Video: What to Expect - Zodiac Cruising

When you are on an expedition in a remote, wild place like the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, or Alaska with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, exploring at water level every day while you are out on a Zodiac is a key element of the experience. In this episode of our new video series, “What to Expect,” Assistant Expedition Leader Ashley Karitis introduces us to these durable and stable rubber boats and how we use them to get our guests up close to nature.

Video Transcript

Title: What to Expect: Zodiac Cruising

Ashley Karitis, Assistant Expedition Leader for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic: Hi, my name is Ashley, and I'm an Assistant Expedition Leader with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. I'm here to tell you about Zodiac cruising.

What is a Zodiac?

These durable and stable rubber boats help us unlock the wonders of all the places we explore: Remote beaches, rugged shores, hidden inlets, and more—incredible places we would not be able to reach without them.

Whether you are cruising through Antarctic waters, witnessing brown bears fishing for salmon in Alaska, or observing sea lions and sea turtles in Galápagos, there is nothing like exploring your destination at water level alongside your fellow travelers and our expert guides.

During every expedition we are on and off Zodiacs several times a day, so you can fully experience your destination. Our flexible approach is possible because of our small, purpose-built expedition ships, which were designed to reach places that larger cruise ships cannot. They were also designed to get you off and out into the wild world as quickly as possible. This is where the Zodiacs come in. 

What to Expect While Zodiac Cruising

When you travel with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, every Zodiac is manned by a highly experienced driver, as well as a naturalist, so you know you're in expert hands. And you are learning about your surroundings when you're out on the water.

Generally, we're doing one of two things in our Zodiacs: Going to shore or going cruising. Your Expedition Leader will always let you know what kind of landing to plan for, wet or dry, so that you are prepared with rubber boots or other waterproof footwear. 

At the beginning of every expedition, we'll make sure you're comfortable boarding a Zodiac and you'll learn the sailors' grip, which is the safest way for someone to assist you in and out of the Zodiac. And our experienced team is always there to assist you.

Out on the water, feel the ocean spray and smell the salt air while you observe remarkable wildlife against the backdrop of incredible landscapes. 

We look forward to welcoming you on board and getting you out on the Zodiac.