The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
Public Spaces
National Geographic Sea Lion’s inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a sense of expedition community. National Geographic writer Andrew Evans called Sea Lion the “closest thing to Cousteau’s Calypso” he’s ever had the pleasure to be on.
National Geographic Sea Lion is equipped with tools for exploration that guarantee an in-depth experience in all the places explored, and her open bow is a natural gathering place that accommodates the entire community at once for shared wildlife viewing experiences. Lindblad’s expedition style is active, casual, and engaged. There is no need for formal clothing, and the services offered aboard ensure travel is effortless. After a day of exploring, you’re invited to relax in Sea Bird’s open spaces on deck or recharge with a wellness treatment.
Tools for Exploration
National Geographic Sea Lion is outfitted with cool tools for exploration that enable a deeper connection with the places you’ll explore. A fleet of one- and two-person kayaks allow you to explore intimate bays and paddle along scenic shorelines. A fleet of expedition landing craft, which are used to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. These sturdy inflatable craft are the same time-tested brand Jacques Cousteau used in his expeditions for over 30 years. In warm water regions, you’ll be fitted with a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit.
Lounge & Bar
The lounge, located forward on the main deck, is the heart of our expedition community, where cocktail hour and Recaps are held each evening. It’s also where you’ll gather for lectures, photography talks, and guest speaker presentations. A small reference library and board games and cards are also available.
The bar offers a variety of beverages are available for purchase including wine by the glass or bottle, cocktails, specialty drinks, and spirits. There is also a 24-hour self-service beverage station with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water, ice, and snacks.
Dining
Food served aboard is fresh, local and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the main deck. When weather conditions allow, some meals are served on the sundeck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you.
National Geographic Sea Lion Details
National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates 62 guests in 31 cabins. All accommodations are outside-facing with a window or porthole, and the cabins on the upper and bridge decks open to the outside deck. Double-occupancy cabins include two single beds, and category three cabins feature two lower single beds that can be converted to a double bed, plus a pullout single bed for a third person.
Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, temperature controls, and is stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Beneath every bed is space to store luggage, and each cabin has one or two closets plus drawers under the beds. A speaker in your cabin is tuned to the microphone in the ship’s lounge. You can listen to evening lectures while sorting photos on your laptop. Leave your PA turned on overnight if you’d like to be alerted to any sightings that might occur during the hours before breakfast, or simply turn it off if you’d like to sleep peacefully through the morning’s activities.
| Category | Description | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | Cat 3 #105, 106, #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person, plus a small table, two chairs, and two window. Cabin doors open to the outside. Third person rates are available in certain categories at one-half the double occupancy rate. |
|
| 02 | Cat. 02, #100 - 104, #200 - 212, #215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a window. Cabin doors open to the outside. Note: Sole occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. |  |
| 01 | Cat 1 #300-305 - Conveniently located between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a window. Note: Sole occupancy cabins are available in categories 1 and 2 only. Shared accommodations can be arranged at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2 only. |  |
| Specification | Information |
|---|---|
| Built | 1982 at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Freeland, Whidbey Island WA) |
| Last Refurbished | 2014 |
| Former Names | MS Sea Lion, Great Rivers Explorer |
| Guests | 62 |
| Cabins | 31 |
| Crew | 24 |
| Tonnage (gross tons) | 630 |
| Length (feet) | 164 |
| Width (Beam) (feet) | 30 |
| Depth (feet) | 9 |
| Speed (knots) | 10 |
| Registry | United States |
| Elevator | No |
| Accessible Cabins | No |
