National Geographic Endeavour 2

The 2005-built National Geographic Endeavour 2 cruise ship (fka "MS Via Australis") joined the Lindblad fleet in 2016. On December 31, 2015, Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic announced the purchase of Via Australis for USD 18 million. Following a USD 10 million drydock refurbishment in late 2016, the vessel was redeployed to the Galapagos Islands under its new NatGeo name.

The vessel (IMO number 9334088) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059655) and registered in Guayaquil.

History - construction and ownership

The 96-passenger Nat Geo Endeavour 2 is a fully stabilized and ice-strengthened expedition cruise vessel, allowing smooth navigation regardless of the itinerary or operational region. She is equipped with a wide range of exploration tools enabling daily marine activities.

The National Geographic Endeavour 2 is owned and operated by Lindblad Expeditions in cooperation with the National Geographic Society (NatGeo – a US non-profit institution for science and education). This partnership allows guests to experience expedition-style small-ship travel as active explorers. Lindblad vessels sail to unique destinations, navigating remote inlets, making Zodiac landings, and searching for wildlife.

National Geographic Endeavour 2 (2005-built as "Via Australis") was acquired by Lindblad Expeditions in 2016. The vessel was purchased for USD 18 million from Australis Cruises, a small expedition company operating in Patagonia (South America) on itineraries between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia.

Following a USD 10 million drydock refurbishment, the vessel was renamed "National Geographic Endeavour II". The refit and refurbishment project included:

• redesigning and upgrading 46 double-occupancy passenger cabins plus 4 single cabins
• redesigning all public spaces to improve outside views and provide quick open-deck access during wildlife or nature sightings
• an improved main lounge
• a new forward lounge with large windows and access to open decks
• an enhanced top deck for open-air gatherings, al fresco dining, and stargazing
• an upgraded fitness room and spa
• a new, modern audio-video system for media presentations
• a fleet of Zodiacs (large-capacity inflatable boats for landings) and sea kayaks
• improved crew quarters

Decks and Cabins

National Geographic Endeavour 2 has 5 decks (3 with cabins) and 53 staterooms.

All cabins (42 doubles and 11 studios) are Outside, featuring either portholes or picture windows.

The vessel offers 8 cabin categories.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship has one Main Dining Room offering single-seating dining with unassigned tables. The menu is international with Ecuadorian influences.

Lindblad’s “Open Bridge” policy provides passengers with 24-hour access (weather permitting) to the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge to meet and converse with the officers on duty and the Captain.

Ideally suited for Galapagos expeditions, the vessel carries wetsuits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks, and a fleet of Zodiacs. Each voyage includes a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness specialist, and undersea specialist. Internet access is available throughout the ship.

Onboard public areas include a covered deck with chairs, tables, and hammocks; a fitness center; a spa; a global gallery; a library; a doctor’s office; and a lounge with a bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films.

Itineraries

Nat Geo Endeavour 2’s itinerary program focuses on Galapagos Islands cruises departing from Baltra, with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Among the best small Galapagos cruise ships, National Geographic Endeavour 2 (aka “Nat Geo Endeavour 2”) is an expedition vessel originally designed for operations in the harsh environments of the polar and subpolar regions. She is exceptionally well suited for Galapagos cruising, carrying wetsuits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, sea kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a fleet of Zodiacs.

Every Nat Geo Endeavour II voyage is accompanied by a full-time doctor, photo instructor, video chronicler, and dedicated undersea and wellness specialists. Lindblad’s traditional “Open Bridge” policy allows passengers to visit the Navigation Bridge and interact with the Ecuadorian officers and the Captain.

Nat Geo Endeavour 2 was previously owned and operated by Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis. On December 31, 2015, Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic announced the purchase of the vessel—then named “Via Australis”—for USD 18 million, followed by a USD 10 million extensive drydock refurbishment completed in Q4 of 2016.

Via Australis was purpose-built to withstand the harsh weather conditions of South America’s Chilean Fjords and the Cape Horn region of Patagonia. This high-end expedition yacht was designed for safe navigation through fjords, narrow channels, and shallow bays at the southernmost tip of the continent. The onboard Zodiacs were (and still are) used for daily shore landings and wildlife-viewing excursions.

MV Via Australis carried MMSI number 725003280, call sign CBVU, and was registered in Chile. The vessel was equipped with modern navigation and safety technology, including radar, echo sounder, GPS, communication systems, and a sprinkler fire-suppression system. As part of the Lindblad refit, passenger capacity was reduced from 136 to 96, while crew complement increased from 45 to 64 to elevate service and expedition staffing levels.

Endeavour 2 is equipped with Inmarsat Fleet Xpress, providing high-speed satellite Internet connectivity. The system is fully integrated with the vessel’s PABX phone system and communication platforms.

Nat Geo Endeavour II has a maximum draft of 3.3 m (11 ft) and is powered by Cummins marine diesel engines (model HC-M434C1) with a total output of 1250 kW. The vessel (ASENAV yard/hull number 145) was built in Valdivia, Chile by ASENAV (Astilleros y Servicios Navales SA).

The sistership is The Taipan (1991-built, IMO 8705278), formerly known as “MegaStar Aries” and “Genting World.” Since 2022, she sails as “Doulos Hope,” owned by OM Germany (a Christian organization based in Mosbach) and operated by its subsidiary OM Ships.