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Lindblad Expeditions

Founded by Sven-Olof Lindblad in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions (LEX) was originally established as a division of Lindblad Travel, which was launched in 1958. The mission of Lindblad Expeditions early on was simple enough — to bring travelers to remote places and explore the world in a way that enabled them to better learn and appreciate the cultures and wildlife they were experiencing. Today Lindblad Expeditions find creative ways to explore the places already “discovered,” and we believe that more individuals will come to better appreciate these incredible places through their own up close and personal experiences. It is this personal experience that can be a powerful force for spurring environmental stewardship.

Under the guidance of experienced leaders who have a great respect for natural and cultural environments, Lindblad Expeditions continues to approach expeditions as a form of tourism that can make a difference in one’s life, and in the world.

Destinations and Itineraries...

Lindblad's expeditions are active adventures, engaging the mind and body. They explore with Zodiacs, kayaks and on foot, taking their guests to remote beaches and hidden coves close to nature.

This is how Lindblad helps their guests make personal contact with the many marvels on our planet. Since their earliest days, they have introduced curious and intrepid travelers to regions that we call the “international capitals of wildness” — Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic Svalbard, Baja, Costa Rica and Galápagos. Without a doubt, these are some of the most fascinating, unspoiled and life-enhancing destinations on the planet. But they encourage their guests to also think of exploring, in a new way, the more familiar destinations of Europe, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and the Baltics, arriving from the sea and looking at a region from a whole new perspective. In Central America including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama or in North America’s Alaska, their expeditions are a wonderful blend of both the wild and rich cultural history of these regions.

The Onboard Experience

The style is informal and the atmosphere, relaxed. And flexibility is built into the schedule. Typically there is at least one or two excursions each day. Explore on your own, or else go in the company of one of our expedition staff members. Or simply relax and read on deck amidst spectacular surroundings.

Most evenings are spent on the recap, where the expedition staff members talk about what you saw that day and what's coming up tomorrow. It's a lively forum for questions and answers. Inevitably, the sense of discovery, learning and fun that pervades each "recap" becomes an eagerly anticipated part of the day.

Accommodations

The majority of rooms are outside facing doubles with large windows, parallel or angled twin or queen-size beds and private bathrooms and climate controls.

Check with each ship profile above for details pertaining to each ship.

Dining

Dining on board is excellent. Gary Jenanyan, Landblad's Executive Consulting Shef, frequently travels to each ship, coaching the chefs to be certain that each emal is prepared to perfection. Full buffet breakfasts. casual lunches, and leisurely dinners are served in the comfortable dining room, on deck, or even ashore on a remote beach. There is no assigned seating and no dress code.

Every destination has a flavor. And Lindblad believes their guests should have every opportunity to "taste" the destination in an open, single-seating dining environment. A great deal of effort goes into menu planning. With each voyage, Lindblad makes an effort to bring regional flavors to the table, with local fruits, vegetables and spices, and serving seafood that is sustainable and supports the local economy is always top of mind.

Lindblad Expeditions was named a winner of the 2007 Seafood Champion Award in recognition of its outstanding leadership in promoting environmentally responsible seafood choices and advancing the marketplace for ocean-friendly seafood.

Amenities, Activities & Entertainment

All of Lindblad's ships (with the exception of Polaris, simply because Galapagos conservation regulations forbid kayaking in archipelago waters) are equipped with an onboard fleet of kayaks - to give guests the opportunity for personal , "eye-level" encounters with beauty and wildness in all the pristine places we explore.

Ships also sport Zodiacs, inflatable water craft, which allow water travel almost anywhere, anytime. Lindblad Expeditions can venture to places where larger vessels can't go, such as remote bays and inlets, and they can do it on a moment's notice. With the combination of agile ships and the Zodiacs, guests are not tied to established ports of call.

You'll be escorted by naturalists, historians and experts on local cultures, with a very high ratio of staff memb ers to guests. In addition to being knowledgeable companions in the field, team members are also entertaining and engaging social companions - you'll enjoy talking with them over drinks in the Lounge and at dinner, too.