Exploring the world: National Geographic Endeavour

“The National Geographic Endeavour has a soul. I don’t say that often about a ship, as generally I view them as tools for exploration. But, the Endeavour is different. She reeks of character and has, in her lifetime, traveled nearly every sea. She’s not young but, in the days she was built, ship-building was a real craft. She has a hull shape no one could afford to build today, curved to work with the sea. And, in the years we’ve been privileged to own her, we’ve cared for her and improved her in so many ways. So, on one hand she’s mature; on the other, she’s state of the art. Our vision, together with our colleagues at National Geographic, is simple—to inspire people to explore and care about the planet."

- Sven-Olof Lindblad, Owner, Lindblad Expeditions

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A Word From: Shelley Aitoro, Program Manager

I had the pleasure of traveling aboard the Endeavour a couple years ago—what a wonderful, comfortable ship with an exceptional staff!

The National Geographic Endeavour is a beautiful, lovingly cared-for vessel that just feels right for expedition-style travel. One of my favorite places to watch the world go by while underway is her library; its comfortable seating and floor-to-ceiling windows make it a great getaway. The lounge, which can accommodate everyone for lectures and recaps, is a hub of activity for both intrepid travelers and the remarkably knowledgeable and friendly expedition staff. The dining room has fabulous views, so it isn’t uncommon for someone to jump up from a fine meal and dash outside for yet another amazing photo opportunity! Cabins are cozy and comfortable. And although I must admit I never made it to the gym or the sauna, I did spend time at the computer station, sharing my adventure with loved ones back home. Beyond the comfort of the ship, the staff kept us engaged as they expertly guided us in the Zodiacs and on shore. Back onboard, I felt privileged to be able to join the officers on the bridge at any time, and it was a thrill to be on the spacious decks of the ship—feeling the wind on my face, smelling the sea, and feeling fully alive as we explored pristine areas that I had only dreamed of before I embarked the Endeavour.

When I started doing research for my Antarctic adventure (I was an ExpeditionTrips client long before I started working here), I carefully examined minute details about every trip and ship so I could make an informed decision. When I added up everything that was included with the Endeavour’s voyage—South American flights, hotel, parka, etc.—I found that her rates were really a good value. Then, when I factored in the amount of time spent exploring the Peninsula region (more time than other shipping companies) and the uniqueness of their program including an onboard Undersea Specialist and Video Chronicler, kayaking, top-notch naturalists with extensive backgrounds in Marine Biology, Ornithology, Archeology, etc, and Lindblad's extensive experience in expedition travel, it was clear that the Endeavour was the best way to go. If I only had one chance to go to Antarctica, then I might as well do it right! I have never regretted that choice, and I must say that it was worth every penny. I value the entire experience immensely, and the Endeavour was certainly the right choice for me! You can read about my trip aboard the Endeavour and view my photos in our Travel Journal section.

Lindblad Expeditions & National Geographic Society
Since my adventure, Lindblad Expeditions has managed to enhance an already incredible experience! In 2005, Lindblad Expeditions partnered with the National Geographic Society to form an exciting and revolutionary alliance in the world of expedition travel. This collaboration provides a new platform for discovery, allowing travelers to become active, engaged explorers themselves. Guests interact with world-renowned scientists, naturalists and researchers as they uncover stunning natural environments using state-of-the-art exploration tools. Providing an extraordinary vehicle for research and learning, the National Geographic Endeavour is equipped with kayaks, undersea cameras, hydrophones, video-microscopes, critter-cams and a range of new tools for exploration.


As everyone knows, travel and photography go hand-in-hand, and with the partnership between Lindblad and National Geographic, photography has become a vital component of the expeditions. Starting March 2008, all expeditions aboard National Geographic Endeavour will feature a National Geographic Photographer teamed with a LEX Photo Specialist as part of the expedition staff! (Now through March 2008, select departures only.) For novices and experts alike, the Photo Team will offer useful tips and strategies for improving travel and wildlife images, hints for editing and storing digital images, walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.

Additionally, Lindblad and NGS are increasing awareness of key conservation issues by supporting a variety of environmental and conservation initiatives including Oceanites, a non-profit organization that gathers information on resident penguin populations and tourism's impact in Antarctica. They also sponsor The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Program, which donates two fellowships annually to geography educators. As a traveler who hopes to tread lightly on the earth as I explore, my hope is that the amazing landscapes and wildlife I encounter do not become relegated to photo albums and memories for a privileged few. It’s reassuring that Lindblad and NGS are committed to preserving wild places for future generations even as they deepen our understanding of the world today.

Explore the world with National Geographic on the following trips:

Britain, Ireland & Scandinavia: In the Footsteps of the Vikings & the Celts
Aug 18, 2007
National Geographic: Photojournalist and Adventurer Roff Smith

Iberia, the Western Mediterranean & the Dalmatian Coast
Sep 2, 2007
National Geographic: Archaeologist Bob Hohlfelder

The Dalmatian Coast & Greece
Sep 19, 2007
National Geographic: Photographer Jay Dickman

Greece, Iberia & Isles of the Western Mediterranean
Sep 28, 2007
National Geographic: Archaeologist Bob Hohlfeder

Atlantic Odyssey: Madeira, the Canaries & Cape Verde
Oct 13, 2007; Sep 20, 2008
National Geographic: Writer Thomas B. Allen, Adventurers Roff Smith & Tim Severin (Oct 13)

Islands of the Atlantic Ridge: From South Georgia & the Falklands to the Canary Islands
Mar 6, 2008
National Geographic: Photographer TBA

Treasures of North Africa to Britain: Morocco, Iberia & Western Europe
Apr 28, 2008
National Geographic: Photographer David Alan Harvey

Exploring the British Isles
May 11, Jul 30, 2008
National Geographic: Photographers David Alan Harvey (May 11) and Jim Richardson (Jul 30)

European Odyssey: A Passage Through Centuries of Culture & History
Sep 5, 2008
National Geographic: Photographer Bob Krist

Exploring the Baltics' Historic Waterways
Aug 14, 22, 2008
National Geographic: Photographers Tomasz Tomaszewki (Aug 14) & Bob Krist (Aug 22)

Land of the Ice Bears: An in-depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard
Jun 18, 25; Jul 2, 2008
National Geographic: Photographers Flip Nicklin (Jun 18, 25), Ralph Lee Hopkins (Jul 2)

Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords & Arctic Svalbard
May 23, Jul 16, 2008
National Geographic: Photographers Sisse Brimberg (May 23), Jim Richardson (Jul 16)

Antartica Cruise - The Peninsula
Nov 29, Dec 10, 2007; Oct 31, Nov 11, 22, Dec 3, 14, 25, 2008; Jan 5, 16, 27, 2009
National Geographic: Photographers Flip Nicklin (Nov 29, Dec 10; Oct 31), Ralph Hopkins (Nov 11, 22)

Antarctica, South Georgia, & the Falklands
Feb 7, 2009
National Geographic: Photographer Chris Rainier

South Georgia & the Falklands
Oct 15, 2008
National Geographic: Photographer Flip Nicklin