National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and global leader of adventure travel experiences, reports a year-over-year rise in multi-generational family bookings to the Galápagos this summer, highlighting a growing trend that presents strong opportunities for travel advisors.
This summer, National Geographic-–Lindblad Expeditions saw a 24% year-over-year increase in children under 18. Growth was especially strong in the Galápagos, where the number of young travelers rose by 40% following the expansion of the company’s fleet from two to four ships (a 31% capacity increase). As a share of total guests, the Galápagos remained the leader, with children representing 21% of all travelers this summer.
Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., recently returned from the Galápagos with her own family, where she filmed the experience and interviewed children traveling with their families.
“The Galápagos has always been one of the most powerful places to experience as a family. On my recent voyage, I had the joy of seeing the islands not only through my own family’s eyes, but also through the voices of the children onboard as they shared their discoveries. It was a reminder of why this place matters – not only for what we learn, but for how it inspires. Our Explorers-in-Training program creates those moments of connection and curiosity that stay with kids for life. It’s why we are seeing more families choose Galápagos together: it is truly a destination that belongs to every generation,” said Leahy.
Long recognized as a “bucket-list” destination, the Galápagos is increasingly being booked by families seeking meaningful experiences that connect across generations. For advisors, this trend reflects the strength of the multi-gen segment in luxury travel, with the Galápagos offering a uniquely high-value option: controlled access, unmatched wildlife, and authentic, educational programming for all ages.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Galápagos fleet, including the newly launched National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini, offers four expedition ships in the destination, providing advisors with expanded capacity, new products, and multiple ways to tailor the Galápagos experience for families. Lars-Eric Lindblad, father of Lindblad Expeditions’ founder Sven Lindblad, pioneered the first citizen expedition to Antarctica in 1966 and to the Galápagos the following year—laying the foundation for modern expedition travel. Today, that legacy continues with voyages designed to engage every member of the family. Onboard, the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program helps younger guests experience the islands like true expedition leaders, while advisors can take advantage of interconnecting cabins, small-ship intimacy, and expedition teams skilled at engaging both kids and adults.
