Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage the best of the world’s seas and rivers

There are some places in the world that are best explored by small ship – a chance to get as close as possible to the destination and explore the wildlife on land and in the sea.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, the global leaders in expedition travel, voyage to some of the most remote and unique places in the world, providing guests the ultimate experience while also respecting the cultures and ecosystems they explore.

The following five expeditions are the ones that guests should put to the top of their priority list for 2014/15 – the places that need to be seen now from onboard an expedition ship. Rates are per person, in Australian dollars based on a double occupancy in a category one cabin:

The Galápagos Islands

Described as “a little world within itself” by Charles Darwin, the Galápagos offers a paradise where each island is different and the wildlife have no fear of humans. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have raised millions for the conservation of this archipelago, and have two ships based there year round. Guests can explore Galápagos the way Darwin did – aboard an expedition ship. The voyage is designed to offer more in-depth learning and up-close encounters, with opportunities to hike, kayak and Zodiac, as well as snorkel with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and the world’s only swimming iguana. The 10-day expedition departs and disembarks every Friday and Saturday from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Prices from $5,490.

The Kimberley and Spice Islands

Discover the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes etched with ancient human history and sail to remote island villages of Indonesia. Guest can search for spectacular wildlife, snorkel and dive at Rowley Shoals and witness giant manta rays glide through the water. Guests can also dive and snorkel at three more landings in the Spice Islands, including Komodo, one of Valerie Taylor’s favourite places to dive. Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, will join this voyage as a Global Perspectives guest speaker. Following in the footsteps of his father, the first mountaineer to summit Mount Everest alone with Tenzing Norqay, Peter has climbed the highest mountain on every continent, including Mount Everest five times on different routes, as well as travelled extensively around Australia. The 15-day voyage departs Broome and disembarks Bali on 10 August 2014 and 16 August 2015. Prices from $11,155.

The Amazon

Guests will discover the wildlife of the upper Amazon, witness sunsets on the still waters of the Amazon Rivers basin and explore the tannin-rich lakes of the flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with the team of naturalists. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers three expeditions that explore the Amazon – the Upper Amazon; Upper Amazon plus Galápagos; and Upper Amazon plus Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca. The Upper Amazon is a 10-day expedition that embarks and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Prices from $5,990. The Upper Amazon plus Galápagos is an 18-day expedition that departs Guayaquil, Ecuador and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Prices from $11,480. Upper Amazon plus Machu Picchu & Peru’s Land of the Inca is a 17-day expedition that embarks and disembarks in Lima, Peru. Numerous departures throughout the year. Prices from $10,980.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays and more than thirty species of marine mammals. Along with the Spice Islands, guests can snorkel, swim and dive the world’s largest reef and see a range of animals, from starfish and sea anemones to reef sharks and turtles. Aboard the National Geographic Orion, guests will have access to the new exploration tools as part of recent enhancements to the ship, including kayaks, a remotely operated vehicle that reaches depths of up to 300 metres, a glass bottom boat, Zodiacs and more. Dr. Lawrence Blair, an expert on the culture, geography and zoology of Indonesia, will join this voyage as a Global Perspectives guest speaker. The Spice Island Adventure is a 17-day expedition that departs Bali, Indonesia and disembarks Cairns, Australia on 20 October 2014. Prices from $15,540.

Antarctica

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is bringing to life one of the most storied expeditions in modern history with special activities, amenities and events celebrating the Centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Guests aboard National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion will be led by a remarkable expedition team, who will shed new light on the storied exploits of Shackleton and his men. And, since expedition photography is part of the Lindblad-National Geographic DNA, the season will be dedicated to Shackleton’s expedition photographer, Frank Hurley. Guests will also receive a commemorative Centennial edition parka that combines vintage- style expedition wear with high-tech fabrication for maximum comfort, and comes with a Centennial badge to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent is a 12-day expedition that departs Buenos Aires, Argentina, embarking/disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina. Departures are Nov. 29; Dec. 9, 19, 29, 2014; Jan. 8, 18, 28; Feb. 7, 2015. Prices from $12,350. Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands is a 22-day expedition that departs Buenos Aires, Argentina, embarking/disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina. Departures on the National Geographic Explorer: Nov. 9, 2014; Feb. 17, 2015; on the National Geographic Orion Dec. 27, 2014; Jan. 26 & Feb. 15, 2014. Prices from $20,720.

To obtain additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic or to book, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1300 361 012 or see your travel agent.