morning.