As industry pioneers, we have been bringing travelers to the farthest reaches of the planet for over 50 years. We have decades of experience balancing adventure and safety, plus deep-rooted networks in the communities where we explore. That, along with our intimately sized ships and the remoteness of our voyages, makes us uniquely positioned for a successful re-entry to the wild.

Our dedicated COVID-19 Global Policy Team has consulted with top medical experts as well as U.S. and international authorities to ensure every detail has been carefully considered—from the moment you depart your local airport to the day we disembark. Based on these collective efforts, we’ve enhanced all of our health and safety protocols to best minimize risk aboard our small ships.*

All of our guidelines were developed under the expert counsel of:

• David B. Lorber, M.D., Lindblad Expeditions Chief Medical Officer
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
• University of Washington
• Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators’ Clean Ships Healthy People
• Several external medical consultants including epidemiologists & infectious disease experts

Daily meetings keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening globally, and as the latest research and public health recommendations evolve, so will our policies. We will continue to update our protocols for all voyages in accordance with local, state, federal, and international regulations and guidelines.

Pre-Departure Requirements

Prior to arriving, you will receive the most up-to-date guidelines specific to your ship and destination. All of our procedures meet or exceed local laws as well as all WHO & CDC guidelines. 

To best ensure a successful voyage, we highly recommend that all guests take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within five days of the start of your expedition. We also continue to recommend that you follow all CDC travel guidelines, including masking and social distancing, prior to joining the group and exercise extra caution leading up to your voyage.

For voyages departing on or after May 11th, 2023: Lindblad Expeditions will no longer require guests (regardless of age) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their trip.* Lindblad Expeditions highly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated before they travel.

*Please note: some destinations may require testing for entry and some programs may require vaccination, boosters, and/or testing for entry. Please visit the 'Protocols by Destination' page for more information.

Welcome Aboard

Once onboard, our goal is to provide the same exhilarating expedition experience our guests have come to know and love. We’ll search for wildlife, explore with the expedition equipment, and revel in the wonders of the natural world. Much of our time is spent outdoors in fresh air and expansive landscapes ideal for social distancing; however, in certain cases, face coverings will be required in accordance with local regulations.

Staff Requirements

Anyone who has traveled with us before knows our expedition team will do whatever it takes to ensure exhilarating discoveries run smoothly and safely. And our small scale, plus high staff to guest ratios, allow us to provide extra attention to all our sanitation efforts. All staff, crew and, third-party operators have received training on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols, and they are ready and eager to welcome you aboard.

Cleaning Products & Protocols

Disclaimer

Daily meetings keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening globally, and as the latest research and public health recommendations evolve, so will our policies. We will continue to update our protocols for all operating voyages in accordance with local, state, federal, and international regulations and guidelines.

* There are certain unavoidable risks to passengers and property associated with expedition travel, including, among others, traveling with other people and illness or disease caused by exposure to bacteria, pathogens, and viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, despite screening and testing and other steps taken by Lindblad Expeditions and passengers in response to these risks. In the event any passenger, crew, staff or others on the vessel were to test positive for COVID-19 and/or develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, governmental authorities may require a 14-day or longer quarantine of all individuals on the vessel either on the vessel or elsewhere. Lindblad Expeditions shall not be liable for any claims, demands, and/or damages arising from or relating to any exposure to the coronavirus and/or the contraction of any illness or disease as a result of any such exposure, including but not limited to COVID-19, by passenger or any other person, including claims and damages due or allegedly due to inaccurate test results (including possible false negative test results) and/or the negligence of any Independent Contractor providing any medical screening or testing services, laboratory services, medical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, advice, and/or recommendations, or any supplies and services for sanitation purposes.

**Lindblad Expeditions will also require all Crew to be vaccinated, with limited exception for individual Crew members who are unable to obtain vaccines due to limitations in their country of residence.  All Crew will be required at all times to strictly comply with Lindblad Protocols which require, among other things, restrictions interacting and engaging with anyone outside the Lindblad Expeditions voyage.