AdventureSmith Explorations

09/04/2026

You pose, I pose 📸

Seeing a rare animal in person is a special feeling. Spotting the Galápagos giant tortoise, for example, is one of those experiences that sticks with you.

Getting up close to a species so uniquely adapted to its surroundings, that even different volcanoes on the same island are home to distinct giant tortoises, puts into perspective just how special the Galápagos is.

For National Wildlife Day, we’re thinking about how experiences like this make protecting places like the Galápagos feel all the more important.

08/28/2026

Meet Magellan Discoverer, Antarctica’s newest air-cruise ship.

Launching this December, she’s built to meet stringent environmental standards without giving up space, comfort or expedition activities. She even has an elevator and wet/dry science lab for hands-on exploration.

The best part? You’ll only share your polar adventure with 75 other travelers.

Be among the first aboard during her inaugural season: https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/cruises/antarctica/ships/magellan-discoverer/ -Trip

08/20/2026

In the Field Report – Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay aboard Wilderness Discoverer

“I’m seeing firsthand that Alaska still has plenty to offer later in the season.

The excitement started when a humpback whale chose to follow alongside the ship, riding in our starboard wake. Late summer is when humpbacks actively feed, so it was a treat to see one before they start their southern migration.

The adventure continued when we got to witness a glacier calving. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how powerful and active Glacier Bay’s landscape is.

The latest thrill was cold plunging off the bow. Yes, it’s mid-August, but the water is still a lot colder than you might think!”

-AdventureSmith’s Kiel S.

08/12/2026

Dozens of ships are lined up in the path of totality for today's solar eclipse. Watch it live from home on NASA's livestream:

Come watch the eclipse with NASA.On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a total s...

08/12/2026

Today, thousands of travelers are cruising with a specific goal in mind: see a total solar eclipse. Ships sailing in the North Atlantic & Mediterranean (specifically near eastern Greenland, western Iceland or eastern Spain) are right in the path of totality.

Missed this one? Get aboard a small ship and witness the next moment of totality unfold between two continents on August 2, 2027 in the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar. Save your spot:

Discover upcoming solar eclipse cruises and tours. Get aboard a 2026 total solar eclipse cruise in the Arctic with our expertise.

07/31/2026

In the Field Report – Aqua Lares Svalbard & The Arctic Circle

“My time aboard Aqua Lares has been a real treat. I’ve seen so many quintessential arctic animals like walruses, an arctic fox and a polar bear. It was extra special spotting a reindeer because the Svalbard reindeer are an endemic subspecies found nowhere else in the world. We also stopped in Ny-Ålesund, where you can find the world’s northernmost post office.

I’ve kayaked, taken 2 polar plunges and did daily shore landings, and I can’t believe my basecamp is the 1st superyacht sailing in the Arctic with only 29 other people.”

-AdventureSmith’s Lisa Smith

07/20/2026

Named after the famed explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, the MV Magellan Explorer is the first small passenger ship purpose-built for Antarctica fly-cruises. Our expert skipped the Drake Passage and shares first-hand insight on this ship and how this pioneer fly-cruise operator gives you a more intimate polar experience.

Her top 3 takeaways:

🚢Sub-100-guest ship = no landing rotations & more time ashore

🚢 Priority flight scheduling & single-plane operations best capitalize on weather windows

🚢 Boutique-style polar comfort with a modern layout that never felt crowded

Explore the full ship review for a closer look at life aboard one of Antarctica's few small-capacity fly-cruise expedition ships:

Read Magellan Explorer ship reviews from travelers and our expert's voyage. Learn about the guest-to-guide ratio, smooth ride & more.

07/17/2026

Soccer has a way of bringing people together, no matter where you are. In honor of the World Cup Final this weekend, here’s one of the more unexpected matches our team has come across.

This is in Aappilattoq, a village of just 90 people in South Greenland. On expedition cruise visits, the community welcomes guests with music, coffee, local food and stories about life along Prins Christian Sund. And if the timing is right, everyone, locals, expedition staff, crew and travelers, are invited to join or watch a friendly soccer match.

Who are you cheering for this weekend? ⚽

07/14/2026

👀 Inside the Monique catamaran, one of the newest vessels in the Galapagos.

We are excited about this one! Monique pairs the intimate feel of a 16-guest catamaran with thoughtful sustainability features.

Spacious cabins offer room to relax between excursions, while 20 solar panels and five lithium battery systems help reduce the vessel's environmental footprint. It's a combination that makes Monique a standout choice for a trip to the Galápagos balancing comfort with a lighter environmental footprint.

07/08/2026

🏆 Three years running!

A huge THANK YOU to our friends, travelers and North Lake Tahoe community for voting AdventureSmith Explorations Best Travel & Tour Service for the third consecutive year.

As a family-owned business based in Truckee, we're incredibly honored by your continued support. From Alaska and Antarctica to the Galápagos, the Arctic and beyond, we're proud to be your local experts for small ship cruises and wilderness adventures.

If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. We'd love to hear where you've been or where you're dreaming of next.

Check out the full list of winners in the Best of North Tahoe & Truckee 2026 magazine in the 7/3 Sierra Sun or online at sierrasun.com/best.