Lindblad Honors Galápagos Community With New Ships

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Two New Ships Named: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions officially named its two newest Galápagos ships, the National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini.
  • Community-Centered Christening: The naming ceremony uniquely honored local shipboard team members and their children, reflecting the company’s deep ties to the Galápagos community.
  • Long-Standing Regional Commitment: The event celebrated Lindblad Expeditions’ nearly 60-year history of partnership and conservation efforts in the Galápagos.
  • Intimate, Small-Ship Experience: The new vessels are designed for small-group exploration, with the Delfina accommodating just 16 guests and the Gemini 48, offering an immersive and personalized adventure.
During a twilight ceremony in Academy Bay, National Geographic Gemini Captain, Nathaly Alban and National Geographic Delfina Captain John Iturralde, were joined by Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy, Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, Interim Chief Maritime Officer, Ana Esteves, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, and Isabella Lindblad, Director of Expedition Development, Ecuador and Peru, along with more than 25 multigenerational community members to officially christen the vessels.

In a heartwarming and deeply meaningful ceremony, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions celebrated the official naming of its two newest ships in the Galápagos, the National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini. The event, held in Academy Bay, was a beautiful tribute to the company’s nearly 60-year legacy of partnership, community, and conservation in this extraordinary part of the world.

National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini in the heart of the Galápagos archipelago—Academy Bay.

In a wonderful gesture that underscores this deep connection, members of the shipboard teams and their children were honored as the godparents, participating in the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. This symbolic act celebrated the multi-generational ties between Lindblad Expeditions and the people of the Galápagos, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting and preserving the region for the future. Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, beautifully captured the spirit of the event, highlighting the lasting connection to the place and its people.

The two new ships are designed to offer intimate and immersive expedition experiences. The National Geographic Delfina is a sleek, 16-guest luxury catamaran perfect for families, while the National Geographic Gemini is a 48-guest expedition ship built for discovery. Both vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art exploration tools and staffed by dedicated local crews, ensuring every guest has an authentic and enriching journey. This expansion of the fleet is an exciting step forward, promising new opportunities for travelers to connect with the beauty and wonder of the Galápagos.