About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
“For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. Every voyage reinforces the core belief that the planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased understanding of humanity's role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.
This enduring quest for discovery inspires National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.”
— National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Expedition cruising began with the Lindblad name. Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first private citizen expeditions to Antarctica in 1966 and the Galapagos in 1967, and is regarded as the father of ecotourism. His son Sven founded Special Expeditions in 1979, the company that became Lindblad Expeditions, and a landmark partnership with National Geographic beginning in 2004 gave the line its distinctive identity: voyages built around discovery, science, and storytelling rather than ports and pools.
Today the line fields what it describes as the largest and most versatile fleet in expedition cruising, two dozen small ships ranging from the 16-guest National Geographic Delfina to the polar-class sisters National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. Every vessel stays intentionally intimate, and every itinerary travels with a full expedition team of naturalists, undersea specialists, and guest speakers, plus tools for exploration such as Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear.
Fares are refreshingly complete: meals, excursions, transfers within recommended flight windows, park fees, and, on most ships, beer, wine, and cocktails are all included. With more than 100 itineraries spanning all seven continents, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Alaska, Baja California, and the Amazon, this is the line for curious travelers who want a voyage that feels like a working expedition, delivered with genuine comfort and deep expertise.
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Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a QuoteThe National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Experience
National Geographic partnership
Since 2004, voyages are enriched by National Geographic experts, photographers, and guest speakers, bringing the world's most storied exploration brand aboard every sailing.
True expedition heritage
The Lindblad family led the first citizen expeditions to Antarctica (1966) and the Galapagos (1967), a legacy of discovery spanning more than 50 years.
Tools for exploration
Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, glass-bottom boats, and snorkeling gear with wetsuits are carried aboard and included, so guests explore actively, not passively.
Veteran expedition teams
Naturalists, undersea specialists, and expert guest speakers lead every voyage, with daily presentations that turn each destination into a living classroom.
Conservation with teeth
The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has contributed more than $24 million to conservation, research, and local communities since 2008.
What's Included with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, plus 24-hour snacks, premium coffees and teas, and nonalcoholic beverages
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard most ships
- Excursions and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Use of exploration tools: Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, glass-bottom boats, and snorkeling gear including wetsuits
- Guidance of the expedition team plus presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Airport transfers for flights within the recommended arrival and departure windows
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Fleet (12 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
Aqua Blu
Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. With a grand naval pedigree and the ability to cover vast distances in a short time frame, she is perfectly poised to navigate the region’s expansive seas and provide access to some of the world’s best dive and snorkel sites in the legendary Coral Triangle.
See Aqua Blu sailings →
Greg Mortimer
Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a cutting-edge expedition vessel purpose-built to explore the polar regions—and it brings that same spirit of adventure to Alaska’s glacial waters. The ship's signature inverted X-Bow™ delivers exceptional stability in dynamic seas, while its intimate 154-guest capacity fosters a personal onboard experience. From hydraulic viewing platforms that extend over the water for extraordinary wildlife encounters, to rapid-deploy Zodiac platforms that offer swift access to nature—every detail is designed to deepen your connection to Alaska's untamed landscapes.
See Greg Mortimer sailings →
NG Delfina
See NG Delfina sailings →
NG Endeavour II
Born in the cold waters of Patagonia, National Geographic Endeavour II was built for heavy seas. Now, permanently stationed in Galápagos, she comfortably sails the Equator.
See NG Endeavour II sailings →
NG Endurance
National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.
See NG Endurance sailings →
NG Explorer
National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. Her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to the fleet. Drawing on nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, the cruise completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions that explores. She provides a peerless expedition cruise trip.
See NG Explorer sailings →
NG Gemini
The newly christened National Geographic Gemini joins the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Galápagos fleet, carrying on a legacy of small-ship expedition cruising. Built in the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship, purpose-built to explore remote areas with ease.
See NG Gemini sailings →
NG Islander II
National Geographic Islander ll sails year-round in the Galápagos Islands and elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level. She is a gracious expedition vessel that feels like a private yacht. With only 26 staterooms and suites, and accommodating just 48 guests, she sails with a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
See NG Islander II sailings →
NG Orion
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays, and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.
See NG Orion sailings →
NG Quest
Purpose-built to deliver the best possible expedition cruising experience, the National Geographic Quest recently wrapped up her inaugural voyages, spending the summer and early fall exploring the northern reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage and the remote islands and charming towns of the Pacific Northwest. With that noteworthy milestone under her belt, Quest will soon venture south to the tropical coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and through the Canal to Belize. And as spring arrives she'll return north to make her maiden journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers. To build her cruise turned to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, the company that built the beloved National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion—vessels that, with regular maintenance schedule and recent refurbishment, have been operating successfully for decades. Proudly she was built entirely in the USA. Additionally, the Quest cruise ship achieves some other notable firsts. She is the first ship in the fleet voyaging in these geographies with step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins perfect for families and groups; and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.
See NG Quest sailings →
NG Resolution
National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to the first polar newbuild, National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.
See NG Resolution sailings →
NG Venture
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship the 100-guest National Geographic Venture floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the 4th ship in the Lindblad fleet built at this storied PNW shipyard.
See NG Venture sailings →Where National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Sails
Good to Know Before You Book
Gratuities & tipping
Cancellation policy
Cancellation By Guest
| Days Prior to Expedition Start | Cancellation Fee Per Person |
|---|---|
| 120 or more days | No penalty: Advance Payment will be credited toward your next expedition* |
| 119–90 days | 50% of trip cost** |
| 89–0 days | 100% of trip cost** |
*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.
Smoking on board
Traveling with minors
Pregnancy policy
Policies are provided by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.