Discover the Galápagos with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Nearly 60 years of expedition experience means that Lindblad Expeditions are experts in the regions they explore. Lars-Eric Lindblad first led an expedition to the Galápagos Islands in 1967 and was a pioneer of sustainable and educational exploration. In 1979, Lars Eric's son Sven Lindblad built upon his father's legacy by founding Special Expeditions as a division of Lindblad Travel, and thus Lindblad Expeditions was born, offering intrepid adventures for curious travellers to some of the world's most remote regions.

In 2004, a collaboration with National Geographic was established, enhancing the expedition experience through both companies' shared values. Lindblad is now National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, officially cementing its longtime partnership.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' fleet of small ships

Choose from an incredible four ships that sail the Galápagos Islands year round, with two launched in 2025: National Geographic Gemini, a shallow-draft expedition ship built for exhilarating adventures, with a fleet of Zodiacs, a glass-bottomed boat, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear; and the intimate catamaran National Geographic Delfina, the newest addition to the fleet and the most intimate with a capacity of just sixteen guests, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of the Galápagos Islands, with just eight spacious staterooms, an open-air Observation Deck complete with loungers and hot tub, and a wraparound Upper Deck for enjoying the spectacular scenery and looking out for wildlife.

Or opt for the sleek National Geographic Islander II with a choice of 26 staterooms and suites, alongside kayaks, a glass-bottomed boat, and a fleet of Zodiacs, plus enjoy locally-sourced cuisine and a warm Ecuadorian welcome from the onboard crew; or the National Geographic Endeavour II, a 96-guest expedition vessel with a glass-bottomed boat, underwater cameras, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

Enriching South America land programmes with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National-Geographic Lindblad Expeditions also offers the opportunity to supplement your Galápagos expedition cruise with some fantastic land programmes. Offerings vary by ship and itinerary but choose from a two-night Quito extension, exploring the city's colonial architecture and history, or take the opportunity to tick off another incredible site in South America, Machu Picchu, with Lindblad's Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca extension.

You can also venture into the Andes and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of the the Ecuadorian Chocó ecoregion with a stay at Mashpi Lodge, complete with nature walks and excursions to discover the incredible widlife of the rainforest. Or, if you'd like to extend your time in the Galápagos Islands, on select National Geographic Islander II departures you can add a Galápagos pre-voyage exension which includes two nights on Santa Cruz Island with activities led by an experienced naturalist.