Family Adventure In Alaska: Inspire Young Explorers With National Geographic & Lindblad

Transform your family vacation into a hands-on learning journey with Lindblad's National Geographic Explorers-In-Training program. From Zodiac driving lessons to microscopic marine life discovery, see how kids and teens become scientists amidst Alaska's whales, bears, and glaciers.

Why Choose Lindblad Expeditions for Your Alaska Family Journey?

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, offers an unparalleled way to experience Alaska's wild frontier. Our voyages are driven by a deep passion for exploration and conservation, designed to change your perspective and deepen your connection with the natural world.

Small Ships, Big Discoveries

Our nimble, small ships are purpose-built to navigate Alaska's intricate coastal wilderness, accessing remote fjords, quiet coves, and secluded anchorages that larger vessels simply cannot reach. This allows for truly immersive, up-close encounters with wildlife and landscapes, ensuring you're always at the heart of the action.

World-Class Expedition Team

Each voyage is led by a passionate expedition team, including naturalists, certified photo instructors, cultural specialists, and undersea experts. With over 110 team members boasting a decade or more of field experience, they bring the region's ecology, geology, and culture to life through engaging presentations and real-time guidance.

Photography for All Skill Levels

A National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor accompanies every Alaska departure. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, you'll receive real-time tips, onboard presentations, and one-on-one critiques to help you capture stunning images of your adventure.

Unveiling Undersea Wonders

On most expeditions, an undersea specialist deploys remotely operated vehicles to capture live underwater footage of Alaska's vibrant marine life. During nightly Recaps, these specialists interpret the fascinating sea creatures and geological features, providing unique insights into the hidden world beneath the waves.

Expeditions That Give Back

Your journey with Lindblad Expeditions contributes directly to the preservation of our planet through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. This fund supports coastal communities, conserves marine habitats, and backs National Geographic Society explorers who are pioneering sustainable solutions for the future.

The National Geographic Explorers-In-Training Program: Hands-On Discovery

Alaska is the ultimate natural classroom for adventurous families. Every Lindblad departure features the exclusive National Geographic Explorers-In-Training program, designed to teach kids and teens to explore like scientists. Certified Field Educator Kim Baldwin shares her perspective:

Alaska invites young travelers to tap into their curiosity, and my role is to mentor them along their journey—to expose them to nature in a way that encourages them to develop observation, communication and problem-solving skills.

Kids will likely see humpback whales, black or brown bears and beautiful blue glaciers. They might have a chance to drive a remotely operated vehicle along the seafloor to document what is living below or collect plankton and put it under the microscope. This is real science, and it makes ecology lessons more tangible.

Ultimately, I hope these experiences help young people make connections between conservation and the abundance of life around them, and that they take what they learned in the wild back home. A week in Alaska could be the spark that ignites a love for nature that lasts their entire lives.

Planning a Lindblad Expedition?

Don't chart a course to the ends of the earth alone. Discover why Vincent Vacations is the top-rated partner for Lindblad Expedition journeys.

• Exclusive Access: Priority booking for Special Operations boats & subs.
• Science & Comfort: Expert advice on The Hangar, The Aula & gear requirements.
• Certified Expertise: Graduates of the Lindblad Travel Agent Academy.

Start Your Expedition

Experience the Vincent Vacations difference.

Explorers-In-Training Program Highlights:

• Wildlife Watching: Zip along the shore in a Zodiac, then hike in search of iconic Alaskan wildlife like sea otters, humpback whales, and bald eagles. Document your sightings in your official National Geographic Explorers-In-Training Field Notebook.
• Microscopic Exploration: Drop a net over the side of your Zodiac to collect plankton, then examine it under a video microscope to observe its fascinating movements and forms.
• Video Shoots: Get expert tips from your certified photo instructor on creating impressive slow-motion and timelapse videos, then apply your new skills in the field.
• License to Explore: Learn to operate a Zodiac and earn your very own "driver's license" (for kids only, sorry adults!).
• Ice Cream Sundae Glaciers: Watch as a naturalist uses ice cream sundaes to creatively demonstrate how glaciers form and change, followed by a delicious treat.
• Check Your List: Head to the ship lounge to review the wildlife you've seen and mark it in your notebook. Keep track of your progress toward becoming a certified National Geographic Explorer-In-Training.
• New Friends and Fun Adventures: Meet up with fellow young explorers for engaging activities with your certified field educator, including games, watercolor painting with glacial ice, or a special pizza dinner.

A Day in the Life: An Expedition Unveiled

Venture beyond Alaska's busy ports into roadless wilderness where glaciers sparkle, mountains soar, and epic wildlife roams. Experience pure wilderness from every angle, often without another ship or soul in sight.

Breakfast: Savor Your Meal, Soak in a View

Start your day with epic scenery. Enjoy fresh bread, pastries, made-to-order omelets, and other delicious buffet dishes, perhaps with views of tumbling waterfalls or electric-blue icebergs right outside your window.

Morning Excursion: Exploring at Water Level

Join a naturalist aboard a Zodiac to speed toward a glistening glacier, or choose a kayak or paddleboard to glide across iceberg-studded waters. Keep an eye out for otters, bald eagles, and harbor seals.

Talks and Photo Tips

Head to the lounge for a session on smartphone photography with your certified photo instructor. Stay for a naturalist's presentation on their area of expertise, such as the fascinating dynamics of local orca pods.

Lunch: A Fresh Catch

Ship chefs prioritize fresh, local ingredients, including locally grown produce and fresh-caught fish. Savor an Alaska-inspired lunch, perhaps a grilled salmon sandwich or a salad featuring wild berries.

Afternoon Excursion: Rainforest Walk

Put your new photo tips to the test during a walk through Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Stroll amid blooming wildflowers or venture off the beaten path through thick brush.

Downtime: On Whale Watch

Utilize free time to explore the ship's amenities: read about regional flora in the library, visit the open Bridge, or stand on deck to watch for whales. You might witness humpbacks engaged in bubble-net feeding, and if conditions are right, a hydrophone may be dropped to listen to their communications.

Ready for Recap

Gather in the lounge for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by the nightly Recap. Today's presentation might feature your undersea specialist sharing footage from the day's dive, revealing the colorful creatures thriving in these nutrient-rich waters.

Dinner: Crab Feast

A culinary highlight is the Dungeness crab feast, a mouth-watering taste of Alaska's wild bounty, perfectly paired with local craft beers.

Adventures Under the Midnight Sun

Take advantage of the lingering summer sunlight to capture golden hour photos or spot wildlife. Later in the season, you might even glimpse the northern lights painting the night sky.

Lindblad's Fleet: Your Home for Exploration

Our fleet of expedition ships is designed for intimate, immersive exploration, ensuring you experience Alaska's wilderness with unparalleled access and comfort.

Introducing the Greg Mortimer (New for 2027)

The Greg Mortimer, joining the Alaska fleet in 2027, combines cutting-edge design with the intimate small-ship experience Lindblad is known for. Accommodating 154 guests in thoughtfully designed cabins, many with private balconies, it offers both intimacy and spacious comfort.

• Innovative Design: Her distinctive inverted X-Bow delivers a smoother, more efficient ride through dynamic seas. Dynamic positioning allows the ship to hold place without dropping anchor, protecting sensitive marine environments.
• Expedition Ready: Four rapid-deploy Zodiac platforms provide swift access to rugged shorelines, secluded waterways, and wildlife-rich coves.
• Observation & Comfort: Expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms extend over the water, offering extraordinary opportunities to spot whales, seabirds, and calving glaciers. Indoors, ocean-view lounges, a library, and dedicated learning and wellness spaces foster a sense of community.
• Relaxation: Unwind in the sauna with sweeping sea views, relax in top-deck Jacuzzis, or dine in spaces that frame Alaska's shifting horizons.

National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture

These sister ships are purpose-built for navigating Alaska's intricate waterways. With 50 cabins and an exceptionally nimble design, they can slip into narrow fjords, quiet coves, and secluded anchorages, offering access to the region's wildest places.

• Efficient Exploration: Twin Zodiac boarding platforms ensure quick disembarkation, maximizing your time exploring. Kayaks and paddleboards invite you to discover sheltered inlets at water level.
• Connected to Nature: Outward-facing cabins, expansive windows, and tiered viewing platforms keep you connected to your surroundings, framing sapphire seas, breaching whales, and shifting horizons.
• Amenities: Enjoy a partially covered sundeck, a fitness center, and a welcoming lounge and library with a full-service bar. Dining menus draw on regional ingredients for a fresh taste of Alaska's wild bounty.

National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion (Final Voyages in 2026)

These pioneering sister ships have been at the heart of Alaska expeditions for generations. Accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins, they boast the shallowest drafts in the fleet, granting rare access to secluded coves and narrow channels. 2026 marks your final opportunity to sail aboard these beloved vessels.

• Intimate Access: Their small size allows them to reach places larger ships cannot, offering unparalleled intimacy with Alaska's wilderness.
• Exploration Tools: Outfitted with Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, they provide everything needed for immersive, up-close exploration.
• Comfort & Camaraderie: Open decks offer spectacular wildlife sightings, while welcoming gathering spaces foster a sense of community.

Alaska Itineraries: Your Family's Path to Discovery

Choose from a variety of itineraries designed to immerse your family in the diverse wonders of Alaska and British Columbia. Each voyage offers unique highlights and opportunities for adventure.

Denali Extension: Explore the Heart of Alaska

Extend your expedition experience into Denali National Park & Preserve, venturing into Alaska's wild backcountry alongside local experts with in-depth knowledge of the region's epic landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Denali National Park Pre- or Post-Voyage

Duration: 7 DAYS

Price From: $10,900pp

Venture inland to Denali National Park & Preserve aboard first-class, glass-dome railcars on the Alaska Railroad, and settle into the Grande Denali Lodge, a prime basecamp near the park entrance. Spot wildlife on a tour of the tundra, raft the Nenana River, and meet the sled dogs of Iditarod champion Jeff King. You may also opt for a scenic flightseeing excursion around Denali's soaring peak. Your adventure concludes in Anchorage with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Museum.

What's Included and More: Inclusive Pricing & Special Offers

Lindblad Expeditions offers comprehensive inclusive pricing and ongoing promotions to enhance your family's adventure.

Ongoing Promotions:

Offers are valid for new bookings only, subject to availability and may not be combined with other offers unless otherwise noted. Call for details.

Inclusive Pricing:

• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and on shore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d'oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water.
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, and other state-of-the-art gear.
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
• Guidance and company of leading expedition staff.
• Onboard physician consultations.
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available.
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations.
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
• Beer, Wine, and Spirits: Your bar tab is included on all departures. Premium brands available for purchase.

About the Author: Lia Vincent

Lia Vincent is the Owner for Vincent Vacations and Travel Agent Pro, and serves as the official Signature Travel Network Liaison. With extensive experience in the luxury travel sector, Lia specializes in pairing discerning travelers with premium expedition and ocean cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.