National Geographic - Lindblad Fleet Addition:
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth, and cruising them in an expedition vessel is the perfect way to experience their untouched beauty. We have been helping travelers plan unforgettable trips to the Galapagos for 25 years, and we couldn't be more thrilled about the two new purpose-built ships added to the National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions' fleet. With National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic - Lindblad continues its legacy of pioneering immersive Galapagos cruises and expeditions. Set sailing in 2025, these two new vessels promise to deliver unparalleled experiences in one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
A Legacy of Exploration in the Galapagos
NatGeo - Lindblad has been at the forefront of the Galapagos Islands exploration for over 65 years. Since the first commercial expedition in 1976, they have been providing travelers with intimate, authentic experiences in this incredible wilderness. With a crew that is 95% native to the Galapagos, guests are guided by naturalists, photographers, and cultural experts who call these islands home, ensuring that each journey is rich with local insights and connections.
Meet the National Geographic Gemini (48 guests)
Set to sail in March 2025, the National Geographic Gemini is a meticulously designed ship crafted for year-round exploration of the Galapagos Islands. This 48-guest vessel, currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, offers a blend of comfort and adventure, with 27 staterooms that cater to solo travelers, couples, and groups.
Guests aboard the National Geographic Gemini will find a variety of accommodations, including suites with private balconies and versatile options for different occupancy needs. The ship's upper deck features a hot tub and windowed Fitness Center and Spa, providing perfect relaxation after a day of adventure. Dining options are abundant, with an outdoor café on the lounge deck and a glass-wrapped restaurant on the marina deck, ensuring every meal is a culinary delight.
Equipped with a fleet of Mark VI Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, the National Geographic Gemini is designed for exploration. Guests can embark on two iconic itineraries offering exceptional opportunities to experience the Galapagos' unique wildlife, landscapes, and culture: the 10-day Exploring Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands and the 16-day Exploring Galápagos + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca.
Introducing the National Geographic Delfina (16 guests)
Launching in February 2025, the National Geographic Delfina is the most intimate ship in the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet, accommodating just 16 guests. This luxurious catamaran is perfect for those seeking a private, exclusive experience in the Galapagos Islands. Named after founder and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad's daughter, Delfina, this vessel offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere ideal for families, small groups, or couples.
The Delfina's eight spacious staterooms feature polished wood décor, private balconies, or direct access to an expansive outer deck. The open-air Observation Deck provides 360-degree views of the islands, perfect for wildlife watching and stargazing. Guests can also unwind in the outdoor hot tub or dine al fresco at the outdoor café while enjoying the spectacular island views.
The National Geographic Delfina will offer two distinct itineraries: the 10-day Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage and the 16-day Galápagos by Catamaran + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca. Both journeys offer a deep dive into the natural and cultural wonders of the Galapagos and Peru. With a crew of experienced naturalists and certified National Geographic photo instructors, guests are in expert hands as they explore this extraordinary region.
The Ultimate Galapagos Expeditions
Exploring the Galapagos with National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions is more than just a trip; it's an educational and transformative experience. The new ships, National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina are designed to provide guests with intimate, authentic encounters with the islands' wildlife and landscapes while offering all the comforts of modern luxury.
With these new vessels, travelers will have even more opportunities to embark on Galapagos cruises that blend adventure with comfort, guided by those who know the islands best. Whether you're exploring the Galapagos for the first time or returning for another expedition, the National Geographic Gemini and Delfina promise to deliver an unforgettable journey.
To celebrate the inaugural season, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions is offering exclusive savings, including a 25% Wild Adventures Savings and an additional $1,000 off per child for select departures. We have curated hundreds of trips to the Galapagos Islands: for any additional information or to plan your Galapagos expedition, Get in Touch Today, and let's start crafting your adventure of a lifetime.
What our Clients Have to Say:
"The trip was arranged by Ashton Palmer and Expedition Trips' outstanding crew. They were easy to communicate with, listened to our initial thoughts and made suggestions to improve our experience. One important issue with us was we wanted good support should anything untoward happen during our trip since we were off the beaten path, and they gave us this feeling of ease." — David K. - Roanoke, VA
"Ashton Palmer was great to work with on our Galapagos Islands trip. Ashton spent enough time with us to understand our trip expectations and the things that we wanted and expected from our trip. He had the courage to tell us which cruise lines would meet our expectations and which ones would leave us disappointed. His suggested cruise line exceeded all of our expectations. We will definitely be using Expedition Trips again for future trips." — Steve V. - Shoreview, MN
"We had penguins nibbling our fins, watched sea turtles noshing underwater, and sea lions performing acrobatics in front of us – every single day. We saw rays, whales, sharks, eels, tons of colorful fish, and starfish the size of hubcaps. It was a perfect multi generational trip." — Colleen G. - Milburn, NJ
