National Geographic Delfina

The elegant National Geographic Delfina is a luxurious catamaran designed for navigating amid warm, tropical waters. This sleek, contemporary vessel is perfect for cruising the Galapagos Islands in style and stable comfort. Due to its small size, the vessel offers a smooth and stable sailing experience. Accommodating 16 Guests in 8 spacious staterooms, the ship features contemporary furnishings, as well as polished wood decor. Located on 2 decks, cabins have either a private balcony or direct access to the expansive Upper Deck.

Take in panoramic views of the ocean from the open-air Observation Deck, where you can sit down with a book or relax in the whirlpool hot tub. In the cozy lounge, gather with your fellow Guests to browse the library or listen to presentations given by a diverse group of experts. Throughout your journey, enjoy incredible cuisine with meals made from locally sourced produce and ocean-to-table ingredients. 

• Length 98 feet (29,8m)
• Beam: 37 feet (11,2m)

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL:

• Small 16-guest expedition catamaran designed for efficient, intimate operations.
• Modern propulsion and onboard systems optimized for the vessel’s small scale.
• Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment support low-impact exploration without relying solely on the main vessel.

CO2 Emissions

The small scale of the vessel supports efficient operations and lower onboard resource demand. Fleet-wide sustainability measures include carbon-emissions reduction and 100% carbon-offsetting. 

Waste Management

Waste reduction and responsible disposal follow fleet sustainability practices and Galápagos environmental requirements. Guest-facing single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws and stirrers have been eliminated fleet-wide. Locally sourced food and farm-to-table practices also support reduced supply-chain impact.

Citizen Science Programs

A dedicated undersea specialist documents the marine environment during Galápagos voyages, producing footage for daily presentations. Guests participate in wildlife observation and naturalist-led interpretation; citizen-science platforms such as iNaturalist, eBird and HappyWhale can complement destination-based observations.

Local First Initiative / Communities

Strongest area for this vessel: Ecuadorian officers and crew, locally sourced and sustainable farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients, and meals developed in partnership with Ecuadorian chefs. Voyages work closely with local communities, conservation groups, researchers and community leaders. More than $10 million has been contributed to Galápagos conservation and community projects since 1997.

#200-203: The four main-deck staterooms have private balconies, ensuite bathrooms, ample storage, and can be set up with either queen or two twin beds. Staterooms are 172 square feet with a 43 square-foot balcony, seating, and two large windows.