National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions

There is no better way to travel in comfort and grand style than aboard The Jahan. She has large, gracious staterooms and luxurious touches. Built in 2011 from the ground up, she is the finest ship on the Mekong River. Every cabin has a private balcony and the ship’s public spaces offer a relaxed elegance for your Mekong voyage.

Constructed in 2026, Evolve is a brand-new, state-of-the-art European river ship joining our growing collection of bespoke charter vessels. With cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities and wrap-around picture windows, this sleek 120-guest ship is uniquely designed to sail through the heart of storied destinations along the Danube, including Germany, Austria, the Slovak Republic and beyond. Sustainability and regional connection are at her core, creating a refined and meaningful experience that elevates every journey.    

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions welcomes the newest and most intimate addition to the Galápagos fleet, National Geographic Delfina. This sleek, contemporary vessel, which started sailing in early 2025, is a luxury catamaran designed for cruising the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort.

Constructed in 2025, Connect is a brand-new, state-of-the-art European river ship joining our growing collection of bespoke charter vessels next year. With cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities and wrap-around picture windows, this sleek 120-guest ship is uniquely designed to sail through the heart of storied destinations in Germany, France, The Netherlands and beyond. Sustainability and regional connection are at her core, creating a refined and meaningful experience that elevates every journey.    

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Sea Lion, are ideal for discovering domestic waters.

National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Her inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a rewarding sense of community.

With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

Explore the wild in a fleet of six Zodiacs and 16 kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards.

Delfin III sails the Ucayali and Marañón rivers to the confluence of the mighty Amazon in Peru’s Upper Amazon year-round with style.

Enjoy sweeping views in expansive public spaces, including an air-conditioned presentation room and lounge, an open-air sun deck with whirlpool hot tub, small exercise room and wellness spa, and a dining room with a 270-degree panorama. Visit the open bridge, where you are welcome anytime.

Locally built and carrying 30 marvelous crew, most from the region, this elegant ship was inducted into the Relais & Châteaux group, recognizing its commitment to local nature and culture, and its exquisite Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine.

The ship is sustainably furnished, featuring hand-made furniture and art and textiles from the surrounding communities that are supported by our guests.

Choose from four categories of large suites aboard: the singular Andes Suite, measuring 597 square feet, with 180-degree windows at the bow to take in the surroundings; two corner Amazon Suites; 10 Upper Suites; and 8 Suites, with en suite facilities, comfortable chair and desk.

Delfin II has a distinct advantage over any land-based camp—she moves, giving you an ever-varied experience of the Amazon’s multiple landscapes and wonders.

Delfin II’s iron exterior is clad in tropical hardwoods and her interior gleams with wood floors and lacquered palm ceilings. Wood stairs float between decks and lazily turning ceiling fans add the right tropical notes, while the air-conditioning invisibly cools and dehumidifies.

Lord of the Glens was built for one purpose—to fit through the network of locks, lochs, and waterways that make up the Caledonian Canal, which cuts through the very heart of the Scottish Highlands connecting the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Add to that her ability to navigate the coastline and venture to the islands of the Inner Hebrides, and you have the basis for a singularly unique and striking expedition.

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 fourth ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. In the 1970s, Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, which continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

National Geographic Venture follows the seasons from Alaska, along the coast of British Columbia, through California’s Channel Islands National Park, and along the Baja California coast and into Mexico’s Gulf of California. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.

Larger than her sibling twin ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture has the same shallow draft, enabling her to nimbly navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate, ‘insider’ experiences of the charismatic regions we explore.

National Geographic Islander ll is a sleek and elegant expedition vessel. Special features include teak decks, indoor-outdoor dining options, an impressive observation deck and new amenities like a climate-controlled marina and a dedicated science hub.

A voyage along the Nile is the centerpiece of your journey through Egypt. There are few, if any, ships that can match the elegance, ideal size, and graciousness of the Oberoi Philae. Originally built for 100 guests, she was remodeled and reconfigured to accommodate 44 in her peerless style.

Built in 1996, she was extensively reconfigured in 2015 with just 22 cabins and luxurious amenities, including an Oberoi spa. Windows are nearly floor to ceiling and slide open, offering a connection with the river. The topmost deck has a swimming pool that is the largest of any Nile ship and an alfresco restaurant. Downstairs, there's a stylish enclosed restaurant serving local specialties as well as more continental options.

The heart of the ship is the lounge, where everyone aboard gathers each night for Recap. It's here that Egyptologists, who have worked with Lindblad for decades, share stories of the sites, who built them and why, and fascinating modern details like how they've changed over the years. And it's these sites and stories, and this time to relax between exploring places of antiquity, that make this expedition, and this ship, so special.

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.   

Just under 200 feet long and featuring 14 individually designed suites, the Aqua Blu offers an intimate environment that reflects its history as a former British naval explorer and a private yacht for a European aristocratic family.

A 2019 refurbishment by renowned Dutch yacht designer Cor D. Rover brought this refined vessel up to world-class cruising specifications, blending modern luxury with ultimate comfort and safety.

Enjoy an innovative menu curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross which draws inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route as well as European and Mediterranean cuisines.

Exceptional amenities, including an outdoor workout area and hot tub, a stylish lounge bar and a tranquil spa featuring Balinese massage and aromatherapy, elevate and enhance your time exploring this wild and stunningly beautiful region.

The newly christened National Geographic Gemini joins the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Galápagos fleet with a heritage of small-ship expedition cruising. National Geographic Gemini provides an authentic, immersive Galápagos experience informed by our decades-long relationships with local communities and conservation groups.

Highlights

A fully equipped Galápagos expedition ship for only 48 guests

Launched in 2001 from 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.

Sailing year round with a maximum of 48 guests, National Geographic Gemini offers guests the largest suites in the Galápagos fleet, cabins with balconies and a mix of doubles, solos and triples.

Carrying a fleet of quick-to-deploy Mark VI Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, the ship is well-equipped for exploring the islands and marine reserve. It is also stocked with snorkeling gear for all guests, including shortie wetsuits.

An equally impressive feature may well be her capacity: she carries just 138 guests, a commitment to expedition excellence over scale. Scandinavian-inflected, luxuriously appointed, her inviting interiors would be a destination in themselves. Because she is a Lindblad expedition ship, however, her attention is focused on the world outside - with acres of window glass to keep you connected to the stunning views beyond the pane, and a fleet of expedition tools to get you out exploring.

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution are next-generation expedition ships. Purpose-built for polar navigation. Fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessels, they are designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. The patented X-bow ® is key to their design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride even in adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck for superior observation. They carry a full suite of expedition tools, and offer a variety of experience enhancing amenities.

Born in the cold waters of Patagonia, National Geographic Endeavour lI was built for heavy seas. Now, permanently stationed in Galápagos, she comfortably sails the Equator.

A floor-to-ceiling rebuild when she repositioned to the tropics meant she could be crafted to perfectly accommodate the Lindblad style of travel. Where she previously carried 136 passengers, she now accommodates just 96 guests in 52 thoughtfully appointed cabins. She is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draft to get up close, great viewing from all public spaces, an expansive open-air observation deck, large windows in cabins and suites, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including a glass-bottom boat, underwater cameras, video microscope, plus kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

She replaced the beloved National Geographic Endeavour, which donated much of her artwork and her great spirit of camaraderie.

Guests have described being aboard National Geographic Endeavour II as feeling like a cross between a grand floating hotel and scientific research vessel. She is beyond comfortable, and welcoming to solos, groups, and kids of all ages, and equipped for the up-close and personal explorations that makes Galápagos the trip of a lifetime.

The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, the National Geographic Endurance offers unprecedented access to polar regions.

The first new polar build in Lindblad's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance's most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.

An equally impressive feature may well be her capacity: she carries just 138 guests, a commitment to expedition excellence over scale. Scandinavian-inflected, luxuriously appointed, her inviting interiors would be a destination in themselves. Because she is a Lindblad expedition ship, however, her attention is focused on the world outside-with acres of window glass to keep you connected to the stunning views beyond the pane, and a fleet of expedition tools to get you out exploring.

National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution are next-generation expedition ships, purpose-built for polar navigation. Fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessels, they are designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. The patented X-bow ® is key to their design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride even in adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck for superior observation. They carry a full suite of expedition tools and offer a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.

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.

The Charaidew II is a testament to luxury river cruising in India, blending modern comfort with traditional Assamese charm. Her extra-shallow draught and low profile allow for navigation to less-traveled areas of the Brahmaputra River—a holy body of water whose banks are home to incredible wildlife as well as small, rarely visited communities—making her the quintessential home base to explore one of India's most captivating regions. 

Just 146 feet long with three decks, and tastefully adorned with traditional Assamese décor, the Charaidew II provides an intimate atmosphere to explore this rich yet seldom-visited region.

French balconies are standard across all cabins, and the sumptuous Category 3 cabins feature an additional private balcony plus floor-to-ceiling windows in the ensuite bathrooms for sweeping river views.

Soothing massages and spa treatments are offered in the ship’s spa, and guests can observe wildlife and rural village life from the gym.

A combination of Western and traditional Indian cuisines, as well as traditional Assam teas, are served on board. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of wines, spirits and beer. 

Built to handle deep swells and towering waves, the National Geographic Explorer lends herself to globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder.

Originally constructed for service along Norway's coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, she ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves-and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, made her a natural choice for addition to the Lindblad fleet.

The plans to completely rebuild her drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise. National Geographic Explorer was 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 environment. Her interior and exterior design embodied the Lindblad expedition ethos-the privilege of wildness and the luxury of comfort.

For many guests she remains their paradigm of an expedition ship. She is devoted to exploration-from her Welcoming Bridge, and the Chart Room below it where you can tuck in to warm up with a hot chocolate, to her high-perched Observation deck with its aqueous light and compelling 24/7 views. Even the art on the walls- from the Hurley prints of Shackleton's expedition to the stunning National Geographic photos- tells an uber- narrative of globe-spanning travel and a dedication to curiosity and wonder.

National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. She is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort.

Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is ideal for the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. Her design and engineering were informed by nearly 40 years of experience in the narrow straits of Alaska, the coast of Costa Rica and into the gray whale nursery lagoons of Baja.

Modern and clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables guests to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the Pacific Islands, Antarctica and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, Antarctica, the Mediterranean, and beyond

National Geographic Orion's elevated maneuverability allows for navigation of inshore waters, secluded bays and sinuous rivers–practically anywhere accessible by sea.

At the helm of National Geographic Orion is an expert crew, capable of handling intricate operations that large cruise ships could never attempt. The ship features modern navigational equipment and technological abilities that allow her to navigate safely, even in uncharted waters​.

Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outdoor dining and deck space, which offers a range of panoramic views of every region’s rich avian and marine life.

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. Nimble, reliable, and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

A U.S.-flagged vessel, she and her sister, National Geographic Sea Bird, discover domestic waters.

National Geographic Sea Lion and her sister ship, National Geographic Sea Bird, sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

National Geographic writer Andrew Evans called National Geographic Sea Lion the “closest thing to Cousteau’s Calypso” he’s ever had the pleasure to be on.