National Geographic Sea Lion

National Geographic Sea Lion is a 1982-built cruise ship, initially named Great Rivers Explorer until 1989 and later sailing as MS Sea Lion until January 2008, when she was registered in Seattle under the USA flag and joined Lindblad Expeditions. She comfortably accommodates 62 guests across 31 staterooms, creating a private yacht-like atmosphere well suited to adventure travel, and stands as a small ship by any measure. Thanks to her shallow draft of 2.7 metres and compact design, she can access remote destinations unreachable to larger vessels.

Sea Lion is built around the essentials of expedition travel rather than the frills found on bigger cruises. The single Main Dining Room offers unassigned seating and serves international cuisine inspired by ports of call, with all meals served in a single seating. Public areas include an observation deck, a library, a lounge with full service bar and facilities for slide shows, presentations, and films, a partially covered sun deck, a LEX spa, gym equipment, and a gift shop.

What truly sets her apart is a purpose built exploration toolkit. She carries kayaks, Zodiacs, exercise equipment, snorkeling gear, and a range of high quality cameras for observing and recording wildlife. Lindblad's Open Bridge policy gives guests 24 hour access, weather permitting, to the wheelhouse and navigation bridge to meet and interact with the ship's officers and captain. Each voyage travels with a photo instructor, video chronicler, wellness specialist, and full time doctor.

National Geographic Sea Lion spans 3 decks, all with cabins, and offers 31 outside staterooms fitted with either portholes or picture windows. Her cabins stay modest but comfortable, befitting a vessel built for serious travellers rather than those chasing luxury.

Each voyage also travels with an expedition leader and expert staff, including naturalists, historians, and a National Geographic-trained photographer. This hands-on approach to exploration, paired with her ability to navigate shallow waters and compact passages, makes National Geographic Sea Lion well suited to anyone keen on close encounters with remote coastlines and wildlife.

Visited remote coastlines aboard National Geographic Sea Lion? Log this expedition voyage on your account at The Cruise Globe to add it to your Passport stats and see your actual route!