It started with a dare — one man, fifty-six travelers and a ship pointed toward the bottom of the world. On January 23 1966 Lars-Eric Lindblad sailed into Antarctica on what became the first non-scientific expedition to the continent. A year later he ventured to the Galápagos with another small group of curious travelers. Those early voyages didn’t just open remote corners of the planet. They created the entire category of expedition travel as it exists today.
Sixty years later that founding spirit sits on the desk of CEO Natalya Leahy who leads Lindblad Expeditions as the company celebrates the anniversary of pioneering the first expedition and confronts a new era of global exploration. “We pioneered expedition and today we have by far the deepest experience and expertise in the industry where expertise is hard to build and fundamental to guest experience,” she tells me.
Much has changed since those first journeys. “Over the past six decades, much has evolved. Our ships have become more advanced, our footprint has expanded to destinations across all seven continents and we’ve developed the most seasoned expertise in the industry for navigating the world’s most remote and sensitive environments. Today, our team includes over 450 naturalists and field experts, a testament to the depth of talent simply unparalleled in the industry.”
And yet the company’s compass remains steady. “But one thing has never changed: our enduring commitment to delivering the most immersive and authentic guest experience in the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. Just as it was 60 years ago, our voyages continue to attract curious, well-educated and sophisticated travelers seeking deeper understanding through exploration. And just as importantly, our commitment to responsible exploration and our belief in the transformative power of travel have remained central to everything we do. That legacy of pioneering leadership, innovation and integrity defines who we are; it is what sets Lindblad apart in the world of expedition travel.”
It also shapes her definition of luxury. “I believe our approach reflects what luxury is today. Luxury travel is about unique and intimate experiences delivered expertly and while we do offer some of the most advanced and luxurious ships and fine dining experiences at sea, our focus is centered on destination and authenticity of travel experience and we believe that’s what our truly sophisticated travelers are looking for.”
The “How” Of Exploration And Expedition
When Leahy talks about the company’s expansion she rarely begins with geography. She starts with philosophy. “For us, it’s never just about where we go, it’s about how we go there: with respect, curiosity and an insatiable quest to discover.”
That approach seems to resonate. “Every voyage is thoughtfully designed to give travelers time to linger, to listen and to truly connect with the world around them. Happily, this guest-centered approach is working. We achieved our highest guest NPS scores ever, both for Q3 and year-to-date, since we began measuring them. That milestone made me pause and reflect on where we came from, on the history and legacy that make us who we are today and that set us apart in this industry.”
For Leahy the hallmark of real expedition travel is adaptability. “When it comes to expedition travel, experience and expertise truly matter and those take decades to build. That’s why our itineraries leave room for the unexpected and allow nature to rewrite our plans; that’s the essence of expedition. Maybe a giant raft of sea otters floats by your zodiac, the Northern Lights decide to dance at midnight or we drop anchor in a remote fjord that no one else has ever been in. Our advanced captains and expedition leaders are trained to chart new paths and navigate the raw edges of the wild where true exploration begins. It’s this foundation, built over nearly 60 years of pioneering exploration, that allows us to consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences and we’re very proud of that.”
Even food becomes a form of interpretation. “Onboard our flagship polar vessels, the National Geographic Resolution and Endurance, we offer immersive 8-course tasting menus where each dish is paired with a narrative. Each menu is designed to tell a unique story and to spark dialogue around sustainability, climate change, waste reduction and regenerative agriculture. It’s a creative unexpected way to deepen understanding and provoke reflection through something everyone relates to: food. Each guest can experience this special menu without extra charge once per voyage. Ultimately, our culinary approach, like our expeditions, is about depth, meaning and transformation. It’s not just what’s on the plate, but the story behind it and the connection it creates with the places we visit.”
Community At The Center Of Expedition
Authenticity, in Leahy’s telling, is not built from observation but from collaboration. “Everything we do is in partnership with the communities we serve. For us, it’s always been a combination of taking people to the most unique destinations and showing them how to see these places in a truly authentic and responsible way. This is the core of who we are. Expedition travel has never been about simply observing; it’s about understanding.”
That belief shapes the fleet. “That’s why we always keep our ships small so that we can create a truly intimate community-like experience. On board, guests can expect locally sourced fresh ingredients, menus that reflect place and local wines. Lending to our expedition roots, it’s also common for us to have more crew members and naturalists than guests.”
Local expertise is integrated into nearly every journey. “We have the most experienced team of naturalists in the industry. We work closely with local experts, artisans, historians and National Geographic Explorers and photographers who bring culture and context to life with authenticity and depth.”
In Greenland, that commitment takes a tangible form. “Our Artisan Fund helps sustain traditional craftsmanship by sharing a portion of onboard retail proceeds with local artisans. It also gives guests the opportunity to purchase genuinely unique locally made pieces from the communities they explore.”
Education remains a pillar. “Our Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship program directly connects guests with those shaping the future of exploration and conservation.”
And in the Galápagos, the work is literal regeneration. “I’m very excited about our work to restore native wildlife on Floreana Island. Working with Galapagos National Park and others, we helped eliminate nearly all invasive predators and local species are rebounding like the Floreana mockingbird, once thought to be extinct. Best of all, local communities are also seeing the benefits of restoration: farmers on Floreana cultivated 100% of their corn, cassava and potato crops.”
“These aren’t isolated encounters – they’re enduring partnerships that ensure every voyage gives back, preserving knowledge, culture and the planet for generations to come.”
Expedition Ships Built For Purpose
The hardware of exploration matters as much as the human element. “Lindblad Expeditions commands one of the world’s most advanced expedition fleets including two PC-5 polar class ships for civilian expeditions, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. These ships, which launched in 2021, were purpose built for polar exploration, allowing guests to get much closer to the ice than other ships can go. Their industry-leading sustainability and unparalleled guest features make these twin vessels extraordinary.”
A standout feature is also one of the quietest. “Their innovative X-Bow design, which mimics how sea mammals move through the water, reduces propulsion power, creating a smoother and quieter passage through polar waters, allowing guests to stand on deck and feel truly part of the landscape.”
Inside the ships are designed to feel anchored to place. “Guests enjoy spacious panoramic lounges and interiors that help them stay immersed in their destination even while on board. One of the ships’ most popular features are the geodesic glass igloos on deck where guests can spend a night under the stars with a luxury mattress and cozy duvet while warmed by twin hot-water bottles in the traditional Scandinavian way.”
In another hemisphere the design philosophy holds. “In the Galápagos Islands, National Geographic Delfina, our intimate 16-passenger yacht, is perfect for family gatherings or private charters. This ship, like those in our polar expedition fleet, is small and purpose built to maximize unexpected moments of discovery with wildlife, nature and one another. These ships remind us all that beauty and responsibility not only coexist but enhance one another.”
Next Frontiers Of Expedition
Leahy sees innovation as a responsibility, not a trend. “We continue to live our spirit of innovation and pioneering by both taking people to new places but also allowing them to experience places in a new way.”
Sometimes innovation removes obstacles. “In Antarctica for example, a destination we pioneered, we launched a fly program last year that allows guests to escape the Drake Passage, significantly cutting the voyage time, that has been in very high demand.”
Sometimes it expands capacity. “This year, we grew our Galápagos fleet with two new ships to meet a growing desire to experience one of Earth’s most pristine natural environments.”
Sometimes it reimagines familiar terrain. “Last year, we introduced our first ever European river program which will allow guests to experience these iconic rivers in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions style surrounded by experts in small groups. Based on popular demand, we’ll be adding more voyages too, including Christmas markets for ’27 and introducing river experiences in India and Vietnam, offering our audience of sophisticated travelers the chance to discover these places in our unique way because we know how travelers see it matters.”
Her guiding intention is constant. “Our goal has never been simply to show people the world but to help them truly understand it, to see it through the lens of curiosity, respect and care. Because when exploration deepens understanding, it becomes something greater than travel, it becomes transformation.”
A Leadership Lens Shaped by Diversity
Her own background informs her leadership. “Our company operates in more than 70 destinations around the world and our staff and crew represent a variety of global cultures, backgrounds, talents and opinions. My own journey, from Uzbekistan to leading a global organization, has taught me that when you surround yourself with people who think differently, you grow, not only as a leader, but as a person. That belief shapes everything we do at Lindblad. On board and ashore, we’re striving to create space for real conversations where every voice matters and adds a unique perspective for the business and guest experience. I’m very passionate about supporting the number of women in maritime and executive leadership roles.”
She champions example over abstraction. “We have two female captains: Captain Nathaly Albán commands the National Geographic Gemini and has the distinction of being the first and only female ship captain in Ecuador. Born in Ecuador, Captain Albán is a graduate of the country’s merchant marine school. And then there’s Captain Heidi Norling, the first woman to captain a Lindblad Expeditions’ ship and one of the world’s most experienced ice captains.”
Across the fleet mentorship is becoming standard. “We’re also building mentorship programs across our fleet and offices to help recognize and challenge unconscious biases, and to ensure that every voice has a place at the table. True exploration after all is about curiosity and openness. When we embrace team members of different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives, we don’t just strengthen our company; we enrich every journey we take and every connection we make.”
Impact And The Future Of Stewardship
Environmental stewardship isn’t an add-on to the Lindblad identity. It is the DNA. “Sixty years ago, we set out to go beyond the ordinary, expanding horizons and championing environmental stewardship. That mission continues to drive us.”
Last year’s numbers tell the story. “Last year, the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund invested $2.67 million in 45 marine research, conservation and education programs, helping establish two new Marine Protected Areas through National Geographic Pristine Seas. From Baja California to the Galápagos, these efforts are shaping the future of sustainable travel and adding to the $24 million we’ve invested in marine protection and environmental stewardship to date.”
But impact isn’t only measured in dollars. “Our impact is more than funding. Every voyage is designed to spark awareness. We believe the next generation holds the key to protecting our planet and our expeditions offer hands-on learning that deepens understanding and turns curiosity into meaningful change.”