Lindblad Expeditions has acquired a 60% stake in Antarctic operator White Desert and aviation brand Echo Charlie allowing it to expand further into expedition travel and add fly-in Antarctic and specialist aviation journeys into its portfolio.
The US-listed company will pay approximately USD61 million in cash for the 60% interest, plus around USD6 million for cash on the balance sheet, subject to customary adjustments.
For the New Zealand trade, the deal adds a fly-in Antarctic product to Lindblad’s portfolio, with White Desert (pictured) offering access to the interior of the continent, including the Geographic South Pole and an Emperor penguin colony.
Echo Charlie will develop adventure itineraries using a restored D C-3 aircraft, with destinations planned across Colombia, Patagonia, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Both businesses will continue to operate as standalone brands, adds Lindblad. White Desert founder Patrick Woodhead will become chairman of White Desert and ceo of Echo Charlie, while also taking on a strategic innovation role with Lindblad.
. . . Guidance
The acquisition has also prompted Lindblad to lift its 2026 guidance. It now forecasts tour revenue of USD850–880 million and adjusted EBITDA of USD140–148 million, while net yield per available guest night is expected to increase 5.5–6.5%. The transaction is said to mark a further diversification of Lindblad’s expedition offering, beyond its established ship-based operations.
