by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:30 AM ET, Tue September 15, 2026
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., the global adventure travel company that owns and operates National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Natural Habitat Adventures, Classic Journeys and other travel brands, has acquired luxury Antarctic travel company White Desert and new aviation travel brand, Echo Charlie.
Lindblad Expeditions acquired a 60% stake in both travel companies for $61 million.
White Desert is an expedition operator established by record-breaking polar explorer Patrick Woodhead, taking travelers deep into Antarctica’s remote interior, visiting the Geographic South Pole and an Emperor penguin colony with over 20,000 birds.
Lindblad Expeditions expects to grow White Desert’s offerings for travelers by developing camps and new experiences in Antarctica.
Echo Charlie offers travel experiences centered on a restored DC-3 aircraft that can land on remote airstrips, connecting travelers to some of the world’s most remote and adventurous places.
"While this is the largest transaction in the history of the company, it is much more than a business deal—it is a powerful partnership between two businesses that have spent decades pushing the boundaries of what experiential travel can be," said Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
Patrick Woodhead will serve Lindblad Expeditions as Chairman of White Desert and CEO of Echo Charlie, as well as Lindblad’s new Strategic Innovation Advisor. Both brands will remain individual and independent.
Lindblad Expeditions has raised its full-year 2026 revenue projection following the acquisition, expecting tour revenue of $850 to $880 million and adjusted EBITDA of $140 to $148 million.
"Having spent the last 20 years pioneering tourism in the interior, we are privileged to join forces with people who did exactly the same thing, only 40 years earlier on the coastline of Antarctica. With a shared ethos for small-scale, responsible travel, we are thrilled for what lies ahead," said Patrick Woodhead, Founder and Chairman of White Desert.
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