Lindblad Expeditions Turns Exploration Into Stewardship
Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions has spent more than 50 years helping travelers explore some of the most extraordinary places on Earth — not just to see them, but to truly experience and understand them. Founded on the belief that the planet holds infinite potential for discovery, learning and connection, Lindblad has pioneered a form of expedition travel that treats nature itself as the main attraction.
And that’s why Lindblad Expeditions is today’s Seeing Green Solutionist of the Day.
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The founders of expedition travel
The company’s roots trace back to the 1960s, when founder Lars-Eric Lindblad became the first to bring everyday travelers to places like Antarctica and the Galápagos. Often regarded as the father of ecotourism, he believed that exposing people to the wonder of the natural world could change how they think about their role in protecting it. That philosophy continues today under the leadership of his son, Sven Lindblad, who has expanded the company into a global expedition leader while staying true to its original mission.
Today, Lindblad Expeditions offers more than 100 itineraries across all seven continents, from polar regions and remote islands to coastal ecosystems and cultural landscapes. Their small, purpose-built expedition ships are designed to go where larger vessels cannot, allowing guests to spend more time exploring on shore and less time simply passing through. Each voyage is guided by expert expedition teams — naturalists, scientists, historians and photographers — who help bring these environments to life through storytelling, context and hands-on discovery.
A partnership rooted in learning and exploration
A defining part of the Lindblad experience is its long-standing collaboration with National Geographic. This partnership brings National Geographic Explorers, scientists and educators onboard select voyages, adding depth to the journey through learning, science and exploration. For travelers, it’s a chance to see the world through a more informed lens — and a testament to Lindblad’s credibility and commitment to education-first travel.
Responsible travel, built into the experience
That commitment also shows up in the company’s approach to responsible travel. Lindblad Expeditions supports conservation, research and education initiatives through the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund, which has contributed more than $24 million to projects focused on ocean health, habitat restoration and environmental stewardship. Across its fleet, the company has eliminated guest-facing single-use plastics, invested in carbon neutrality initiatives and prioritized responsibly sourced, locally inspired food. Its ships also serve as platforms for citizen science, allowing travelers to contribute to real research while at sea.
At its core, Lindblad Expeditions is built on a simple but powerful idea: people are more likely to protect what they’ve had the chance to truly experience. By helping travelers fall in love with the planet’s wild places — through awe, understanding and connection — Lindblad’s model of expedition travel aims to turn wonder into stewardship. In a world where travel can often feel disconnected from impact, Lindblad offers a compelling example of how exploration, done thoughtfully, can inspire care for the places that make our planet so remarkable.