National Geographic Explorer

Explorer is a purpose-built expedition ship whose design and construction was informed by over forty years of polar experience. She features exceptional accoutrements that make her an unparalleled base for exploration and create our hallmark expedition environment — one both intimate and educational. Not only does Explorer offer the tools to enable personal encounters and explorations, but she is also equipped with some of the best safety features available to polar vessels. Learn more about our ship.

Our Experience

Literally no other company operating in Antarctica has our length of tenure, hands-on experience, and expertise. Our Captains have soundings and coastal map records going back to 1966 and the pioneering days of Lindblad Travel. Their officers are also polar veterans, hand-picked and trained to act without hesitation in any severe condition. And our expedition team has a wealth of experience — from their individual specialties and repeated voyages into the ice. The skills of our collaborative team ensure your safety, and enable you to have the unparalleled thrill of heading into the unknown, armed with confidence in your leadership. Meet our staff.

Undersea Exploration

Inspired by Jacques Cousteau and allied with National Geographic, we are the only company operating in Antarctica with an extensive undersea program. Our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to explore Antarctica's oceans, and, occasionally, the chance to see — in vibrant HD from the warmth of Explorer's — things that no human has seen before. See our undersea.

A Legacy of Responsible Travel

In 2007 we received the Tourism for Tomorrow Global Tourism Business Award, recognizing Lindblad Expeditions for "outstanding leadership as a global model for environmental stewardship." In 2008, in an effort to raise more monies for conservation and sustainable tourism projects, Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society launched a Joint Fund for Exploration and Conservation. Both organizations are committed to working collaboratively through the fund to support projects in the regions we explore together. See our heritage.

Our Spirit of Discovery

From solo travelers to multi-generational clans, the warm atmosphere of our expeditions welcomes every kind of guest. We offer pursuits for all fitness levels around a highly flexible schedule. With a guest-to-staff ratio of 15:1, guests are not herded around in large groups, but can gravitate naturally to the staff members and activities they're most interested in, ask questions, and pursue their own interests. You're sure to find, if you travel with us, how much you have in common with so many.
Learn who goes.

Superb Amenities

On no other ship can you get so close to nature while still basking in amenities this rich. Whether it's the bread baked fresh daily, the panoramic views afforded by our Fitness Center, or the many Wellness treatments we offer in our Spa, Explorer is unmatched for comfort and quality. And the combination of exploration tools and expeditionary drive with feather duvets and excellent food and wine makes life on Explorer an experience you can't have anywhere else. Learn about life aboard.