National Geographic Delfina
Vessel in a prior livery anchored at Puerto Ayora | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Equador | |
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator |
|
| Builder | Botto Astilleros y Marina (Guayaquil, Ecuador)[1] |
| Completed | May 2007[2] |
| Identification | |
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 242 GT[2] |
| Length | 98 ft (30 m)[3] |
| Beam | 37 ft (11 m)[3] |
| Decks | 3 |
| Speed | 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph)[1] |
| Capacity | 16[3] |
| Crew | 12[3] |
National Geographic Delfina is a catamaran operated by Lindblad Expeditions for tours in the Galápagos Islands. Built by Botto Astilleros y Marina in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and completed in May 2007, the vessel originally sailed as Athala II for tour operator Ocean Adventures from 2007 to 2017.[4] She later operated as Celebrity Xploration under Celebrity Cruises from 2017 to 2025 before being sold to Lindblad Expeditions and renamed.
Celebrity Xploration began sailings under the Celebrity brand in March 2017.[5] In August 2017, Nathaly Albán was appointed captain, becoming the first woman to captain a cruise ship operating in the Galápagos region.[6]
The vessel has a gross tonnage of 242 GT and accommodates 16 passengers in 8 staterooms. Staterooms include either a private balcony or direct access to an outer deck. Public areas include an observation deck with hot tub, an upper deck with an outdoor café, a main deck dining room, bar, lounge, and library. Onboard equipment includes Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. The ship operates with two expedition staff who are licensed naturalists, including an Expedition Leader and a National Geographic-certified photo instructor, and offers educational programming for children and teens through the National Geographic Global Explorers program.[7]
National Geographic Delfina sails year-round in the Galápagos Islands, offering itineraries ranging from 10- to 16-day voyages, including combined trips with Peru's Machu Picchu. The vessel is the smallest in the Lindblad Expeditions fleet and is named after the founder Sven-Olof Lindblad's youngest daughter, Delfina.[7]
References
- ^ a b "National Geographic Delfina". CruiseMapper. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ a b "IMO 9455882". International Maritime Organization. February 18, 2026. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d "National Geographic Delfina". Lindblad Expeditions. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ Blenkey, Nick (March 15, 2016). "Celebrity Cruises to acquire Galapagos operator". Marine Log. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
- ^ Stone, Deborah (June 27, 2016). "Butler service and giant tortoises: Two cruise lines launch new Galapagos routes". Express.co.uk. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ "Celebrity Names Nathaly Alban Captain of Xploration". August 8, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ a b "Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Unveils Two New Galápagos Vessels". Lindblad Expeditions (Press release). July 1, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.