An Expedition—The Most Exciting & Interesting Experience to Share
Put simply, an expedition is smart fun for all ages, and for all types of families, from tiny to clan-sized. Being aboard ship creates a fresh context for families to be together, or come together, if they’re far-flung or chronically schedule challenged.
✓ Choice & flexibility
We offer activities tiered for every fitness level and age group to ensure multigenerational fun (yes, even teens respond well!). And that means every day your family members can choose what to do—photography walks, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. And with whom to do it—you’re free to gravitate to the expedition naturalists whose personality and interests match yours, or theirs. Relaxing with a book, in a hammock or deck chair is always an option, too.
✓ Ease & convenience
Whether you’re a hyper-busy parent planning the family vacation around a dozen other tasks, or the clan’s travel planner determining where the family is going this year, we make your task easy. We create a seamless experience—from booking round-trip flights and transfers, to a richly rewarding itinerary, and shipboard life that includes kid-friendly meals.
✓ Environment
Our expedition ships, ranging from small to yacht-scale, are ideal for families, providing the perfect balance of intimacy and independence for kids; they are uniquely warm environments as well; our staff and crew are wonderful with kids; and our naturalists are such role models they’re often followed about by a small band of admirers.
✓ Expert photographers
Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructors are on every departure with tips, camera setting instruction and advice to help every interested family member—whether they’re using their smartphone, a DSLR or point & shoot—snap the moments that capture the heart of their expedition. Want a family portrait? They can help with that, too.
✓ Family travel discount
We invite you to take $500 off the cost of your expedition for each child traveling with you under the age of 18 and enjoy a 5% savings for groups of 8 or more.
✓ Exclusive family program for kids and teens
National Geographic Global Explorers launched in Galápagos in 2017, and rolled out to Southeast Alaska in 2018. Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, this hands-on program provides the opportunity for young travelers to nurture new relationships with the natural world.
Family Travel with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’ Global Explorers program creates unique activities and learning opportunities for kids, but our Galápagos trips offer fun and adventure for guests of every age.
Galápagos: A Day in the Life
No two days are alike in the Galápagos, but getting close to incredible wildlife is a guarantee.
“I deeply believe that fostering positive interactions between youth and nature is the way to motivate future citizens in awareness and passion for stewardship.”
KIMBERLY BALDWIN, CERTIFIED FIELD EDUCATOR AND NATURALIST
National Geographic Global Explorers
Watch kids develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of an explorer.
An exclusive, family-friendly program created in conjunction with National Geographic Education, this unique, hands-on program teaches kids and teens 18 and under how to explore the natural world like scientists.
✓ Benefit from National Geographic certified field educators: Our naturalists, designated as National Geographic certified field educators, optimize daily learning opportunities and fun for families.
✓ Connect with nature: They’ll have direct contact with wildlife and wonders above and below the sea, such as snorkeling with sea lions or identifying whale flukes from the ship’s bow.
✓ Learn to be a storyteller: Using photos, video, music, writing and more, kids and teens will be encouraged to use their creativity to tell stories about the unique things they’ll do and see along the way.
✓ Develop their observation skills: Daily “In the Field: Spot It!” activities will prompt kids to watch out for a particular item, like a creature with scales, then record their observations in their Field Notebook.
Recommended Expeditions
Exploring Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands
Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Experience the Galápagos aboard our elegant and nimble ships, well-equipped for up-close exploration. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans.
Ships: National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Gemini
Wild Galápagos Escape
Explore Darwin’s islands in one action-filled week aboard our new National Geographic Islander ll. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel pristine waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. As with our classic, 10-day expeditions, honed over more than 50 years, each voyage is crafted to offer a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.
Ship: National Geographic Islander II
Wild Galápagos and Peru Escape
Discover two iconic world wonders in 11 action-filled days. Starting in Lima, fly to Cusco and journey to the Sacred Valley and fabled Machu Picchu. Then venture to Darwin’s Galápagos Islands to encounter unique wildlife and landscapes on shore and under the sea. Sail aboard the newest member of our fleet, National Geographic Islander ll. With just 26 staterooms and suites, this elegant ship feels like a private yacht.
Ship: National Geographic Islander II
Galápagos by Catamaran, An Intimate Voyage
Encounter Galápagos wildlife up close—and explore the undersea, too—on an exclusive catamaran with 16 guests and two veteran expedition staff to guide you over a full week in the islands. See and do more with two veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor.
Ship: National Geographic Delfina
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic in the Galápagos
Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition travel to the remarkable Galápagos Islands more than 50 years ago. Today, we lead expeditions year-round to this magical archipelago famed for its vibrant wildlife. Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions in their natural habitats, all unfazed by your presence. Alongside local expert guides, enjoy multiple adventures each day on land and on water, including walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Since 1967, when Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first expedition cruise to the Galápagos Islands for private citizens, we’ve introduced generations of guests to these fascinating islands, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Galápagos: Exploring the Unexpected
The Galápagos Islands are an iconic destination for nature lovers.
SVEN-OLOF LINDBLAD
Founder & CEO, Lindblad Expeditions
“It will never leave you if you go to the Galápagos islands. You will have stories for the rest of your life—I can promise you.”
Our Fleet in the Galápagos
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is delighted to introduce the newly acquired expedition ships joining our fleet in Galápagos where they will sail the islands year-round. The 48-guest National Geographic Gemini features 27 outward facing cabins, including 13 balcony suites. National Geographic Delfina, an even more intimate vessel, accommodates only 16 guests. This sleek, luxury catamaran is ideal for families, small groups, and private charters.
National Geographic Delfina
National Geographic Gemini
National Geographic Islander II
National Geographic Endeavour II
