National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions announced the launch of National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, its refreshed youth engagement initiative for kids and teens. The revamped program, previously known as National Geographic Global Explorers, teaches aspiring scientists skills such as driving a Zodiac boat, collecting plankton, and logging wildlife sightings. The youth education amenity will be available on select sailings to Alaska, Antarctica, Baja California, Iceland, and the Galapagos.
First developed and launched in 2017 in conjunction with National Geographic Education, the program has helped thousands of young travelers ignite their passion for exploration, conservation, and storytelling through hands-on experiences aboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages. The rebranding marks a new chapter—and fresh approach—to immersing youth travelers in the science, culture, and conservation stories of the regions they visit.
"We are committed to delivering exceptional enrichment to every guest at every age," said Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy. "We see more and more multi-generational families traveling with us every year, and our expanded National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program 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 program for young travelers—and this new name better reflects its essence and our mission."
National Geographic Explorers-in-Training is led by a Certified Field Educator and supported by expert staff, including National Geographic Photography Experts, undersea specialists, and naturalists. Participants engage in hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Each young traveler receives a region-specific field notebook to fill with discoveries during activities such as "In The Field: Spot It! Clues," storytelling challenges, onboard experiments, and games. At the expedition's end, each participant earns a commemorative patch and certificate celebrating their achievements.
The National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program is offered on select, family-friendly itineraries in Alaska, Antarctica, Baja California, Iceland, and the Galapagos, including:
- The "Exploring Galapagos" itinerary aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and the newly launched National Geographic Gemini immerses young travelers on the islands that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. Emerging explorers will collect plankton for microscopic study, observe sea lions while snorkeling, and hike across black-sand beaches and lush highlands.
- The eight-day "Alaska's Inside Passage" adventure sails from Juneau to Sitka on National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest. Curious young travelers will explore majestic fjords, marvel at glaciers, and kayak along the coast in search of marine life.
- Families will explore Baja California's coastlines in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as five different varieties of whales during the eight-day "Baja California: Among the Great Whales" itinerary.
- Finally, the "Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage" trip features a flight over the Drake Passage, which maximizes young travelers' time exploring the White Continent aboard National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion. Program participants can join scavenger hunts for wildlife, venture into icy channels, and explore alongside expert naturalists.
For more information about the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, visit www.expeditions.com/plan/family/national-geographic-explorers-in-training. For more information about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, visit www.expeditions.com.