Family Adventure in the Galapagos: Inspiring Young Explorers with Lindblad & National Geographic

Imagine a family vacation where every moment is a lesson, every encounter a discovery, and every memory a treasure. With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, your journey to the Galapagos Islands transforms into an extraordinary learning adventure, especially for young minds. Through their unique Explorers-in-Training program, children and teens don’t just observe; they actively participate in scientific exploration, connect deeply with nature, and forge lifelong memories amidst the archipelago’s unparalleled wildlife.

Vincent Vacations is thrilled to help you plan this immersive experience, where the spirit of discovery is ignited in every family member. Plus, discover special savings that make this dream adventure even more accessible for kids!

The Explorers-in-Training Program: Igniting Young Minds

The exclusive National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program is designed to transform the natural world into a dynamic classroom for young travelers. Offered on every Galapagos departure, this program empowers children and teens to explore the archipelago like true scientists through hands-on activities, photography, video, and drawing. National Geographic-certified field educators mentor families through shared discoveries, while dedicated kids-only moments foster independence and confidence in a welcoming spirit of exploration.

Program Highlights for Young Adventurers:

• Wildlife Watching: Zip along the shore in a Zodiac, then hike to find iconic Galapagos wildlife like barking sea lions and marine iguanas. Young explorers can snap photos with their smartphones and jot notes in their official National Geographic Explorers-in-Training Field Notebooks.
• License to Explore: Kids learn to operate a Zodiac and earn their very own “driver’s license” – a thrilling experience (sorry, adults, kids only!).
• Microscopic Exploration: Drop a net over the side of the Zodiac to collect plankton, then examine it under a video microscope to observe the unseen wonders of the ocean.
• Check Your List: Head to the ship lounge to review wildlife sightings and mark them in the field notebook, tracking progress towards becoming a certified National Geographic Explorer-in-Training.
• Video Shoots: Certified photo instructors provide tips on creating impressive slow-motion and timelapse videos, which young explorers can then practice in the field.
• New Friends and Fun Adventures: Meet up with fellow young explorers for fun activities with a certified field educator, from pizza dinners and games to special hikes.
• Eyes to the Night Sky: Gather on the top deck as the sun sets to watch the stars emerge, learning to identify and record constellations with the help of field educators.

This program ensures that children return home with a deeper connection to nature and a lifelong passion for our planet.

A Day in the Life: Family Fun & Discovery

A National Geographic-Lindblad expedition in the Galapagos is a daily immersion into wonder. The islands’ unique, unafraid, and endemic animals are the hallmark of your experience, observed with the guidance of knowledgeable naturalists.

Morning to Evening: An Expedition Day

• Early Start: Rise and Roam: Greet the day with a stretch session on the open-air deck or join expert naturalists at the bow to spot early-morning wildlife. Young explorers can immediately begin recording sightings in their field notebooks.
• A Farm-to-Table Breakfast: Enjoy a fresh breakfast in the dining room, featuring bespoke omelets, fresh fruits, Galapagos-grown coffee, and more, often sourced from local farms.
• Morning Excursion: Dive In: Snorkel in the Galapagos Marine Reserve among sea lions, colorful fish, marine iguanas, and penguins. For those preferring to stay dry, a naturalist-led Zodiac or glass-bottom boat cruise offers water-level marine life observation.
• A Local Lunch: Meals are fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced. A special Ecuadorian feast, with wild-caught fish in coconut milk, is a highlight.
• Afternoon Excursion: Paddle, Hike or Walk: Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the coast to explore volcanic features, or head ashore for a birding walk, keeping an eye out for waved albatrosses or flightless cormorants.
• Ready for Recap: Gather in the lounge over drinks and hors d’oeuvres for the daily Recap, featuring presentations, photo slideshows, and a preview of tomorrow’s activities. Often, researchers or national park personnel are special guest speakers.
• Seeing Stars: After dinner, head to the top deck for a naturalist-led stargazing session. At the Equator, you might see both the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross simultaneously.

Lindblad & National Geographic: A Legacy of Exploration

For over 20 years, the collaboration between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions has set the standard for expedition cruising. This partnership combines National Geographic’s legendary exploration spirit with Lindblad’s 60 years of expedition heritage, creating transformative experiences that foster deep connections with the planet.

Why Choose a National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition?

• Small Ships That Take You Farther: The fleet comprises over 20 expedition and charter vessels, designed for comfort, access, and close-up encounters with remote and remarkable destinations.
• Travel with a World-Class Team: Voyages are led by veteran captains, seasoned guides, and National Geographic Expedition Experts, many with decades of experience.
• Take Great Photos with the Pros: National Geographic Photographers join select expeditions, and a certified photo instructor accompanies every departure to help guests hone their camera skills.
• Pioneering Responsible Exploration: Ships are designed for efficiency and minimal environmental impact, with thoughtful choices like eliminating single-use plastics and sourcing local ingredients.
• Inclusions Curated for Exceptional Value: The full expedition experience includes engaging talks, most excursions, all meals, onboard amenities, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and much more.

“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.”

Discover the Enchanting Galapagos Islands

Each expedition traces a unique path through the Galapagos, revealing a remarkable range of islands, each with its own distinct charm and wildlife. You’ll encounter thriving ecosystems and communities strengthened by decades of conservation work supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund.

Highlights of the Archipelago:

Explore Key Islands

• Isabela: Cross the Equator in sight of Volcan Ecuador, home to penguins and fur seals. Watch for whales and dolphins in these rich waters.
• Fernandina: Walk across lava flows and snorkel with marine iguanas and sea turtles on this oceanic volcano.
• Santiago: Explore tide pools and search for reintroduced land iguanas amidst coastal forests and spectacular geological formations.
• Floreana: Follow a trail along a rose-pink lagoon frequented by flamingos, visit Post Office Bay, and snorkel among schools of tropical fish.
• Genovesa: Sail to this remote northern seabird paradise, bathed in warm tropical waters.
• Bartolomé: Climb to the summit of a volcanic wonderland, then snorkel from a golden beach where hunting penguins are often found.
• North Seymour: Encounter nesting frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and land and marine iguanas on a beautiful coastal walk.
• South Plaza: Sea lions greet you on this uplifted volcanic block carpeted in salt-loving succulents, teeming with wildlife including a large colony of land iguanas.
• San Cristóbal: Search for red-footed boobies, endemic mockingbirds, and lava lizards. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lion colonies thrive in town.
• Rabida: Snorkel along the rocky coastline among schools of tropical fish and curious sea lions before landing on a brilliant red beach to look for land and sea birds.
• Santa Cruz: Meet with Galapagueños, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and explore lush highlands where giant tortoises roam.
• Española: The oldest Galapagos island, a haven for endemic species and many types of birds, including Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses.

Special Offers for Families

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions believes in inspiring the next generation of explorers. To make these unforgettable voyages more accessible for families, special savings are available:

Bringing the Kids: Enjoy $500 savings for each child under the age of 18 on any departure. This offer is not applicable on extensions or airfare.

Vincent Vacations can help you navigate these offers and ensure you get the best value for your family’s adventure of a lifetime.

Choosing Your Family Expedition Vessel

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions sails four exceptional vessels in the Galapagos year-round, each offering a unique onboard experience. These ships are perfectly suited for families, providing comfort, access, and immersive discovery.

Family-Friendly Fleet Options:

When planning your family’s Galapagos adventure, consider these outstanding vessels:

Ship Name	Guest Capacity	Key Family Features
National Geographic Endeavour II	96 guests	Ideal for groups and families with young children, featuring the largest expedition team, glass-bottom boat, underwater cameras, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and personal snorkeling gear.
National Geographic Delfina	16 guests	A sleek, luxury catamaran perfect for intimate family charters, offering quicker access to adventures, a low profile for wildlife spotting, private balconies, and open-air dining. Includes a certified photo instructor and the Explorers-in-Training program.
National Geographic Gemini	48 guests	Highly maneuverable, offering a variety of outward-facing cabin configurations including singles, doubles, triples, and connecting cabins. Equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for each guest.
National Geographic Islander II	26 guests	An intrepid expedition vessel with the spirit of a private yacht, featuring comfortable staterooms and suites, sleek shared spaces, al fresco dining, an open-air observation deck, plunge pool, and a dedicated science hub.

Each ship is purpose-built for in-depth exploration, ensuring your family can connect deeply with these remarkable islands.

Extend Your Adventure: Mainland Ecuador & Peru

Make the most of your time in the region by combining your Galapagos experience with other immersive journeys on the mainland. These pre- or post-voyage extensions are seamlessly designed to complement your expedition, offering deeper cultural and natural insights.

Popular Extension Options:

• Tropical Andes and Colonial Quito: Explore Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed center and discover the tropical wilds of the Ecuadorian Chocó from the exquisite Mashpi Lodge. (6 Days, from $3,200pp)
• See Quito: Experience Quito’s colonial churches and traditional markets, adding a night to acclimate before your expedition. (3 Days, from $449pp)
• Quito and Otavalo: Explore Ecuador’s capital and venture to Otavalo in the Andean Highlands to browse handicraft markets and visit a weaving village. (4 Days, from $1,250pp)
• Taste of Lima: Discover vibrant Lima, its UNESCO-designated colonial center, and renowned cuisine. (3 Days, from $495pp)
• Living With Nature (Santa Cruz): Deepen your understanding of life in the Galapagos through encounters with community members and conservation partners, with guided explorations across Santa Cruz Island. (4 Days, from $2,359pp)
• Add Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca: 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. (16 Days, from $9,473pp)
• Add Upper Amazon: A River Expedition: Combine your Galapagos expedition with a voyage on the Upper Amazon aboard the elegant Delfin II, gliding into narrow tributaries by skiff and kayak to see unusual plants, wildlife, and local communities. (18 Days)

These extensions offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from ancient civilizations to cloud forests, ensuring your family’s journey is truly comprehensive.