Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad’s roots go back to Lars-Eric Lindblad, who led the first tourist expedition to Antarctica in 1966. His son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, founded what became Lindblad Expeditions in 1979, and in 2004 the company formed a long-term alliance with National Geographic, bringing its photographers, scientists and storytellers aboard. Ships carry National Geographic names, and the partnership shapes everything from lectures to photography coaching.

The fleet is a mix of purpose-built and converted small ships. National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution are high ice-class polar ships with X-bows for smoother crossings. National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion sail polar regions and far-flung itineraries. Several small ships, including National Geographic Endeavour II, Islander II and Gemini, are based in the Galápagos, while National Geographic Sea Lion, Sea Bird, Venture and Quest cover Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Baja California and Central America. Lindblad also offers voyages on partner ships in Scotland, Egypt, the Amazon and elsewhere.

Most expeditions run 7 to 21 days, with every day built around getting off the ship to see wildlife and landscapes up close. Many trips combine the voyage with land days, such as Machu Picchu before the Galápagos or Patagonia before Antarctica.

Lindblad is casual, educational and outdoorsy. Guests are typically active, curious travelers from their 40s to 70s, mostly from North America, plus families on summer and holiday departures. There’s no dress code beyond practical clothing; fleece and hiking boots are the norm at dinner. Each day follows the expedition rhythm: an early wake-up call, Zodiac or kayak outings, hikes, snorkeling, and an evening recap where naturalists share the day’s sightings. Itineraries flex around weather and wildlife, so plans change. Ships are small and comfortable rather than luxurious, and the expedition staff-to-guest ratio is high, which is what you pay for.

Meals are served in a single restaurant, usually with open seating, plus buffet breakfasts and lunches and occasional barbecues on deck. Menus feature local and sustainable ingredients, such as Alaska salmon or Ecuadorian produce in the Galápagos. Food is good and hearty rather than gourmet, and dietary needs are handled well.

There’s no traditional entertainment. Instead, evenings feature daily recaps, lectures from naturalists, historians and National Geographic experts, photo reviews and documentaries. Undersea specialists share video from dives and remotely operated vehicles. Daytime is spent on Zodiac cruises, landings, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking, which are included.

Families are welcome, and Lindblad runs family departures with a National Geographic Global Explorers program for kids on itineraries such as the Galápagos, Alaska and Baja California. Children love the hands-on wildlife experiences, though younger kids need to handle early mornings and active days.

Cabins are compact and comfortable, with outside views on most ships. The polar ships National Geographic Endurance and Resolution offer balconies in many cabins and more modern comforts. Smaller coastal and Galápagos ships have simpler cabins, some with portholes or windows that don’t open. Suites are limited.

Alcoholic drinks are included on several larger ships, including National Geographic Explorer, Orion and Endurance, with some super-premium brands excluded; on other ships alcohol may be extra outside dinner. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included. Check the inclusions for your specific ship.

Crew gratuities are included on most Lindblad ships. Tips for the expedition team of naturalists, photo instructors and undersea specialists are not required but are customary.

Past guests receive savings on future expeditions and access to special offers through Lindblad’s returning-guest benefits rather than a points-based tier program.