Frequently Asked Questions

Since the mid-60’s when Lars-Eric Lindblad took the first travelers by ship to remote parts of the world. In 1969 he commissioned the first purpose-built expedition ship for travelers—the Lindblad Explorer—built for sustained operation in the world’s most remote places (he sold her in 1982). In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s he opened up opportunities to explore places like Antarctica, Galapagos, the Amazon, the Seychelles, and much of the Pacific. Sven-Olof Lindblad, Lars’ son, traveled extensively with his father, learning early on the joy and wonder of exploring the pristine corners of the globe. In 1979, Sven Lindblad founded Special Expeditions as a division of Lindblad Travel, enabling the company to further its mission of offering innovative and educational travel expeditions that were primarily marine focused. The company’s name was later changed to Lindblad Expeditions.

Lindblad Expeditions owns the twelve National Geographic branded ships in our fleet—National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Resolution, and National Geographic Endurance. We also operate several ships on long-term charter.

Our expedition teams are the best in the field, bar none. It begins with our captains who have navigated hundreds of expeditions and have the experience and passion to guide our voyages safely, while maximizing the opportunities for quality wildlife sightings for our guests. Our expedition leaders, naturalists, historians, anthropologists, geologists, marine biologists, officers, photographers, and undersea specialists—many from the regions we travel—collectively have thousands of years of experience researching, studying, absorbing, and guiding travelers to the most interesting places in the world. They are the ones who write the books, they are the locals with a vested interested in preserving the places we visit. Our staff-to-guest ratio (no more than 1-to-16) fosters a genuine exchange of knowledge/information on natural surroundings, history, and culture of the places we explore.

Formed in 2004, our relationship with the National Geographic Society is a collaboration of two exploration pioneers in an innovative program to remote and pristine destinations around the globe. We work in tandem to produce educational marine expeditions to inspire travelers to explore and care about the planet, and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world. The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet also serves as a platform for a collection of researchers from the Society to cost-effectively study the regions we explore.

As a result of the alliance, our guests interact with world-renowned scientists, researchers, explorers, and photographers, who serve to enhance every voyage aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and insures our guests return home inspired by the wonders of the world around us. Our incomparable photography initiative offers an exclusive service—a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor aboard every expedition in our fleet, and a National Geographic Photography Expert is aboard every departure on National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, and National Geographic Orion.

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions approach to expedition travel—unmatched expedition heritage and excellence, state-of the-art exploration tools, and an unparalleled reputation for commitment to responsible travel—creates an inspiring and educational environment, where guests become catalysts for change by being inspired, and then joining others in conservation efforts that they see and experience directly.

Our belief is that by exposing adults and children to the wonders of the world, we will help foster the next generation of committed citizens who care about the future of our planet. Our expedition team ensures we abide by all the rules and regulations of the places we visit, and we often institute our own internal programs and initiatives to preserve and protect these places. Our staff is actively involved in organizations such as International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, which seek to lead the tourism industry with best management practices for visiting unique places such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and Galápagos. They have helped to create guidance for visitors to those places and in turn help to enforce their compliance.

We embrace the leave-no-trace philosophy, “Take only photographs, leave only footprints.” While we have a strict no-collection policy about the places we go—no shells, no animal fur/feathers, no rocks, no sticks, etc., there is an exception made to the occasional beach trash cleanup.

Complimentary Starlink-enabled wi-fi internet is available to all guests aboard our fleet enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).

It's easy:

• Call one of our highly knowledgeable Expedition Specialists:

  • In the United States: 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348), or 212-765-7740.

  • In the United Kingdom: +44.800.098.1496.

  • In Australia/New Zealand: 1300.361.012 (AU) or 0800.444.462 (NZ).

• Complete the reservation request form on our website.

• Or call your local Travel Agent.

In the United States: Monday through Friday, 9am–8pm (ET) | 6am–5pm (PT), and Saturday and Sunday 10am–5pm (ET).

In the United Kingdom: Monday through Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00 (GMT/BST)

In Australia: Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm (AEST).

We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible—especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. Our expeditions are popular, and our ships tend to fill quickly.

There are never hidden charges, like port charges. Of course, you’ll want to check carefully the inclusions for the journey you’ve selected, but you can rest assured there will be nothing hidden.

Included in costs:

• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships

• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)

• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers

• Services of a ship physician on most voyages

• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary

• Round-trip transfers based on group flights

• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits

• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)

Not included in costs:

• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included)

• Extensions

• Passport, visa, and immigration fees

• Travel Protection Plan

• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)

• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)

• Items of personal nature

• Phone and Internet Service

• Laundry

• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)

A deposit is required in order to hold a reservation. Deposit amounts vary depending on the destination and expedition you are reserving.

We will be happy to confirm your cabin request based on current availability.

We will add you to our waiting list, and you will be contacted as soon as a cabin of your choice becomes available.

Any revisions you make within the cancellation penalty period, such as departure date or choice of voyage, are subject to cancellation fees.

Once a reservation is confirmed and a deposit has been made, you will receive an email with information about your personalized online account. By logging into your account, you will have access to a comprehensive expedition guide, along with other important documentation to help you prepare for your Expedition. Final travel documents will be sent to you one week prior to departure date.

Once you've made your reservation, you can check out our Communications Portal, where you can find your packing list, review vaccination and testing requirements, make online payments, complete your pre-travel forms, and more. Follow the below instructions:

1. Visit http://www.expeditions.com/login.

2. If you have a My LEX login, sign in with your email address and password to access your Portal. If you do not have a My LEX login, please create an account by following the instructions on the website.

3. Once you are logged in, select "Your Booking."

4. Enter your booking number into the field marked "Add A Booking," then click "Add."

5. Next you will be prompted to select your date of departure and the name of your expedition from the drop-down menu. Click "Confirm" to finish the process.

6. You will now see your upcoming expedition listed below the "Add a booking" field. On the right side of the page, click "Review/Prepare” to access the communications portal for your upcoming voyage.

7. Above the image with a countdown to your trip, you will see a list: Welcome, Documentation, Staff, Ship, Photography, Extension, and Contact us.

8. On the Welcome page, find your Expedition Guide, where you can find details about your trip such as packing list recommendations and more

9. Click on Documentation to access your online documents. Here, you will find your travel forms, the credit card payment form, a place to upload your proof of vaccination and more.

We have a full-service air department to help you with your airline reservations. There is a $50 per person charge for this service. Our air department is open Monday through Friday from 9 am–5:30 pm (EST).

We offer triple accommodations on certain expeditions. We recommend you reserve early, as these cabins may be limited on certain ships.

We offer solo accommodations on all our expeditions. We recommend you reserve early, as solo cabins may be limited on certain ships.

If you are traveling solo and are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to make your reservation indicating your choice. This program allows you to pay the per person double occupancy rate whether or not we find a roommate to share with you. This program is subject to availability, and limited to certain ships and categories.

Everyone! Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, getting together with friends and family is always fun. Some of our groups have included yacht clubs, country clubs, church/temple groups, gluten–free groups, class reunions, and family travel/reunions.

Mark your special event this year with an expedition to one of the world’s most beautiful places!

Our groups range in size from 8 – 148!

• Save 5% for you and your entire group off of the base cost of the voyage.

• Our small ships are perfect for group interaction, and will take you in style to places that are inaccessible by others.

• You will gain a deeper understanding of your destination by traveling with our expert Expedition Team.

• Our Expedition Specialists will assist you and your group with all aspects of your expedition - from logistics to special arrangements and airfare.

We never cancel our expeditions. You can still join us - even if you don’t meet your group minimum of 8 or more. However, depending upon your final group size, the savings incentive may not be applicable.

All of them! Please click here to view our fleet.

Group travel arrangements vary by destination and ship but generally include:

• All accommodations aboard our ships or in hotels as per itinerary

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship and as indicated on land (per itinerary)

• All shore excursions (as indicated in the itinerary) and activities such as Zodiac excursions, hiking, kayaking, tide-pooling, beach walks, and snorkeling*

• The services and expertise of an expedition staff and onboard physician consultations (where available)

• An extensive Undersea program including nightly recap presentations incorporating onboard video microscopes, hydrophones and under water cameras

• A fleet of kayaks* and the use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits* (where applicable)

• Presentation capabilities with state-of-the-art equipment including Plasma TVs, DVD players, power point and digital slide shows

• Port charges and service charges

• Gratuities to local guides

• Air transportation where indicated as included in the itinerary

• The personal guidance of an experienced in-house team to help create a seamless, once-in-a-lifetime expedition

* Depending on ship/destination

All group travel arrangements vary by destination and ship, but generally they exclude: airfare (except when indicated as included), transfers, optional extensions, gratuities to ship staff/crew, items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, email, telephone, alcoholic beverages, LEXspa services), passport/visa expenses, airport departure tax, guest travel insurance, and optional tours. Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available).

Airfare is generally an additional cost, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary. We have a full service air department and we will gladly assist in making your air arrangements. There is a $50 per person service fee if you elect for Lindblad Expeditions to handle your air arrangements.

We make group travel easy and will ensure that all of your travel needs are taken care of. Our Expedition Specialists can provide knowledgeable insights on which itinerary would best suit your interests, and how to make your event even more unforgettable. Please contact one of our experienced Expedition Specialists at 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or email us at: explore@expeditions.com.