Lindblad Travel (1958–1989) Lars-Eric Lindblad founded Lindblad Travel in Connecticut in 1958. Lindblad Travel led the first tourist expedition to
Antarctica in 1966 and was among the first companies to bring tourists to the
Galápagos Islands starting in 1967. Later, after launching the first private, purpose-built expedition ship, the
Lindblad Explorer, it pioneered tourist expeditions to the
Arctic,
Tierra del Fuego, the
Falkland Islands, the
Seychelles,
Easter Island,
Indonesia, the
Amazon River, and many others. Lars-Eric Lindblad believed strongly that travel to difficult-to-reach places encouraged a desire to preserve and protect the planet. In addition to leading expeditions in remote wilderness areas, Lindblad Travel also led trips to hard-to-visit countries such as China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The company ceased operations in 1989.
Special Expeditions (1979–2003) Lars-Eric Lindblad passed along his passion for adventure, exploration, and conservation to his son, Sven-Olof Lindblad, who joined him on expeditions from an early age. In 1979 Sven-Olof Lindblad founded Special Expeditions as a subsidiary of Lindblad Travel. Special Expeditions decoupled from Lindblad Travel in 1982 and was renamed Lindblad Expeditions in 2000.
National Geographic partnership (after 2004) Since 2004, Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with
National Geographic, operating under the co-brand Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic. The partnership integrates Lindblad expedition staff with National Geographic scientists and media personnel, and company vessels carry the "National Geographic" name. Lindblad-operated itineraries are also sold through National Geographic Expeditions. In November 2023, the companies extended their agreement through 2040, following
The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of
National Geographic Partners. The renewal expanded Lindblad's marketing access across Disney's portfolio, including
Disney Cruise Line and
Disney Vacation Club, and permits development of co-branded river cruises and potential larger vessels (295–530 passengers). The company expanded its fleet in the 2010s. In 2013, it acquired
Orion Expedition Cruises and renamed its vessel . It ordered its first purpose-built ships in 2015:
National Geographic Quest and
National Geographic Venture, U.S.-flagged vessels launched in 2017 and 2018 for domestic service. They were followed by
National Geographic Endurance (2020) and
National Geographic Resolution (2021), which primarily operate in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Lindblad also expanded into land-based travel. In 2016, it acquired a controlling interest in Natural Habitat Adventures. In 2021, it acquired Off the Beaten Path, DuVine, and Classic Journeys. The company acquired Thomson Safaris for approximately US$30 million in 2024. These brands continue to operate independently. Lindblad Expeditions went public in July 2015. Sven Lindblad retired as CEO in 2021. Dolf Berle was appointed CEO later that year, stepped down in 2023, and was succeeded again by Lindblad. In December 2024, the company announced that Lindblad would step down again and become co-chair of the Board, with Natalya Leahy appointed CEO effective January 1, 2025. ==Sustainability and charitable initiatives==