Lindblad Expeditions - extraordinary cruises

Since 1966 Lindblad Expeditions have pioneered what is now often referred to as eco-tourism, offering extraordinary cruises to any place on the globe that shines in the naturalist firmament. Their vessels, with ice-strengthened hulls, sail mostly to polar latitudes but occasionally venture to remote Pacific locations, including the Galapagos Islands.

Think expedition ship rather than pleasure boat and you’ll find the ship is a strong and agile work-horse. It’s got a pleasing but unusual profile and numerous cranes for launching kayaks and Zodiacs that punctuate its superstructure.

Forget cabins with balconies, casinos and room service. Instead, you’ll use the ship as a moving base camp and itineraries are never immutable. Weather, wildlife and sea conditions might often dictate daily events. You’ll spend your trip happily waking up at 2 a.m. when you hear an announcement about a curious animal approaching the ship to take a closer look. The Galapagos is an other-worldly place where you can see marine iguanas, entertaining penguins, flightless cormorants, lumbering sea lions and exotic blue-footed boobies.

Each cruise is staffed with very approachable, expert naturalists and is equipped with sophisticated and unique “toys” that can record astonishing images below the surface of the ocean. For passengers this means the thrilling possibility to get up more close and personal with fabulous marine creatures than you ever expected. Hydrophones record underwater “chatter” and a high definition camera allows the undersea specialist to film the underwater life whenever he dives.

National Geographic Society photographers often accompany a sailing, allowing passengers to get personalized instruction from some of the best photographers in the world.

For those who worry that it might be just a simple, spartan ship with spare décor and minimalist facilities, think again. Julie Richards describes the NG Endeavour as a well-maintained and attractive ship full of charm and character. Nothing about these expeditions means deprivation and she rates them as a healthy dose of excitement, discovery and restorative fun. Ask her about the dates on which you can travel with the expert National Geographic photographers.

LINDBLAD GALAPAGOS EXPEDITION PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 9 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION • ALL ONBOARD MEALS • NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES • TRANSFERS TO AND FROM GROUP FLIGHTS • SHORE EXCURSIONS

Contact Julie for more information on 1800 047 047 or email her at: jrichards@conciergetraveller.com.au

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