Something magical happens when you introduce a child to the wonders of the world—you can almost see their minds opening and new passions taking hold. Aboard the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, each day is full of exciting discoveries that spark curiosity and conversation. Lindblad takes care of every detail so that you are free to appreciate these incredible moments and make indelible memories with your family.
Immersive Exploration for Every Generation
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers unforgettable family travel experiences designed for immersive exploration and comfort, ensuring every generation finds their adventure.
Ships Built for Exploration and Comfort
The ships in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet provide a perfect home base for families, featuring comfortable cabins and an informal ambiance. Small and nimble, these vessels can navigate secluded coves, narrow fjords, and sheltered lagoons, reaching remote shorelines where your family can discover wild places together. Each ship is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, with some also offering snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and even a glass-bottomed boat for diverse exploration.
Suite Exclusives
The National Geographic Explorer offers newly enhanced suites, each with its own “Command Center” featuring tools like a barometer and a National Geographic Atlas for in-cabin exploration. Guests booking suites on any expedition ship also receive an amenities package, including an in-room espresso maker, priority booking for spa treatments and igloo stays (on select vessels), and complimentary laundry services.
The National Geographic Global Explorers Program
Nurture your family’s passion for exploration with Lindblad’s exclusive National Geographic Global Explorers program. This hands-on, interactive program teaches kids and teens 18 and under how to explore like scientists and tell the stories of their surroundings, led by National Geographic certified field educators.
Nurturing Passions for Exploration
One of the most rewarding sights on expedition is witnessing the gleam of discovery in a child’s eyes, whether they’re walking amongst giant tortoises, gazing at the sculpted grooves of an iceberg, or watching a whale at water level during a Zodiac cruise. These moments are especially meaningful when complemented by the learning opportunities created by the Global Explorers program, offered in naturally fun and fascinating places, including Alaska, Baja California, Galápagos, and Antarctica.
Kids will hone their observation skills and learn to capture and share their experiences through photographs, videos, drawings, and more. Activities range from examining plankton under the ship microscope to making ice cream sundae glaciers or earning a Zodiac “driver’s license,” encouraging young travelers to explore their own interests in marine biology, geology, or photography.
National Geographic Global Explorer Program Highlights
- Wildlife Watching: Hop into a Zodiac, zip along the shore, and hike in search of wildlife and interesting plant life. Snap photos with your smartphone and jot notes in your official National Geographic Global Explorers Field Notebook.
- Microscopic Exploration: Drop a net over the side of your Zodiac to collect plankton, then check it under a video microscope to see how it looks and moves.
- Video Shoots: Meet your certified photo instructor in the lounge and get tips on how to create impressive slow-motion and timelapse videos, then test out those new skills in the field.
- License to Explore: Learn to operate a Zodiac and earn your “driver’s license.” (For kids only.)
- Check Your List: Meet up in the lounge to go over all the wildlife you saw and mark it down in your field notebook. Track your progress on becoming a certified National Geographic Global Explorer.
- New Friends and Fun Adventures: Meet up with new friends for fun activities with your Certified Field Educator, which might include a pizza dinner, games, or special hikes.
- Night Sky: Head to the top deck to watch the stars come out, find new constellations with naturalists, and make notes.
What to Expect: Expedition Cruising for Families
Expedition cruising is a great fit for families, whether you are parents traveling with grade-schoolers or grandparents bringing along the whole brood for a college graduation celebration. With activities that combine learning and fun, and a team of dynamic experts leading the way, each day is full of discoveries that awaken new passions no matter your age.
Why are expedition cruises ideal for kids and families?
They are an exhilarating combination of exploration and education, where each day is full of hands-on learning on board and on shore. The ship is casual and comfortable—a home base where your family can share the thrill of discovery and make lifelong friendships with other families that are enthusiastic about exploring.
What age groups would enjoy expedition cruising?
There is something for everyone, from the second grader fascinated by ship navigation to the teenager who loves the freedom of kayaking, to the grandparent who never misses a naturalist talk. Your family makes memories together, and yet every generation can enjoy the experience their own way.
Which destinations and seasons are best for families?
It depends on your family’s interests! Are you seeking glaciers or desert islands? Penguins or polar bears? Every voyage offers daily opportunities for hands-on exploration, and in certain destinations, kids can also take part in the National Geographic Global Explorers program. Families are welcome year-round, but there are more on board during school breaks and summertime.
What types of activities can children participate in?
Any of our expert-led excursions, from snorkeling with sea turtles to zip-lining through a rainforest canopy. In the National Geographic Global Explorers program, they might collect specimens to view under a microscope or learn to identify wildlife on a naturalist-led hike.
Are there accommodation options for families?
Families often reserve adjacent rooms, and several of our ships have adjoining rooms that turn two cabins into a family suite.
What can kids do on the ship?
Kids tend to love down time on board: they are free to roam and explore their interests, but never far from family. They can examine footage of sea creatures with an undersea specialist or visit the open bridge to see the captain demonstrate how navigation instruments work. They might read a book in the lounge, or play a board game with new friends. They have just enough independence—and plenty of ways to stay entertained under the care of our crew.
How far ahead of time should you book an expedition cruise for your family?
We recommend booking as far out as possible so you have flexibility to reserve the cabins and dates that suit your family.
“As soon as my family dove in, we were surrounded by playful sea lions who were equally as captivated by us as we were by them. Some of the young pups tried to replicate our every move. Others floated and stared at us, as if they were mesmerized.”
– Dana Ng, Baja California traveler
Stress-Free Family Travel
Lindblad handles all the details of your trip for a seamless, stress-free experience. We’ll help you book flights and transfers, make sure you get everywhere in time, and arrange land accommodations for before or after your expedition if you want to arrive early or linger later.
Once you’re on board, you will find a comfortable home at sea—unpack once and you are free to immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll enjoy choice and flexibility for the whole family, with multiple options daily to ensure multi-generational fun. Each day’s activities are published the prior evening, so the only decisions your family has to make are whether to go kayaking or hiking. As long as your young ones have an adult in tow, you could even split up so that everyone gets to do what interests them most.
Meals are informal and easy, with generous breakfast and lunch that will tempt even the pickiest palates, and dinner menus that suit a range of tastes. Our chefs draw on ingredients and cuisine from the ports we visit, giving your crew the chance to sample new flavors and local dishes. And with snacks and beverages available on board, cravings can always be satisfied.
Handing Down Natural Knowledge: National Geographic Certified Field Educators
Wild places like Alaska and the Galápagos hold infinite learnings for young travelers who are nurturing new relationships with the natural world. The certified field educators at the helm of the National Geographic Global Explorers program are experts at interpreting the fascinating stories of species and their habitats so that kids and teens can return home inspired by the planet and primed to protect it.
Meet Your Expert Guides
“You only get one opportunity to see a grizzly bear for the first time. After that first experience, the next best thing is to share in that moment with others. Fostering an explorer’s mindset with youth is an experience that is always rewarding. We only protect what we care about. We only care about what we know. We only truly know about things we have experienced. My hope is that the experiences I share with young explorers on expeditions inspire them to care about these wild places and that they will become ambassadors to help protect and preserve them for future generations.”
– Tim Martin, Naturalist, Alaska
“Kids and teens have the opportunity to create new ways of interacting with the world around us, and in the National Geographic Global Explorers program, we foster this by helping young travelers change their relationships with wild places. When we go snorkeling with underwater creatures or hiking to see species in their natural environments, kids are inspired to ask questions and connect ideas, and we as field educators share in this learning process. It is amazing to find answers to the kids’ questions in observable, real-world moments.”
– Ramiro Adrian, Naturalist, Galápagos
“I deeply believe that fostering positive interactions between youth and nature is the way to motivate future citizens in awareness and passion for stewardship. The youth love the activities in the National Geographic Global Explorers program. They will always remember some of the big excursions, like driving the Zodiacs. Sometimes, a young explorer writes in their journal about a simple moment she and I shared just looking closely at a captured crab or flower. You never know what they will find profound in their experience.”
– Kimberly Baldwin, Naturalist, Alaska
Small Tracks, Big Impacts: Sophie’s Galápagos Story
National Geographic Global Explorers program alumna Sophie came to the Galápagos at the age of seven to pursue her passion for wildlife. During a voyage brimming with incredible animal sightings, one particular encounter left a lasting impression—and inspired the young explorer to take action from her home halfway across the world.
Sophie Meets George
When Sophie and her family boarded National Geographic Endeavour II for a 10-day adventure in the legendary wilds of Galápagos, they never imagined that the most impactful moment of their journey would happen inside the walls of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS).
“When I saw the preserved ‘Lonesome George,’ I was very sad! He was the last giant tortoise from Pinta Island. I could not believe that all the Pinta giant tortoises are now extinct because of humans.”
– Sophie, National Geographic Global Explorers participant
An Advocate for Animals
Sophie returned home to Switzerland prepared to make positive changes for the planet. She started with small fundraising initiatives—organizing a garage sale and asking for donations instead of presents for her birthday. In that first wave, she succeeded in raising $500.
Two years later, Sophie received the exciting news that she would return to Galápagos, so she stepped up her fundraising efforts for CDRS. She created a GoFundMe page, and by the time she left for Ecuador, Sophie had collected a total of $2,650.
A Very Special Delivery
When the team at CDRS heard about Sophie’s accomplishment, they invited her to deliver her donation in person and get a behind-the-scenes look at their work. Sophie was also presented with a certificate of donation and learned that her contributions would help tag and monitor Galápagos penguins and assess the health of giant tortoises.
Sophie is more determined than ever to help conserve this fragile environment. She asked her mom to start a nonprofit association—together they launched Tunememi Conservancy to help raise awareness for species preservation. Sophie wants to continue doing her own fundraising for the Charles Darwin Foundation and dreams of one day becoming a scientist.
Explore the World: Family Expedition Destinations
The Polar Regions: Antarctica & Arctic
Journey to the top or bottom of the world and discover icy waters populated by polar bears or penguins. Spot all kinds of whales, sail past icebergs that tower over our ship, and take on the challenge of a polar plunge.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Journey To Antarctica: The White Continent | 14 | $15,840.00 |
| A Circumnavigation of Iceland | 10 | $16,790.00 |
| Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard | 10 | $12,850.00 |
| Wild Greenland Escape | 6 | $8,890.00 |
North America: Alaska
Get immersed in nature’s epic beauty in Alaska, where you can paddle into fjords, ride a Zodiac to the foot of a glacier, learn about the music and art of an ancient culture, and watch humpbacks bubble-net feeding.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness | 8 | $7,560.00 |
| Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands & Tracy Arm Fjord | 6 | $4,800.00 |
| Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell, and the Misty Fjords | 6 | $4,800.00 |
| The Glaciers of Prince William Sound | 6 | $4,950.00 |
North America: Baja California
Discover the rich waters off Baja California, where gray whales come to breed each year. Hike desert islands dotted with barrel cactuses and kayak into secret coves; then head out by Zodiac to encounter whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Baja California: Among the Great Whales | 8 | $6,930.00 |
| Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay | 6 | $4,040.00 |
| Baja California Holiday Voyage: A Living Sea & Desert Isles | 8 | $7,240.00 |
South America: Galápagos & the Amazon
Venture to Galápagos for close encounters with incredible creatures like giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. Or journey by riverboat through the Amazon, the world’s most biodiverse rainforest, and visit communities along the riverbank.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Galápagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour II | 10 | $7,940.00 |
| Wild Galápagos Escape (7- and 8-Day) | 7 | $6,795.00 |
| Upper Amazon aboard Delfin II | 10 | $7,930.00 |
Central America: Costa Rica, Guatemala & Belize
The tropics of Central America are home to smoldering volcanoes, colorful reefs, and the mysterious temples of lost civilizations. Go adventuring in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Belize and explore these treasures by zip line, Zodiac, and more.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica & the Panama Canal | 8 | $6,820.00 |
| Wild Costa Rica Escape: Exploring Guanacaste’s Natural Wonders | 6 | $4,190.00 |
| Wild Belize Escape: Wildlife, Reefs, and Rivers | 6 | $4,460.00 |
Europe: British Isles & the Mediterranean
Gain new perspectives on timeless Europe, navigating ancient trade routes and exploring the continent’s most secluded corners. Sail to the front doors of grand medieval cities and quaint fishing harbors, approaching them in a time-honored way, and connect with cultures that shaped these celebrated places.
| Expedition | Days | From Price (PP) |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland | 12 | $11,887.00 |
| Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal: Sailing Through Antiquity | 12 | $10,260.00 |
Exclusive Offers & Inclusive Pricing
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.