The company, which operates immersive, educational expeditions to more than 100 destinations across every continent, now holds a 60% stake in White Desert.

Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions, said: “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.”

Lindblad Expeditions said the $61 million deal would expand the offerings of White Desert, the only commercial operator to fly tourists directly into Antarctica.

Upon landing, clients stay in one of its two luxury camps – Whichaway, a retreat with six heated pods, or Eco, a boutique retreat inspired by astronauts. The experience also includes guided excursions to the Geographic South Pole and an Emperor Penguin colony, meals prepared by award-winning chefs, and photography workshops.

“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,” said Patrick Woodhead, Founder and Chairman of White Desert. “With a shared ethos for small-scale, responsible travel, we are thrilled for what lies ahead.”

Lindblad Expeditions will also support White Desert with the development of Echo Charlie, a collection of itineraries that revolves around a fully restored DC-3 aircraft.

The 12-seater monoplane, which can legally land on remote airstrips, will take passengers to destinations like Colombia, Patagonia, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

“Echo Charlie delivers on what most of us only read about in childhood stories – flying to hidden places, uncovering the secrets of ancient cultures, and experiencing the breathtakingly diverse landscapes,” said Leahy.

“By combining Patrick’s aviation expertise with our global platform and deep shared spirit of innovation, we are about to enter a new chapter entirely – more awe-inspiring experiences to more guests in more places on this planet.” 

Woodhead will serve as White Desert Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Echo Charlie, while also joining Lindblad Expeditions as Strategic Innovation Advisor.  

Like other companies acquired by Lindblad, White Desert and Echo Charlie will continue to operate as a stand-alone offering.