Nature & Wildlife

Paphos - Nat Geo Day Tour: Explorer-Inspired Family Snorkel Quest in Cyprus

As you gaze at the clear, turquoise waters of Paphos Harbour, it's easy to imagine Mother Nature has everything under control. But she could do with your helping hand to balance the human impact on the seas. This conservation-based snorkelling experience has been developed exclusively for National Geographic Day Tour guests and invites you and your family to do more than simply admire and swim in the Mediterranean. It's your chance to learn about and care for the sea and everything that calls it home.You'll begin by meeting a local marine biologist, your guide on this conservation quest. He'll tell you about Dr. Emily Duncan, a National Geographic Explorer, whose research on plastics and the local turtles is the inspiration for this tour. You'll learn about threats to these creatures and the wider ocean's ecosystem and what you can do to help turn the tide and protect them.You'll set sail armed with a waterproof board and pen to help identify and record different species among the seagrass meadows and rocky reefs. During this guided 90-minute experience, which includes the boat ride and snorkelling time, you'll be on the lookout for rainbow wrasse, blue-spotted cornet fish and endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles. As fun as filling in your fishy bingo card is, you'll be contributing important research to the Citizen Science Initiative and supporting the conservation of precious marine life. Round off the tour with an eco-pledge, empowering you to care for and protect the oceans for generations to come.

Majorca - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Valley of the Oranges

Picturesque hills and aromatic citrus orchards best describe Sóller. From Palma de Mallorca, travel into the Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover this eye-catching town, nicknamed the 'Valley of Oranges'.Historically, Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca due to its mountains, allowing the development of unique cultural and agricultural practices. Sóller's orange groves trace their roots back several centuries, introduced to the region by Arab settlers during the Spanish occupation.On this exclusive tour, you'll uncover the region's conservation initiatives with your National Geographic-trained guide. In a room at the Botanical Gardens you'll enjoy an audio-visual experience including photos illustrating the history of the orange groves and their impact on Sóller's local economy.After this, tour Sóller's citrus-infused Botanical Gardens, where you'll study the aromatic and agricultural properties of different citrus varieties, enjoy an exclusive visit to the seed bank and learn more about the garden's work to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems and natural habitats. Finish your time here with a cooking demo featuring a zesty dessert with a citrus tang.Next, discover Sóller's secrets on a guided walking tour, before stopping by Sa Fàbrica de Gelats, an ice cream Parlor featured in National Geographic España as one of the best spots for orange-flavoured gelato. Finish with some free time to explore at your leisure.