Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, has announced the rebranding and expansion of its youth engagement initiative under the new name National Geographic Explorers-in-Training.
Previously known as National Geographic Global Explorers, the program was initially launched in 2017 in collaboration with National Geographic Education. It was developed to provide young travelers with structured, educational field experiences during expedition cruises.
Under its updated format, Explorers-in-Training retains its original mission while enhancing the scientific and cultural immersion of participants. The program continues to be led by Certified Field Educators and is supported by onboard experts such as National Geographic photographers, undersea specialists, and naturalists.
Each young participant receives a regional field notebook to document wildlife sightings, field experiments, and other educational activities. These include structured explorations, scientific games, and storytelling exercises aimed at fostering curiosity and environmental awareness. Upon completion, each participant is awarded a commemorative patch and certificate.
The program will be offered on select family-oriented voyages, including itineraries in Alaska, Antarctica, Baja California, Iceland, and the Galápagos Islands. Activities differ by region, but may include snorkeling alongside sea lions, observing glaciers and whale behavior, or joining naturalists in plankton collection and wildlife surveys.
The initiative reflects Lindblad’s ongoing efforts to develop meaningful intergenerational experiences aboard its expedition fleet. The company indicated that the new name more accurately represents the scope and intent of the program, distinguishing it from conventional onboard youth entertainment.