Our Ships

Our Ships The Ideal Base for Immersive Exploration

Our nimble expedition ships are designed to provide up-close experiences in the planet’s wildest and most remote places. In North America, that means taking you to the face of towering glaciers, gliding into serene bays for a solitary snorkeling excursion, or visiting multiple islands in one day in Channel Islands National Park. Our ships have the additional advantage of being U.S.-flagged, eliminating customs stops and allowing more time to explore.

Each vessel is stocked with a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Zodiacs that enable us to explore without being dependent on ports or piers, safely observe a bear feeding along the Alaska coast or paddle into coves for a closer look at sea lions.

All four of our U.S.-flagged expedition ships feature open decks and large windows that keep travelers connected with extraordinary views of turquoise waters when we’re not out exploring. The ships are equipped with a full suite of exploration tools: hydrophones, underwater video cameras, and video microscopes that give you a glimpse of the vast world beneath the waves.

The lounge is where fellow travelers gather to unwind and hear the Naturalists discuss the wonders we witness each day. Beautifully appointed cabins and common areas reflect the artistic traditions of the regions we explore. Take up the captain’s open invitation to visit the Bridge and watch the crew navigate the rivers and bays that make these waters so extraordinary to explore.

Left: National Geographic Sea Bird in Baja, California; Young adult stand-up paddleboarding; guests gathered in the lounge of National Geographic Quest.