On January 23, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions marked the 60th anniversary of Lars-Eric Lindblad’s first civilian expedition to Antarctica, where he led the first group of non-scientific travelers, opening one of the world’s most remote regions to curious explorers and forever reshaping how people experience the planet.
That voyage in 1966 laid the foundation for modern expedition cruising. Just one year later, Lindblad brought the first civilian expedition to the Galápagos Islands. From the outset, Lindblad Expeditions was built on the founding principle that expedition travel has the power to reshape how people experience and perceive the world.
“Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expedition travel with a simple belief: how you see the world matters,” Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, said in a statement. “Sixty years after the voyage that started it all, that vision continues to guide us. Every sailing is shaped by decades of experience, deep relationships with local communities and the expertise of some of the world’s most seasoned captains, navigators and naturalists. What defines our expeditions isn’t just where we go, but how we approach each place—creating life-expanding moments that spark curiosity and stay with our guests long after they return home.”
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions now sails to more than 100 destinations worldwide, spanning regions such as Antarctica and the Galápagos alongside expeditions across Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond.
Lindblad Expeditions continues to set industry benchmarks through purposeful innovation, including the launch of National Geographic Endurance, the first PC-5 polar class ship built for civilian expeditions, and private flight access in and out of Puerto Natales, Chile as part of its Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage itinerary.
National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is celebrating this milestone with “The Expedition That Started It All” anniversary offer. Travelers can enjoy up to 20 percent savings and a 50 percent reduced deposit on select 2026 and 2027 voyages when booked by February 9, 2026.
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