Unlock The Galapagos: Why Lindblad's National Geographic Partnership Is Your Ultimate Expedition Advantage

For over two decades, the unique collaboration between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions has redefined expedition cruising. This partnership connects travelers with transformative experiences, fostering meaningful relationships between people and the planet. Every voyage seamlessly blends National Geographic's legendary exploration spirit with Lindblad Expeditions' unmatched 60 years of expedition heritage, offering an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Galapagos.

A Legacy of Exploration: Over 60 Years of Unmatched Expertise

The National Geographic-Lindblad partnership is built on a foundation of deep expertise and a shared commitment to discovery and conservation. This collaboration ensures every aspect of your Galapagos expedition is guided by world-class knowledge and a pioneering spirit.

Travel with a World-Class Team

Your Galapagos voyage is led by veteran captains, seasoned naturalist guides, and National Geographic Expedition Experts. With over 110 team members contributing a decade or more of fleet experience, you're in the hands of true specialists. On select departures, National Geographic Photographers join the expedition, and a certified photo instructor accompanies every journey to help you hone your camera skills in this captivating destination.

Pioneering Responsible Exploration

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, has been at the forefront of sustainable travel for over half a century. The fleet's ships are designed for efficiency in remote regions, with nimble designs and carefully planned itineraries to minimize environmental impact. Thoughtful choices on board, from eliminating guest-facing single-use plastics to reducing food waste and sourcing locally grown ingredients, help minimize the fleet's footprint while strengthening the communities visited.

"Mr. Lindblad single-handedly brought international tourism to Galapagos, and he insisted on regulation to prevent damage to the islands. He made it so we specialize in something—a love for nature."

— Gustavo Vallejo, Journalist

This commitment extends to engaging local scientists, conservationists, and residents, who serve as naturalist guides, guest speakers, and hosts, providing the most authentic experience possible. With the help of guests, more than $10 million has been contributed to the preservation of Galapagos habitats and communities.

Small Ships, Big Discoveries: The Ultimate Galapagos Fleet

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates four exceptional vessels in the Galapagos year-round, each offering a unique onboard experience. Designed for comfort, access, and immersive discovery, these small ships take you farther, bringing you up close to the remote and remarkable wonders of the archipelago.

National Geographic Endeavour II

Refurbished in 2016, the National Geographic Endeavour II accommodates 96 guests in 52 cabins, offering an ideal balance of comfort and immersive discovery. She carries the largest expedition team in the Galapagos fleet, making her especially well-suited for groups and families. Purpose-built for in-depth exploration, she's equipped with a glass-bottom boat, underwater cameras, video microscope, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and personal snorkeling gear. Her shallow draft allows for close-up access to remote shorelines inaccessible to larger ships.

National Geographic Delfina

Launched in 2025, the National Geographic Delfina is a sleek, luxury catamaran, the most intimate ship in the Galapagos fleet, accommodating just 16 guests in eight spacious staterooms. Each cabin boasts a private balcony or access to an expansive wooden deck, with amenities including open-air dining and a top-deck hot tub. Her small guest capacity ensures quicker access to adventures, allowing more time on land and underwater, and her low profile brings you closer to the ocean's surface for easier wildlife spotting.

National Geographic Gemini

Launched in 2025, the highly maneuverable 48-guest National Geographic Gemini is geared for discovery. She offers a variety of outward-facing cabin configurations, including singles, doubles, triples, and connecting cabins, with 13 accommodations featuring private balconies. Guests can relax and unwind on the upper deck, which features a hot tub, fitness center, spa, outdoor café, and a lounge with a full-service bar.

National Geographic Islander II

Launched in 2022, the National Geographic Islander II is an intrepid expedition vessel with the spirit of a private yacht. Outfitted with 26 comfortable staterooms and suites, she emphasizes indoor-outdoor living with al fresco dining and an open-air observation deck and plunge pool. Special amenities include a well-equipped marina and a dedicated science hub, enhancing Galapagos explorations to a new level.

Your Day in the Galapagos: An Immersive Itinerary

Observing the unusual, unafraid, and endemic animals of the Galapagos with knowledgeable guides is the hallmark of your Lindblad-National Geographic experience. Each day is crafted for immersive discovery, blending active exploration with opportunities for relaxation and learning.

Early Start: Rise and Roam

Greet the day with a stretch session on the open-air deck, or head to the bow to look for early-morning wildlife activity alongside expert naturalists. Young travelers in the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program can begin recording the day's sightings in their official field notebooks.

A Farm-to-Table Breakfast

A fresh breakfast awaits in the dining room, featuring bespoke omelets, a rainbow of fruits and juices, and Galapagos-grown coffee. Much of the produce is sourced from local farms as part of the fleet's pioneering farm-to-table program.

Morning Excursion: Dive In

Snorkel in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, home to sea lions, technicolor fish, marine iguanas, and feeding penguins. Prefer to stay dry? Join a naturalist in a Zodiac or glass-bottom boat for a cruise through a shallow bay to observe marine life at water level. An undersea specialist often brings marine wonders to the surface by capturing and sharing underwater footage, interpreting fascinating sea creatures and geological features during daily Recaps.

Talks and Photo Tips

Back on board, join a naturalist or a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor in the lounge for an engaging talk or a smartphone photo tips session. Alternatively, head to the fitness center, relax in a hammock on deck, or read up on Charles Darwin in the library.

A Local Lunch

Every meal is fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced. A special Ecuadorian feast, with dishes from the country's coasts, highlands, and islands, often features wild-caught fish in coconut milk as a highlight.

Afternoon Excursion: Paddle, Hike or Walk

Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the coast for a closer look at volcanic features. Head ashore with your camera for a birding walk, keeping an eye out for waved albatrosses or flightless cormorants.

Ready for Recap

Meet in the lounge over drinks and hors d'oeuvres for the daily Recap, featuring presentations, photo slideshows, and a preview of tomorrow's activities. The fleet often hosts researchers, national park personnel, and other special guests.

Seeing Stars

After dinner, bring your binoculars to the top deck for a naturalist-led stargazing session. At the Equator, you may have the rare opportunity to see the Big Dipper and Southern Cross simultaneously.

Inspiring the Next Generation: National Geographic Explorers-in-Training

The exclusive National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program transforms the natural world into a dynamic classroom for young travelers, offered on every Galapagos departure. Children and teens learn to explore the archipelago like scientists through photography, video, drawing, and other hands-on activities. National Geographic-certified field educators mentor families through shared discoveries, while select kids-only moments build independence and confidence.

Program Highlights

• Wildlife Watching: Zip along shore in a Zodiac, then hike in search of Galapagos wildlife like barking sea lions and marine iguanas. Snap photos and jot notes in your official National Geographic Explorers-in-Training Field Notebook.
• License to Explore: Learn to operate a Zodiac and earn your "driver's license" (kids only!).
• Microscopic Exploration: Drop a net over the side of your Zodiac to collect plankton, then examine it under a video microscope.
• Check Your List: Review wildlife sightings in the ship lounge and mark them in your notebook, tallying progress toward becoming certified as a National Geographic Explorer-in-Training.
• Video Shoots: Get tips from your certified photo instructor on creating impressive slow-motion and timelapse videos, then test new skills in the field.
• New Friends and Fun Adventures: Meet up with new friends for activities with your certified field educator, which might include a pizza dinner, games, or a special hike.
• Eyes to the Night Sky: Head to the top deck to watch the stars and record constellations with the help of field educators.

Beyond the Islands: Extend Your Galapagos Adventure

Maximize your time in the region by combining your Galapagos experience with other immersive journeys on the mainland. When you book consecutive expeditions—whether it's two, three, or more departures—you save 10% on each.

Add Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca

Combine your Galapagos voyage with a 16-day land program. Journey from Cusco to fabled Machu Picchu, encountering archaeological relics of the Inca and vibrant cultures of the Andes. Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites—capital city Lima, colonial Cusco, and Machu Picchu—and witness a weaving demonstration with a National Geographic Grantee who has kept Andean textile traditions alive.

Add Upper Amazon: A River Expedition

Extend your adventure with an 18-day Amazon + Galapagos voyage. Glide into narrow tributaries by skiff and kayak aboard the elegant Delfin II for close-up views of unusual plants and wildlife, from monkeys and macaws to pink dolphins. You'll also visit local communities supported by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in collaboration with Minga Peru.

Tropical Andes and Colonial Quito Pre-Voyage

This 6-day pre-voyage extension allows you to explore Quito's UNESCO World Heritage-listed center from Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux property. Then, discover the tropical wilds of the Ecuadorian Chocó from the exquisite Mashpi Lodge.

See Quito Pre-Voyage

A 3-day extension from your base at the Swissôtel Quito, experience the city's colonial churches and traditional markets. This adds just one night to your voyage, helping you acclimate to Ecuador.

Quito and Otavalo Post-Voyage

A 4-day post-voyage option to explore Ecuador's beautifully preserved capital from Casa Gangotena. Venture to Otavalo in the Andean Highlands to browse its celebrated handicraft markets, visit a nearby weaving village, and enjoy lunch at a historic hacienda.

Taste of Lima Pre-Voyage

Discover vibrant Lima during two nights at the acclaimed Lima Country Club Hotel. Explore the UNESCO-designated colonial center, admire Pre-Columbian art at Museo Larco, and sample the city's celebrated cuisine in this 3-day extension.

Living With Nature Pre-Voyage

Based at the elegant Finch Bay Hotel, this 4-day extension deepens your understanding of life in the Galapagos through meaningful encounters with community members and conservation partners, as well as guided explorations across Santa Cruz Island.

Unbeatable Value: Inclusive Pricing & Special Offers

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic ensure your Galapagos journey is comprehensive and exceptional, with transparent pricing and special benefits.

Inclusive Pricing

Your expedition fare includes:

• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
• All meals, both aboard and onshore, inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d'oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water.
• A selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs, glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins).
• Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers, guidance from leading expedition staff, and onboard physician consultations.
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment.
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle, park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are included on all departures, with premium brands available for purchase.

Special Offers

• Bringing the Kids: Enjoy $500 savings for each child under the age of 18 on any departure.
• 10% Off Back-to-Back Voyages: Save 10% on consecutive back-to-back departures.
• Save 5% Traveling as a Group: Save 5% when traveling as a group of eight or more adults over age 18.
• Combining Offers: Certain offers may be combinable for up to two savings opportunities.

NEW! Complimentary Wi-Fi

We are pleased to offer wireless internet across the expedition fleet through a partnership with Starlink. Enjoy a complimentary basic Wi-Fi plan aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet that accommodates email, messaging, and social media apps. Upgrades are also available:

• Enhanced Wi-Fi plan: accommodates web browsing, video conferencing, and other functions that require increased bandwidth. Available for purchase at $25 per day or $150 for the entire voyage.
• Premium Wi-Fi plan: accommodates most internet needs, including video streaming and uploading and sending large files. Available for purchase at $50 per day or $300 for the entire voyage.

Private Charter

Charter with National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition and sail to the heart of the world's most remote and wild places with your favorite travel companions. Host your next board meeting or an incentive trip for your employees, or gather your friends and family for a special celebration in the Galapagos. When you charter one of our intimate expedition ships exclusively for your group, the team will customize every detail of your experience to ensure your time on board is unforgettable.

Plan Your Expedition: Reservation Information

Booking your Galapagos adventure with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic is a seamless process designed to provide peace of mind from start to finish.

Key Booking Details

• Terms & Conditions: For complete terms and conditions, visit expeditions.com/terms. Book early for the best pricing.
• Reservations, Deposits and Final Payments: An advance payment deposit is required at the time of reservation, indicating your acceptance of the terms and conditions. Final payment schedules are available online.
• Airfare: Airfare is an additional cost for all programs. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions can assist with air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee.
• Travel Protection Plan: It is strongly recommended to take advantage of the Travel Protection Plan, offering comprehensive coverage for cancellation fees, trip delays/interruption, medical assistance, and lost baggage.

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.