Sven Lindblad

Sven-Olof Lindblad is CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad was born in Switzerland and traveled extensively with his father, renowned adventure-travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, who led some of the first non-scientific groups of travelers to Antarctica (1966) and Galapagos (1967).  For six years, Sven lived in East Africa photographing elephants and wildlife in Kenya and assisting filmmakers on a documentary on the destruction of African rain forests. Lindblad’s early exposure to nature and wildlife taught him the importance of maintaining natural resources and understanding the cultural background of remote regions of the world.

In 1979, he launched Special Expeditions (now Lindblad Expeditions), a unique travel company aimed at offering marine-focused expeditions aboard small ships for adventurous travelers. Lindblad Expeditions’ itineraries are led by expedition leaders, historians, naturalists, cultural experts, marine biologists and undersea specialists who help to bring expeditions to life for the active and curious traveler.

In 2004, he formed a strategic alliance with National Geographic that combines the strengths of two pioneers in global exploration, with the goal of inspiring people to explore and care about the planet.  Lindblad’s ships serve as platforms for National Geographic scientists and grantees to carry out their research programs, and brings the best scientific and technological innovation to all aspects of their voyages from on-board technology to engaging guests as active participants in scientific research, to enhancing local conservation efforts.

Lindblad’s personal experience led to a commitment to environmentally responsible travel, which has resulted in numerous travel and environmental awards, including the Climate Champion Award from Clean-Air, Cool Planet, the National Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Award for Corporate Achievement and the Global Tourism Business Award from the World Travel and Tourism Council.  The company has also received the Condé Nast Traveler Ecotourism Award.  The United Nations Environment Programme named him to their Global 500 roll of honor.  Lindblad Expeditions consistently is rated among the top small ship cruise lines in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and numerous other prestigious awards.

Sven’s vision of his guests visiting a unique location, learning about it, and leaving it intact the way nature created it, has positioned Lindblad Expeditions at the forefront of environmentally sensitive expedition travel. His mission is simple: to provide travelers the opportunity to discover for themselves the natural, cultural and historic regions of the world and to provide thoughtful approaches that make such travels enriching, responsible, safe, fun and memorable.

Lindblad is an honorary member of the General Assembly of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands.  In May 2006 he received international recognition for his innovative and successful model of tourism, receiving the “Commandeur de Notre Ordre de Merite Civil et Militaire d’Adolphe de Nassau” from Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg at the Grand-Ducal Place.  He also had a newly discovered endemic species of moth in the Galapagos Islands, Undulambia lindbladi, named in honor of his conservation work.  Additionally, he serves on the Board of The Safina Center, the National Geographic Society’s International Council of Advisors, and the Board of Trustees for RARE; is a founding Ocean Elder; and serves on the Board of Advisors for Pristine Seas.