Un/Mapped: Uncovering the Coral Triangle, a birder's paradise in Belize and incredible facts about orcas

Thriving metropolises. Ceremonial teahouses. Centuries-old gardens. Gemlike tropical isles. Japan's fascinating blend of tradition and modernity has long beckoned visitors to the small island nation. Discover how Expedition Development Manager Susan Salvin created three distinct voyages that showcase all the 'land of the rising sun' has to offer. Since the mid-1980s, the international Important Bird Areas program has worked to protect the world's most essential bird habitats. Home to six of these important areas, Belize is an avian oasis—crucial for endangered species like the yellow-headed Amazon parrot and the mouse-sized black rail. With a storied history working in Norway's famed Coastal Express, the flagship National Geographic Explorer truly lives up to her name. With an ice-strengthened hull, a dynamic roster of expedition tools, and a well-appointed interior, this extraordinary ship is devoted to exploration—every detail revealing a dedication to curiosity and wonder. Intelligent and highly social, orcas employ incredible coordinated hunting tactics like wave washing. Get to know more about one of Earth's largest apex predators. Supporting more marine species than any place on Earth, the nutrient-rich waters around Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are bursting with healthy and colorful coral. Here are some astonishing facts you might not know about the "Amazon of the Seas." © 2022 Lindblad Expeditions. All Rights Reserved. Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions, LLC.   © 2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are trademarks of National Geographic Society and used with permission.   ENEWS.EDITORIAL-061522_TA