National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has officially launched its updated youth education initiative – National Geographic Explorers-in-Training – a rebranded and revitalised version of the previously acclaimed Global Explorers programme.
The immersive offering is now available on select family-friendly voyages across Alaska, Antarctica, Baja California, Iceland, and the Galápagos Islands.
The updated programme, announced this July, is designed to fully engage young travellers in hands-on learning and discovery, reflecting a growing trend in multigenerational expedition cruising.
“We see more and more multigenerational families travelling with us every year, and our expanded National Geographic Explorers-in-Training programme is designed to be an engaging educational experience for our young explorers,
“It is not your standard ‘kids club,’ it is a highly acclaimed, age-appropriate expedition programme for young travellers – and this new name better reflects its essence and our mission.”
Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.
A Scientific Adventure for the Next Generation
Launched in partnership with National Geographic Education in 2017, the youth programme has been updated to include new activities while maintaining its mission to foster exploration, environmental stewardship, and storytelling.
Each itinerary includes:
- Certified Field Educators leading age-appropriate science and cultural activities
- Support from expert staff including National Geographic photographers, naturalists and undersea specialists
- A field notebook, unique to each region, where participants record wildlife sightings, complete challenges and journal discoveries
- At the end of the expedition, each child receives a commemorative patch and certificate
Highlights include wildlife observation, underwater exploration, storytelling, Zodiac boat-driving lessons, and hands-on science such as plankton collection and onboard experiments.
Featured Itineraries for Families
The Explorers-in-Training programme is available on the following select itineraries:
Exploring Galápagos (7–8 days) aboard National Geographic Endeavour II or the new National Geographic Gemini: Snorkel with sea lions, hike black-sand beaches, and study plankton under microscopes in Darwin’s famed archipelago.
Alaska’s Inside Passage (8 days) aboard National Geographic Venture or Quest: Navigate majestic fjords and kayak alongside marine life while watching for whales, guided by naturalists.
Baja California: Among the Great Whales (8 days) aboard National Geographic Venture: Spot dolphins, sea lions and multiple whale species while learning about marine ecology.
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage (8–10 days) aboard National Geographic Explorer or Orion: Skip the Drake Passage by air and maximise time exploring the ice, participating in scavenger hunts, Zodiac tours, and ice walks.
Special Galápagos Offer for UK Travellers
As part of the programme launch, UK families can enjoy 50% off Galápagos expedition fares for children and young adults aged 22 and under, on selected 2025 departures. Bookings must be made by 31st August 2025 to qualify for the offer.
This incentive aims to make family expeditions more accessible while encouraging youth engagement in one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations.
A Continued Commitment to Experiential Travel
With over 100 itineraries across 70+ countries and a fleet of 23 purpose-built ships, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions remains a leader in educational travel.
The Explorers-in-Training programme reflects the co-brand’s deep roots in scientific discovery, conservation, and immersive storytelling.
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