Expanding the World of Exploration: Nicole Thornton on Expedition Development
Nicole Thornton first heard about Lindblad Expeditions while studying Tourism and Hospitality Management in college, when a professor highlighted the company as an example of “doing exploration the right way.” More than a decade later, that early inspiration has come full circle. As Senior Director of Expedition Development, she now helps expand where and how National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores the world—from new voyage destinations to land-based extensions that take guests even farther.
Tell us about your professional journey. How did you come to work for Lindblad Expeditions?
I first heard about Lindblad when I was studying Tourism and Hospitality Management at Central Connecticut State University. At the time, it wasn’t widely known that such a major even existed. One of my professors used Lindblad Expeditions as an example of a company that was “doing exploration the right way,” and that really stuck with me.
A few years later I was working at a high-end travel agency in New York when a colleague joined who had previously worked for Lindblad. We stayed in touch, and when the right role opened up, he helped connect me with the team. Six interviews later, I landed my first role at Lindblad as a Land Services Manager.
What about our mission resonates most with you?
Hearing early on in my studies that Lindblad was a leader in responsible exploration helped shape the kind of company I wanted to work for. I was—and still am—inspired by the way we explore nature and local communities with respect and intention.
Nicole Thornton, Senior Director of Expedition Development, with her family on San Cristobal island in the Galápagos.
Why do you love to travel and explore the world?
When I travel, I’m chasing a feeling—it’s a mix of awe in the moment and the nostalgia I know I’ll feel looking back years later. For me, it’s usually a combination of beautiful scenery, great food and interesting people. When I travel with my kids, who are four and six, I want them to experience places that push them a little outside their comfort zone. I want them to see that not everyone looks like them and not everywhere looks like home—and to find that exciting and inspiring.
Do you have a favorite voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
One of my favorite voyages was Easter Island to Tahiti. It began with two incredible days exploring the history of Rapa Nui and the moai. From there we sailed for two days across the open Pacific toward French Polynesia.
When you finally reach the eastern edge of French Polynesia, there are hundreds of islands and atolls waiting to be explored—some inhabited, most not. On the populated islands, people were incredibly welcoming and eager to share their way of life. On the uninhabited islands, it felt as if we were the first visitors ever to land on their shores.
You knew it was a true expedition when the field staff left the ship at 6 a.m. each morning to scout landing sites or snorkeling spots for the day ahead. These weren’t places with trail markers or visitation logs—they were truly wild.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles in travel?
Think outside the box and think as big as possible—let others rein in your ideas later. Find a mentor who can act as a sounding board when challenges come up.
Also accept that you don’t know what you don’t know, and stay open to learning so you can better support both your own work and your team.
Thornton and her family on a hike on Bartolomé island, Galápagos.
What excites you most about the future of exploration with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
I’m always excited to see what new destinations we explore next. Our fast-growing extension program is especially exciting for me because it’s a big focus of my role. Extensions allow us to reach places that ships can’t access, and combining land experiences with a voyage opens up an entirely new world of possibilities for exploration.
