Sixty years have passed since a pivotal moment in the history of expedition travel. Exactly six decades ago, Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first group of non-scientific travelers to Antarctica, opening one of the most remote regions on the planet to curious explorers and forever transforming the way people experience the world.
On January 23, 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad made history by taking 57 passengers to Antarctica, marking the birth of the modern expedition cruise for civilian travelers.
That historic 1966 voyage laid the foundation for expedition cruises as we know them today. Just one year later, Lindblad led the first civilian expedition to the Galápagos Islands, reinforcing a vision that was never limited to a single destination or climate. From its inception, Lindblad Expeditions was built on the foundational principle that expedition travel has the power to transform how people live and understand the world.
“Lars-Eric Lindblad was a pioneer of expedition travel with a simple belief: how you see the world matters,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “Sixty years after the voyage that started it all, that vision continues to guide us. Every journey is shaped by decades of experience, deep relationships with local communities, and the expertise of some of the world’s most seasoned captains, navigators, and naturalists. What defines our expeditions is not just where we go, but how we approach each place, creating transformative moments that spark curiosity and stay with our guests long after they return home.”.
Today, National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions sails to more than 100 destinations worldwide, encompassing iconic regions such as Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands, as well as expeditions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and other corners of the globe. From Greece and Croatia to Egypt, India, and Vietnam, each itinerary features immersive, expert-led experiences that foster a deeper understanding and an authentic connection with each destination.
As a recognized leader in expedition travel, Lindblad Expeditions continues to set industry milestones through purposeful innovation, such as the launch of the National Geographic Endurance, the first PC-5 class polar vessel built for civilian expeditions, and access via private flights to and from Puerto Natales, Chile, as part of the Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage itinerary, expanding access and enhancing the expedition experience.
National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is celebrating this historic milestone with the anniversary offer, The Expedition That Started It All. Travelers can enjoy up to 20% savings and a 50% reduced deposit on select trips for 2026 and 2027, by booking before February 9, 2026.
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