ocean Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion
by National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions
Built in
1982
Remodeled in
2015
Capacity
62
By
National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions
Discover remote coastal wilderness with uncommon intimacy aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, a nimble and well-equipped expedition ship designed for hands-on exploration in North America’s most scenic and wildlife-rich regions. At 152 feet in length and carrying just 62 guests in 31 outside-facing cabins, the Sea Lion offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere ideal for adventurous travelers who value connection—with nature, with fellow guests, and with the expedition team.
All cabins feature large windows, en-suite bathrooms, and practical comforts. Though modest in size, each room is designed to maximize functionality and ease. The ship’s compact scale enables it to access narrow channels, shallow coves, and hidden bays that are off-limits to larger vessels—making it an ideal platform for discovering Alaska’s Inside Passage, Baja California’s Sea of Cortez, or the Pacific Northwest’s lush coastlines.
Onboard, guests enjoy thoughtfully prepared regional cuisine in the dining room, casual lectures and daily recaps in the forward lounge, and spectacular wildlife viewing from the ship’s wraparound decks. The Bridge is always open, inviting guests to learn about navigation or spot marine life alongside the captain and crew.
Equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, the Sea Lion supports a wide range of active excursions. Guests venture ashore to hike, kayak among icebergs or mangroves, and get up close to whales, bears, sea lions, and seabirds—all with guidance from a veteran expedition team that includes naturalists, marine biologists, and a National Geographic-certified photo instructor.
The National Geographic Sea Lion delivers an enriching, up-close adventure with a spirit of curiosity and camaraderie—perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the surface and engage deeply with the places they explore.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on National Geographic Sea Lion, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
sq. feet
-Bridge Deck: #105, 106 — These cabins include two single beds. Cabins feature a small table, two chairs, large double closet, sink/vanity with large mirror outside the bathroom and two windows. Cabin doors and windows open to the outside.
Upper Deck: #214, 216, 217, 219 — These cabins include two single beds that can convert to a double bed, and a pullout single bed for a third person. Cabins feature a small table, two chairs, large double closet, sink/vanity with large mirror outside the bathroom and two windows. Cabin doors and windows open to the outside.
sq. feet
-Bridge Deck: #101-104 and Upper Deck:#200-212, 215 — These well-located cabins include two single beds and a window. Cabin doors and windows open to the outside. Cabins feature a closet, two nightstands, closet, and sink/vanity with large mirror outside the bathroom. Note: Solo occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only.
sq. feet
-#300-305 — Conveniently located between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single beds and a large window. All cabins feature a closet, two nightstands, and sink/vanity with large mirror outside the bathroom. Note: Solo occupancy cabins are available in categories 1 and 2 only. Shared accommodation can be arranged at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2 only.
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is a leader in small-ship expedition travel, running expertly guided voyages to some of the most remote places on earth. Its expedition vessels are built for travellers who want authentic adventure, in-depth discovery, and close access to nature and wildlife. Destinations reach from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, and Alaska, and each voyage is planned to give real cultural and ecological context.
What sets National Geographic Lindblad apart is its commitment to exploration, science, and conservation. Every voyage carries onboard naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and National Geographic-certified photographers, so guests understand what they are seeing through expert guidance and hands-on time in the field. A Zodiac, the inflatable landing craft used to reach shore, opens up close encounters. On a single voyage you might cross a glacial fjord, snorkel near sea lions in the Galapagos, or watch the northern lights in the Arctic. Each one puts you in direct contact with the natural world.
Small group sizes keep the atmosphere intimate and let guests stay close to their surroundings. The onboard experience pairs comfort with learning, with scientific briefings, photography workshops, and regional cuisine. National Geographic Lindblad also backs sustainable travel, supporting conservation work, local communities, and research projects that help protect the fragile places it visits.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the strongest small-ship expeditions, choosing the ones that meet our standards for quality, authenticity, and responsible travel. National Geographic Lindblad has been carefully vetted and chosen as a partner in our collection, which reflects how much we value transformative, conservation-minded voyages.
With its record of scientific depth, cultural access, and conservation-driven travel, National Geographic Lindblad fits how we like to plan expeditions: educational, genuinely inspiring, and well run. We work directly with Lindblad to build itineraries around what each traveller wants to see and do.
As specialists in small-ship travel, Small Ship Travel offers advisor access, considered recommendations, and concierge-level support to round out your National Geographic Lindblad voyage. From choosing the right itinerary to arranging pre- and post-cruise stays, private transfers, and specialised excursions, we take care of the detail.
Plan a voyage of discovery with National Geographic Lindblad and Small Ship Travel, where adventure, learning, and conservation come together across some of the most remarkable places on earth. Contact us to start planning your expedition.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.