Signature highlights
A 16-guest double-hull catamaran with open-air observation spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, wraparound upper deck, compact marina, and intimate expedition atmosphere.
National Geographic Delfina
National Geographic Delfina is a 16-guest Lindblad Expeditions expedition ship, in service since 2007. This page lists 94 upcoming departures across 4 itineraries, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ Travelers who prefer intimate small-ship expeditions
✓ Couples wanting private-balcony cabin options
✓ Families seeking a dedicated kids and teens exploration program
National Geographic Delfina at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 0%
A small expedition-size ship at 320 gross tons — #562 of 566 ships we track. 20 tons of ship per guest.
Best for
- Travelers who prefer intimate small-ship expeditions
- Couples wanting private-balcony cabin options
- Families seeking a dedicated kids and teens exploration program
- Wildlife watchers who value open-air viewing areas
- Guests who enjoy casual indoor-outdoor dining
Think twice if you want
- Travelers wanting a fitness center or spa
- Guests seeking large-ship entertainment and nightlife
- Passengers who require onboard medical staffing
- Travelers preferring many cabin categories
- Guests who dislike compact ships with only eight cabins
Live Position ● 40 minutes ago
Heading to: GENOVESACurrently on: Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca (15 nights)
Full port route isn't linked for this sailing yet.
0.0 knots
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About National Geographic Delfina
National Geographic Delfina is an intimate luxury catamaran operating in the Galápagos Islands for Lindblad Expeditions. The 16-guest vessel has eight air-conditioned staterooms across three decks, with private balconies or direct deck access. Guests can use the open-air observation deck, whirlpool hot tub, wraparound upper deck, lounge and library, and indoor or al fresco dining areas. Expeditions are led by experienced naturalists, including a National Geographic-certified photo instructor, making the ship particularly suited to small-group wildlife and nature exploration.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Lindblad Expeditions
- Builder / shipyard
- Botto Astilleros y Marina, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Registry / flag
- Ecuador (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- Call sign
- HC4844
- IMO number
- 9455882
- MMSI
- 735057940
- Previous names
- Athala II; Celebrity Xploration
Onboard Experience
For families
The vessel carries National Geographic-Lindblad expedition staff and supports the Global Explorers program for children and teens. Its small size and expedition format are best suited to families comfortable with active nature travel.
Pools, spa & wellness
The open-air observation deck includes a whirlpool hot tub and shaded lounge areas. The vessel does not carry a medical professional.
Environmental features
The operator emphasizes locally sourced and sustainable culinary ingredients, Ecuadorian officers and crew, and expedition operations connected with Galápagos conservation and local communities.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 3 · Observation Deck
Whirlpool Hot Tub Observation DeckDeck 2 · Upper Deck
Outdoor Café BridgeDeck 1 · Main Deck
Dining Room Lounge Zodiac BoardingView the official National Geographic Delfina deck plans from Lindblad Expeditions →
Cabins & suites
Oceanview 50%
Balcony 50%
| Category | Type | Cabins | Size | Balcony | Sleeps | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category 4Cabins 300–303; convertible queen or two twin beds; large window; direct access to the outside deck; cabins 300/301 and 302/303 can interconnect. | Oceanview | 4 | 172 sq ft | — | 2 | Upper Deck |
| Category 5Cabins 200–203; convertible queen or two twin beds; private balcony; two large windows. | Balcony | 4 | 172 sq ft | 43 sq ft | 2 | Main Deck |
Dining, bars & venues
5 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Outdoor Café
Included
Al fresco dining area at the stern serving meals in a single unassigned seating.
Dining Room
Included
Indoor dining room serving meals to all guests in a single relaxed seating.
Bars & lounges
Bar
Included
Main Deck bar with the standard voyage bar tab included; premium brands may cost extra.
History & sister ships
- 2007Entered service, built by Botto Astilleros y Marina, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- 2025The 2007-built catamaran was renovated and entered Lindblad Expeditions service as National Geographic Delfina.
Where National Geographic Delfina sails, month by month
| Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
Oct 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other / multi-region | 2 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Explore This Ship
Jump from National Geographic Delfina sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
15 Nights
Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca
Next: Nov 20, 2026
16 upcoming departures
15 Nights
Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca
Next: Apr 2, 2027
31 upcoming departures
9 Nights
Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
Next: Apr 2, 2027
31 upcoming departures
9 Nights
Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
Next: Nov 20, 2026
16 upcoming departures
All 4 itineraries and their departure dates
- Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca 20 Nov 2026, 4 Dec 2026, 11 Dec 2026, 18 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 8 Jan 2027, 15 Jan 2027, 22 Jan 2027, 29 Jan 2027, 5 Feb 2027, 12 Feb 2027, 19 Feb 2027, 5 Mar 2027, 12 Mar 2027, 19 Mar 2027, 26 Mar 2027
- Galápagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca 2 Apr 2027, 9 Apr 2027, 16 Apr 2027, 23 Apr 2027, 7 May 2027, 14 May 2027, 21 May 2027, 28 May 2027, 4 Jun 2027, 11 Jun 2027, 18 Jun 2027, 25 Jun 2027, 2 Jul 2027, 9 Jul 2027, 16 Jul 2027, 23 Jul 2027, 30 Jul 2027, 13 Aug 2027, 20 Aug 2027, 27 Aug 2027, 3 Sep 2027, 10 Sep 2027, 17 Sep 2027, 24 Sep 2027, 1 Oct 2027, 8 Oct 2027, 15 Oct 2027, 22 Oct 2027, 29 Oct 2027, 5 Nov 2027, 12 Nov 2027
- Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage 2 Apr 2027, 9 Apr 2027, 16 Apr 2027, 23 Apr 2027, 7 May 2027, 14 May 2027, 21 May 2027, 28 May 2027, 4 Jun 2027, 11 Jun 2027, 18 Jun 2027, 25 Jun 2027, 2 Jul 2027, 9 Jul 2027, 16 Jul 2027, 23 Jul 2027, 30 Jul 2027, 13 Aug 2027, 20 Aug 2027, 27 Aug 2027, 3 Sep 2027, 10 Sep 2027, 17 Sep 2027, 24 Sep 2027, 1 Oct 2027, 8 Oct 2027, 15 Oct 2027, 22 Oct 2027, 29 Oct 2027, 5 Nov 2027, 12 Nov 2027
- Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage 20 Nov 2026, 4 Dec 2026, 11 Dec 2026, 18 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 8 Jan 2027, 15 Jan 2027, 22 Jan 2027, 29 Jan 2027, 5 Feb 2027, 12 Feb 2027, 19 Feb 2027, 5 Mar 2027, 12 Mar 2027, 19 Mar 2027, 26 Mar 2027
All Upcoming Departures
National Geographic Delfina FAQ
What flag does National Geographic Delfina sail under?
National Geographic Delfina is registered in Ecuador.
How many passengers does National Geographic Delfina hold?
National Geographic Delfina carries about 16 guests with roughly 12 crew.
How old is National Geographic Delfina?
National Geographic Delfina entered service in 2007 and was last refurbished in 2017.
How big is National Geographic Delfina?
At 320 gross tons and 30 m long, National Geographic Delfina is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 0% of the 566 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
What is the dress code on National Geographic Delfina?
The onboard atmosphere is informal, with relaxed single-seating dining rather than formal evening dining.
Which dining venues are included?
Meals are included in the Main Deck Dining Room and the Upper Deck Outdoor Café. The ship serves indoor-outdoor meals in a single unassigned seating.
Are drinks included?
The standard voyage bar tab includes beer, wine, cocktails and spirits, while premium brands may be purchased separately.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Basic Wi-Fi is included. Enhanced and premium plans, where offered, may cost extra.
Are crew gratuities included?
Crew gratuities are not included for National Geographic Delfina and remain at the guest’s discretion.
Is the ship suitable for children?
The expedition team supports the National Geographic Global Explorers program for kids and teens. The ship has 16 guests, eight double staterooms and no dedicated kids facility.