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Get together with our new National Geographic Global Explorers program!

Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, our unique exploration-based program launched this June in Galápagos. Kids and teens can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their Field Notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect ‘points’ on their way to become a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it! Guests under 18 (and their families) will:

• Have fun! They’ll have the opportunity to earn a Zodiac “driver’s license,” snorkel with sea lions, paddleboard or kayak with newfound friends, and develop lifelong memories.  
• Benefit from National Geographic certified field educators: Our naturalists, newly minted as National Geographic certified field educators, optimize daily learning opportunities and fun­ for families. 
• Connect with nature: They’ll disconnect from tech and have direct contact with wildlife and wonders above and below the sea. With no screens to intervene you’ll re-discover each other on the voyage, too.
• Learn to be a storyteller: Through photos, videos, music, poetry, drawing and more, kids and teens will be encouraged to think outside the box and use their creativity to tell stories about the unique things they’ll do and see along the way.
• Develop their observation skills: Daily “In the Field: Spot It!” activities will prompt kids to watch out for a particular item, like a creature with scales or a giant coral head on land, then record their observations in their Field Notebook.

Fun and flexibility for all ages
The National Geographic Global Explorers bulletin board is headquarters for daily activities and challenges, and kids can choose what they’d like to participate in each day. When kids travel most (summer vacation, holidays, spring break), an additional naturalist joins our team in Galápagos enabling smaller groups and more personal attention. And schedules and activities both onboard and off ship are designed with families in mind: enjoy kid-friendly menus, movie night with pizza, a choice of hikes, and more.

One young guest's take on Galápagos
Sophie, an 8 year old aspiring scientist and naturalist, recently visited the islands with her family. Here's her first-hand account of a remarkable experience with the giant tortoises.

To read more about Sophie's experience, click here.