Spring and summer hold the promise of discovery for the explorer within. In 2025, board one of the nimble small ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and set your sights on new horizons, like the legendary Galápagos islands, the turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast or the captivating icescapes of Arctic Svalbard. Whichever destination you choose, there are unparalleled experiences that await you during the northern hemisphere’s warmest months. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up
Sail Galápagos aboard your own private catamaran
For the ultimate expedition experience, discover Galápagos aboard National Geographic Delfina, an intimate catamaran accommodating just 16 guests. Charter the ship and your friends or family will explore Darwin’s legendary islands up close alongside two veteran naturalists. Zodiac to pristine beaches lined with lounging sea lions, snorkel the famed Marine Reserve to spot Galápagos penguins, sea turtles and clouds of tropical fish and head up to the highlands to meet the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat.
Photo: Daniel Romagosa
Spot iconic wildlife at the top of the world
Each summer, the sprawling Arctic landscapes in the Svalbard archipelago begin to churn with life. Aboard a state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, you’ll venture deep into the ice where polar bears forage, Atlantic walrus sun themselves and reindeer roam the vast tundra. Join expert spotters on the Bridge to scan the remote floes and islands for these iconic creatures, plus ringed and bearded seals, arctic fox and an array of whales.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Explore Croatia’s picturesque national parks
Croatia showcases its natural majesty across eight national parks and 11 nature reserves. Lace up your hiking boots to explore among the country’s countless waterfalls, stunning turquoise lakes and lushly forested isles in three breathtaking and well-preserved sites: Mljet, UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes, and Krka National Park which sits on the gem-like Krka River.
Wander an Icelandic canyon steeped in saga
Norse legend tells that Sleipnir—Odin’s eight-legged steed—left a massive hoofprint in Iceland’s countryside when galloping across the sky. Venture into Ásbyrgi Canyon, this horseshoe-shaped depression just east of Húsavík where 300-foot cliffs surround a secluded woodland of birch, willow and mountain ash. Walk along stunning glacial riverbanks as you keep an eye out for the elusive arctic fox.
Witness a total solar eclipse in Greenland
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cast a path of darkness across Europe and Asia, passing through Greenland along the way. Weather permitting, you can witness this spectacular phenomenon aboard National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Explorer, which will navigate to the best position within the path of totality. With help from your onboard certified photo instructor, you can even capture a unique image to commemorate the rare moment.
See Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland >
See Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada >
Photo: Andrew Studer
Visit a volcanic vineyard in the remote Azores
Pico Island, a tiny island in the Azores off the coast of Portugal, harbors a delightful discovery for oenophiles. Stroll through verdant vines set against a moonscape of black lava rock during a surreal visit to a vineyard, where volcanic corrals housing Merlot, Verdelho and a flight of other wine grapes have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step back in time in Sifnos
Sifnos is what Santorini once was—a Grecian dream of empty turquoise coves and sleepy olive groves. Wander white-washed Kastro to the Church of the Seven Martyrs, a lone blue-domed chapel dramatically crowning the cliffside, enjoy some of the tempting local dishes at an idyllic waterfront taverna and then cap off the day with a dip in the sparkling waters beneath town.
Photo: Erika Skogg
Encounter the otherworldly Boojum tree in Baja California
One of the strangest plants on earth can be found almost exclusively on the Baja California peninsula, with a large population growing around Bahía de los Ángeles. The Boojum tree takes its name from a Lewis Carroll poem and this evolutionary oddity certainly looks like something right out of Wonderland. Capture its unique silhouette on a hike alongside your certified photo instructor.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Experience life aboard a stunning hand-sailed ship
Few experiences on the water rival the sheer joy of sailing on a masted tall ship like those in the Sea Cloud fleet. Both ships dazzle with pristine sails raised by hand while you lounge on deck in the balmy sea breeze. As you explore along the storied Croatian coastline you’ll be immersed in old-world elegance aboard these supremely comfortable yachts that feel like home.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
