Expedition Essentials: 6 Ways to Actively Explore the World
Hiking, kayaking and snorkeling: on a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyage, these activities are more than just simple excursions. They are the essential elements of exploration, working together to give you an in-depth experience. No matter which activities you choose, you get a more complete picture of your destination—and each can be customized to your interests so you can explore your way, every day.
Zodiac Excursions: Coastal Discovery Up Close
Photo: Tanish Peelgrane
Our fleet of small, motorized Zodiacs is the key to unlocking wonders hidden in the places we explore. These durable, stable boats put you right on the water’s surface—often several times a day during your voyage—so that you can experience the marine world at eye level. Step aboard and be whisked away to quiet coves and narrow channels that lie beyond the reach of larger vessels.
Our efficient deployment system allows guests to board Zodiacs spontaneously when nature beckons—like if a pod of whales appears or your captain spies the entrance to an enticing sea cave. Each ride accommodates just 10 guests and is navigated by a highly experienced driver and an expert naturalist who helps interpret your wild surroundings.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Paddle Into the Wilderness
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Kayaks and paddleboards offer the chance to slow down for intimate exploration of the places you visit. Glide across calm waters as you soak in the stillness of nature, completely immersed in the beauty of your surroundings—whether it’s the towering cliffs of a Norwegian fjord or an icy sculpture garden in the Arctic.
Paddle sports have been a fixture of expeditions for decades, and we pioneered kayaking in epic places like Antarctica to give guests a new perspective on our destinations. We’ve perfected our safety procedures to make these excursions appropriate for all skill levels; beginners can opt to stay close to guiding naturalists, while more experienced paddlers can feel confident venturing further afield, even in the wildest of places. Choose a single craft or pick a partner and go tandem, then set out for a personal experience in nature.*
Photography: Capture the Moment
Photo: David Vargas
Photography unveils new avenues for exploration around the glove, where a captivating subject could cross your path at any moment. It’s a thrill to capture ‘the shot’ of a humpback whale breaching or an ancient Egyptian temple at golden hour—and on every departure, certified photography instructors are on hand to help make it happen.
These visual storytellers travel by your side and at your service, sharing in the journey as they offer photo tips in real time for everyone from smartphone camera users to advanced hobbyists. National Geographic Photographers also join select voyages.
Our immersive photography program involves more than just field shoots—lessons learned ashore are enhanced on board through informative presentations, one-on-one sessions and slideshow events. Select ships in the fleet are also equipped with a photo gear locker, stocked with best-in-class, lightweight gear that you can test while you’re out exploring.
Hiking and Walking: Step Into Adventure
Photo: David Vargas
During your time ashore, you'll find adventure on foot, heading deeper inland in search of terrestrial treasures. Exploring at eye level, you can experience the land with all your senses, taking the time to touch the velvety moss that carpets an Alaskan forest or listen to the steady drumbeat of a frigatebird’s call as it resonates through the Galápagos.
Each walk or hike is guided by one of our experts—such as a naturalist or certified photography instructor—who draws your attention to the fascinating details that tell the story of your destination. In places with a rich human story, walks are often led by cultural specialists or historians, who help you understand how local traditions and customs were shaped by your surroundings.
Undersea Adventures: Uncover Marine Wonders
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
On a planet where nearly every inch of land has been mapped, few places offer the potential for true exploration like the underwater world. Undersea adventures reveal a window onto oceans of the past, taking you far from the overcrowded hotspots to remote seas where you'll encounter thriving coral gardens and charismatic species. Snorkel or dive among swirling schools of fluorescent fish, massive manta rays or somersaulting sea lions. Every guest receives their own set of gear, including masks, fins, and wetsuits.*
Most voyages sail with an undersea specialist, who brings your destination’s marine wonders to the surface, capturing underwater footage in places from Alaska to Antarctica and beyond. Images are shared during nightly recaps in the comfort of the ship’s lounge, where your specialist interprets sea creatures and geological features, offering insights that are integral to the story of your destination.
Cultural Encounters: Make Meaningful Connections
Photo: David Vargas
For as long as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has ventured to wild places by small ship, we have also explored the cultures that give context to our natural world. In places both storied and secret, step into the past and trace the threads of tradition into the future to discover how cultural treasures such as food, art, and music are intertwined with the rhythms of your destination.
When we visit places steeped in human history—whether it’s the ancestral villages of British Columbia or an ancient capital of the Roman empire—a cultural specialist often joins to interpret everyday customs and help make meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way. They may guide village walks, arrange private concerts and visits to artisan workshops or simply translate at a local market or festival. In many destinations, you also have robust ‘give back’ initiatives aimed at helping local traditions thrive for generations to come.
*Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving are available on select voyages. See expedition itineraries for details.
