10 Iconic Experiences Every Traveler Should Have
The most memorable travel experiences make you feel utterly alive and immersed in our fascinating planet. Whether it’s spotting a polar bear in the wild or witnessing calving glaciers from a Zodiac, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has expertly crafted itineraries around world wonders that belong on every traveler’s bucket list. Which of these spectacular moments will you choose to check off this year?
Kayak Among Icebergs in Antarctica
Paddle beneath soaring, iridescent icebergs in a soul-stirring experience that could bring you within sight of penguins and seals using the floes as fishing platforms, or humpbacks feeding on krill.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Witness the Blue-Footed Booby Mating Dance
Observe male boobies in the Galápagos lifting their blue feet in a charming display of courtship—then watch as females mirror their partner’s dance performance.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Spot a Polar Bear in the Wild
Feel the thrill of hearing a spotter call out “Polar bear, starboard aft!” and stand in hushed awe as you watch this majestic creature interact with its natural habitat.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Sail Aboard a Historic Ship
Few experiences on the water rival the sheer joy of sailing on a masted tall ship. Venture into the Adriatic or Caribbean sea aboard the Sea Cloud fleet, where nostalgia imbues every deck and cabin, and watch the crew unfurl the sails in a fascinating choreographed routine.
Photo: Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises
Feel the Thunder of Alaska’s Calving Glaciers
Sail among blue-tinged tidewater glaciers and watch in awe as great blocks of ice—sometimes reaching 200 feet high—break off and crash in the surrounding sea water.
Photo: Flip Nicklin
Meet the Whales of Baja California
Board local pangas and glide into the nursery lagoons of Baja California to watch mother gray whales and their curious calves at water level.
See Baja California Itineraries >
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
Raft a Glacial River in Iceland
Take an exhilarating float trip down Iceland’s second longest river, the Jökulsá. With its incredible scenery and waters from glacial runoff, it’s known as one of the best rafting experiences in Europe.
See A Circumnavigation of Iceland >
See Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland >
Cruise the Norwegian Fjords
Explore Norway's dramatic glacially carved fjords via Zodiac or kayak and take in enchanting views of the region's jagged granite peaks on a scenic hike in the Lofoten Islands.
See Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard >
See Coastal Wonders of Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland >
See Coastal Norwegian Voyage: Between Tromsø and Edinburgh >
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
Take the Polar Plunge
Shed your parka and achieve an invigorating polar rite of passage, jumping into chilly waters as cameras snap and other travelers cheer you on.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Sleep Under the Stars in a Glass Igloo
Mark your next milestone with a night under the polar stars in a geodesic glass igloo, found onboard our state-of-the-art sister ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution.
Photo: Oivind Haug
Main image, glass igloo at night: Sven Lindblad
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