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 Central America, that means gliding into a serene bay for a solitary snorkeling excursion, anchoring at a forgotten islet off the Colombian coastline, or sailing along the sinuous channels of the Panama Canal Zone, where thick jungle canopies spill across the shoreline.

Modern and clean-lined, the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Sea Lion 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: splash cams, underwater video cameras, and video microscopes that give you a glimpse of the vast world beneath the waves—from the Caribbean to the Pacific and beyond.

Each vessel is stocked with a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and Zodiacs that enable us to explore without being dependent on ports or piers, while our kayaks and paddle boards allow you to observe a surfacing sea turtle at water level or paddle into a quiet cove for an up-close look at a shorebird in Belize.

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 canals and bays that make these waters so extraordinary to explore.

Left: National Geographic Quest, Golfo Dulce. Top right: Kayaking in Coiba National Park. Above: Stand-up paddle boarding the calm waters.