Lindblad ExpeditionsLindblad Expeditions turns vacationers into explorers. Small groups set sail on nimble expedition ships and voyage to unique destinations around the globe, going places luxury liners can’t. A roster of celebrated Expedition Leaders and naturalists will guarantee every minute of every day of every expedition is different from the last. Come aboard and discover a world of adventure travel you never knew existed. HistoryFounded by Sven-Olof Lindblad in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions (LEX) was originally established as a division of Lindblad Travel, which was launched in 1958. Over the years, LEX has earned a reputation for creating expeditions that are as eye-opening and inspiring as they are comfortable and fun. We take small groups to out-of-the-way places on nimble expedition ships that nose into ports and call on islands where cruise ships simply cannot go. Our distinguished roster of Expedition Leaders (EL) and naturalists are experts in their field with a passion for uncovering - and interpreting - the mysteries of nature and history. At Lindblad, we have faith that adventurous travelers long for an original experience that reveals a destination to them in a way that is unique unto itself. These are not scheduled tours, these are expeditions. Every one is different - every day is different.Any discussion of our history must begin with Lars-Eric Lindblad, Sven's father, who pioneered expedition travel - or what many call "eco-tourism." In his autobiography, Passport to Anywhere, published ten years before his death in 1994, Lars-Eric writes, "I believe in freedom, creativity, and conversation. And…I believe that tourism is the handmaiden of them all…" Lars'company, Lindblad Travel, was a geographic trailblazer, introducing tourism in some of the most exotic parts of the globe including Antarctica, Bhutan, China, Easter Island and the Galapagos. Many of these places had no facilities for visitors in the late 1950's and early sixties, when Lindblad Travel was in its infancy. "Countless times my father was told that something was impossible," recalls Sven, "only to prove that with ingenuity and determination it could be done after all." Today, Sven cultivates the Lindblad legacy by continuing to challenge the clichés of mass tourism. He maintains a belief that ship-based travel offers a unique way for inquisitive travelers to observe our world. While striking out in new directions such as Azores, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Franz Josef Land, Sven realizes the value in returning to the same regions year after year and getting to know them intimately, uncovering corners that even most local residents have never seen. "We, too, can be pioneers," says Lindblad. "Not by opening up vast new geographic frontiers but rather, by finding more thoughtful ways to approach those already discovered." In revealing a selection of the world's wild places to inquisitive people, Lindblad hopes that those places will be better preserved for future generations. ShipsLindblad Expeditions operates 6 small ships around the world. They are:Sea Lion and Sea Bird Are sister ships that sail Alaska and the Pacific Northwest in the summer and the Baja Peninsula in the winter. Each has 31 oceanview cabins and accommodates a maximum of 62 guests. Sea Voyager Sails mostly in Central America. She has 33 cabins and will accommodate 63 guests. Islander Sails the Galapagos Islands. She has 24 cabins that hold 48 passengers. Polaris Also sails to the Galapagos Islands. She has 43 cabins that hold 89 guests. National Geographic Endeavor Divides her time between Antarctica and the South Pacific. She has 62 cabins that will accommodate 124 guests. DestinationsOne might well ask "where doesn't Lindblad Expeditions go?" The emphasis is on "expedition" cruising so most locations are more exotic or remote than many competitors. Locations include:AlaskaTowering spruce and hemlock. A brown bear fording a salmon stream. A bald eagle gliding to his treetop, passing so low over the flat, still waters of a cove that we can see the heraldic yellow of his markings glow in the late afternoon sun. Alaska is where myth and history meet against a backdrop of Nature that’s larger and grander than most things in the “lower 48.”Why we love it here: The feeling of transcendence that Alaska gives. The immense “cleanness” of it. The taste of fresh Dungeness crab. The endlessly fascinating nooks and crannies that we’ve been exploring for over 20 years. It’s hard to describe the deep attachment we have to the place, but the sight of a humpback defying gravity in a crystalline fjord comes closest. Why you might want to visit Alaska: The coast of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia is a majestic maze of fjords, channels, rivers and glaciers gliding towards the sea — ideally suited for small ship cruising that enables our up-close and personal style of exploration. This part of Alaska is an impossibly pristine land where you can see the effects of glaciers advancing and retreating. We’ll go in close — into the small coves and inlets where the big white boats can never go and where the real Alaska is. Get down to eye level: Kayak. Walk through the primeval forest. Drop in on tiny, quintessentially Alaskan towns to experience what living far from “the lower 48” is all about. Why go with us: Alaska’s waters are among the best for finding and observing whales. Our captains and expedition staff are expert whale behaviorists and sharp-eyed spotters. In addition, we support the work of the Alaska Whale Foundation, so research scientists may also board our ship to share their specialist knowledge with us. The end result means that you’re sure to have prime whale-watching experiences. Stand on the bow of our expedition ship, marveling at spectacular behavior from breaches to lunge-feeding. Listen in to their communications too, as our expedition team lowers our onboard hydrophone to capture the communications being exchanged by the very whales we’re watching. Chances are, the word “Alaska” conjures up many things for you. We’ll make sure that you experience it all. And have the kind of days you want to have there, daily. Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness - 8 night trip aboard the Sea Lion or Sea Bird. Alaska, British Columbia, San Juan Islands - 11 night trip aboard the Sea Lion or Sea Bird.
AntarcticaAntarctica needs little preface from us: The grandeur of the place has been described in breathless prose in countless natural, wildlife and travel magazines. You may have seen the White Continent at IMAX® theaters, read about the Larsen B Ice Shelf in your daily paper, and Shackleton's exploits have been the subject of media from history books to films and even business books on leadership. What is surprising, or newsworthy, is how nonchalantly some undertake going there. Images, like the ones we regularly showcase in our brochures and on our site make it look deceptively simple, cute even. Sven Lindblad, however, remembers vividly how close he came to getting killed more than twenty–five years ago because he and the Lindblad team were still in the pioneering phase of their Antarctica experience.Why you might want to go there with us: Our hard–won experience dating back to 1966 and countless voyages means you can safely go to an otherwise dangerous place — and have the absolute adventure of a lifetime. Our experience gives us the confidence to explore, to test limits — even to kayak in the berg fields — giving you an absolutely life–altering opportunity to experience this astonishing place not just from the ship's deck but at eye level. Glide by penguins, cupped within the grandeur, amid the sparkle of the ice and the fizzing of "Antarctic seltzer," the term for the trapped gasses escaping from the floating bits of the endlessly morphing bergs. The soul of expedition travel is this: To be on a nimble ship under the midnight sun in a land of white ice, girded by black mountains, sharing the snug warmth of a wood–panelled, ice-reinforced ship with nooks and crannies to settle into, enjoying gracious service and the company of others as keen on the adventure as you. This is the way to approach and savor Antarctica. Nothing rote, fresh adventure daily: You'll profit daily from our expertise and ever–present drive to remain true to the concept of an expedition. Our veteran Captains and Expedition Leaders have 200 Antarctic expeditions under their belts. They'll take you to the legendary penguin colonies, but they'll also take you to barely–mapped places, spectacular coves like Lindblad Cove, named to honor early explorer, Lars-Eric Lindblad, and the founder of Lindblad Travel. Antarctica - the White Continent - 14 night expedition to Antarctica aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. Anarctica, Falklands and South Georgia - 24 night expedition to the bottom of the world aboard the National Geographic Endeavour.
Baja CaliforniaRecently Mexico formalized the enlightened protection it has been extending to marine mammals for many years now — creating the world's largest single-nation sanctuary. Now in nearly 3 million square kilometers (1.15 million square miles) of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, thirty-nine whale species including the 17,000 grays that migrate to Baja's warm waters each year will remain wild, free and unhunted. Perceptions surround Baja — distant, somewhat mystical, beautiful, a frontier — as they do in Alaska. Which may explain why most of it has remained a pristine wonderland.Why we love it here: We take an almost personal pride in introducing guests to 'Mexico's Galápagos.' Endemic plants and animals, 50 uninhabited islands, rich marine mammal and seabird populations — Baja offers us so much to see and so much to do on and in the water. Why you might want to visit Baja: Every year California gray whales migrate from arctic waters to Baja's protected lagoons. It's the longest mammal migration known, and one of nature's great spectacles. In addition to the 'gift' of observing the grays during their breeding, calving and nurturing cycle, Baja also gives us a season-long feast of whale watching: fins, blues, orcas and humpbacks — plus dolphins, seabirds and sea lions. There are few places on the planet that offer the 'harmonic convergences' that Baja does — of desert warmth, glorious beaches, sea activities and the endlessly fascinating spectacle of creatures going about the business of their lives, allowing us to freely observe them. Why you might want to go there with us: Slim as a blade, the Baja California peninsula jack-knifes from mainland Mexico, creating a cleft filled by the Sea of Cortez. For over 20 years, we've been exploring Baja's twin natures: the Pacific side with its quiet lagoons that act as a safe nursery for gray whale calves; and the Sea of Cortez where marine mammals frolic with abandon, leaping alongside us as we explore. Our experience and expertise virtually guarantees that we will provide you with the whale encounters and the wildlife observations that you book an expedition to have. No other company can reveal the magic and mystery of Baja, and give you the through-the-skin level of contact that we can. Baja California: Among the Great Whales - 7 night trip aboard the Sea Lion or Sea Bird. Baja - A Remarkable Journey - 13 night cruise aboard the Sea Lion or Sea Bird. Voyage Through the Sea of Cortes - 7 night cruise on the Sea Lion or Sea Bird.
Central AmericaVast rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, jungle rivers overhung with lush vegetation, the unique culture of the Embera Indians ... Central America, Costa Rica and Panama in particular, are evocative and multi–faceted.Why we love it here: These two countries are remarkably diverse in landscape, wildlife and culture – whetting our appetite for exploration and providing virtually unlimited opportunities for adventure. Why you might want to visit Central America: To explore some of the best–preserved natural and cultural treasures in the world. To snorkel, dive, kayak, hike, climb, site–visit and cruise through some of the most marvelous landscapes in the world – with brilliantly exotic birds and animals literally everywhere – from the tree tops to the reefs. Why you might want to go with us: Diversity and delight are the main reasons to choose to visit Central America. And we are the first ship–based company to begin exploring there. You can count on our knowledge and experience, the expertise of our 'locally grown' naturalists, and most importantly, our passionate enthusiasm for discovery to provide you with an extraordinary experience. Our Costa Rica expeditions are wilderness–focused. When we add Panama, we move from focusing on Nature to the historical drama of the Panama Canal and the indigenous people for whom this region is home. Costa Rica and Nicaragua Adventure - 7 night cruise aboard the Sea Voyager. Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica - 7 night cruise aboard the Sea Voyager. Monteverde Plus Panama and Costa Rica - 10 night cruise aboard the Sea Voyager.
GalapagosAs a company passionately devoted to the natural world - observing it, learning about it, protecting it and sharing it - we believe most people would very much like to see the place which inspired Charles Darwin to present the world with the groundbreaking theory of evolution.Why we love it here: Our family’s first expedition was here in 1967. We keep returning because Galápagos is wholly unlike any other environment on earth. Not just because of the diversity of animals you'll see, or their staggering numbers — it's their sublime indifference to you observing them. Why you might want to visit Galápagos: Tortoises – including the legendary Lonesome George, the last of his species on earth – roam freely. Blue-footed boobies perch on rocks, their blue feet brilliant in the sun. The skies are filled with wheeling, courting, red-throated frigatebirds. The lava rocks are piled high with motionless marine iguanas. A mind-boggling array of creatures, untainted by fear, live in a paradise of azure waters, white beaches and cool mangrove stands. You’ll see the famous finches of the islands and swim with doe-eyed sea lion pups. It’s a privilege to see these creatures in this place, manifesting such distinctive behaviors. Life is good in Galápagos for humans too, aboard our comfortable, well-equipped expedition ships Polaris and Islander. Why you might want to go with us: We have been exploring Galápagos for almost 40 years, and for many years now our ship, Polaris, has been based there full time. Our new ship, the 48-guest Islander means that we bring more guests to the Galápagos than any other country annually except for the U.S. and U.K. This has enabled us to foster relationships of great mutual respect and collaboration with the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station based there and have in tandem with our guests raised nearly $3 million (Oct. 2005) for conservation. When you visit Galápagos with us, you will have the adventure of a lifetime and the experience of being genuinely connected to the history, destiny and preservation of the place. Galapagos Aboard MS Islander - 9 night cruise on the Islander. Galapagos Aboard the MS Polaris - 9 night cruise on the Polaris.
Pacific NorthwestThe trio of bicentenntial years dedicated to them is only the obvious symbol of the tribute endlessly paid to Lewis and Clark. Why? Because the story of two Southern men, a black slave, a teenage Indian girl and her baby, a ragtag supporting cast and a large dog, walking or rowing across a virgin continent continues to thrill people, decade after decade. In part because it is the age-old story of the journey which casts an everlasting spell on the human imagination. And also because it's the primal American story. There's something in there for everybody — history, adventure, and science, too. Lewis and Clark recorded hundreds of unknown plants and animals, and were the first Americans to describe grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. Their love for the land is also why their story is accessible to so many people.Dayton Duncan, writer and co-producer of the Burns' PBS series on Lewis and Clark, and author of Out West: An American Journey along the Lewis and Clark Trail, encapsulates the expeditions' broad appeal in this story on the PBS web site: "I know a guy who has a doctorate degree in Lewis and Clark — he's studied it all his life. And one night he was camping in the mountains of Idaho, and next to him ... was a plumber, who spends part of his summer camping somewhere along the Lewis and Clark trail. So here was a guy who has a doctorate degree, a man who had a sixth-grade education — the only thing they had in common was this desire to camp where the first Americans who went west did. So it brings us together." Why you might want to head into Lewis & Clark country with us: You'll see a landscape that looks much as it did when they saw it two centuries ago. You'll climb a mountain by voyaging up a river — and watch the Columbia change character as we journey from habitation into the sculptural wild of steppe and butte, exploring the pristine reaches of the Snake and Palouse rivers, pushing deeper upriver until we hit the Washington-Idaho border. Instead of Sacajawea, you'll have the equally knowledgeable company of expert historians and naturalists. You'll relive, on an expedition of your own, a vital chapter in our nation's history. Best of all, you'll be a part of the current Lewis & Clark "fever," without getting caught in tourist throngs or traffic! In the Wake of Lewis and Clark - 6 night cruise up the Columbia River on Sea Lion or Sea Bird.
South AmericaPatagonia & the Chilean Fjords…the ideal setting for an adventure at the jagged southern tip of South America. Here there is jaw-dropping wilderness as far as the eye can see, newness around each corner…with landscapes ranging from vast steppes, thousands of tiny green islands, craggy snow-covered peaks, waterfalls and hot springs, and multi-colored lakes with enormous glaciers running to them, which calve into icebergs as if this were a polar region.What you'll see: Our journey through this gripping stretch of earth west of the Andes takes us to several of Patagonia’s famed national parks. At renowned Torres del Paine N.P you’ll explore sparkling teal-colored Lago Pehoe, view the unmistakable massive peaks of Los Cuernos (“the horns”) and watch for South American wildlife: guanacos, rheas, flamingos and Andean condors. And then there are the fjords…unlike the familiar fjords of Scandinavia, the Chilean Fjords are virtually uninhabited and seldom visited. At spectacular Garibaldi Fjord, we’ll take time to experience the silence and pristine perfection of this remote place, using our Zodiacs and kayaks for spontaneous exploration and a closer, more intimate view. Why you should see it with us:For years, National Geographic Endeavour has explored the waters of this wilderness every March. It’s a great time of year to be in Patagonia, late summer in the southern hemisphere. And, because of our ship’s size, we can sail the narrow inland passage of Chile’s fjords; larger ships must remain mostly outside in the open Pacific. With our experienced Expedition Team, South America comes to vibrant life as you absorb, inquire, and discuss. Join us as we explore some of southern Chile’s most spectacular scenery. Explore, walk, foray by kayak and Zodiac at a variety of national parks and conclude your days with a glass of Chilean wine and a wealth of lasting memories. Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords - 15 night cruise around the southern tip of South America aboard the National Geographic Endeavour.
South PacificThe South Pacific…the name alone evokes visions of warm breezes on tropical islands, shimmering clear waters and sheltered lagoons. Images come to mind of a carefree existence, with lush vegetation, a bounty of local foods and the opportunity to live in harmony with the environment.Of course, there’s much more to the South Pacific Islands than this simple, wonderful vision. With its great biological diversity and one of the richest coral reefs in the world, these islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Each island is distinctive, perhaps having birds found nowhere else on the planet, or a stunning bay we'll explore by kayak, or pathways through dense forest that lead to picture-perfect waterfalls. The South Pacific also has a fascinating human history, much of which has been discovered through archeological research and by listening to the oral traditions of local residents. The world’s great explorers introduced us to this region: La Perouse, Magellan, Drake, Cook, Bougainville, Bligh and pirates and Yankee whalers regaled their patrons with stories that were the stuff of legends. Then, more recently, the region played a great role in the conflicts of World War II. The breadth of art and culture throughout these islands is captivating. At each island you’ll witness dances, view tribal art and explore the celebrated lure of the South Pacific. Join us on this expedition — an exploration of one of the world’s richest and most celebrated regions. Easter Islalnd and Tahiti - 15 night cruise aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. Fiji to New Guinea - 16 night cruise aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. Tahiti to the Cook Islands -8 night cruise aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. |