Lindblad Expedtions Introduces Three New Life-Changing Voyages for 2010/2011

New York, NY – Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneering expedition travel company with a strong commitment to responsible travel, has announced three new itineraries for 2010/2011. These new journeys provide travel explorers a diverse range of destinations for life-changing encounters with beauty, wildness and the seldom-seen.

• Upper Amazon voyages explore the rain forests of Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve — bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers — where the mighty Amazon is formed. This new 10-day exploration of the Upper Amazon takes guests through wild lands of unsurpassed beauty aboard the Delfin II, which accommodates only 28 guests. Our Expedition Leader and experienced local Naturalists will help guests see and learn about the remarkable flora and fauna of the region, while the chef presents the finest Amazonian-Peruvian gourmet cuisine on the river. Dates include Aug. 28, Sept. 11 and Dec. 18, 2010 and Jan. 15, Jan. 29; Feb. 12; April 30; May 7, 14, 21; Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 and Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011. Rates begin at $5,590 per person based on double occupancy.
• Exploring New Zealand’s North & South Islands is an in-depth exploration of these islands, as well as Stewart Island, with forays into famous sounds discovered by Captain Cook. Its volcanic landscapes are breathtaking, from the snow-covered mountains and fjords of South Island to the cliffs and indented coastlines that run the entire length of the journey. The voyage will spotlight the unique wildlife that results from New Zealand’s long geographic isolation. Guests will walk on an active volcano, see a land steeped in Maori culture, and discover a side of New Zealand few know aboard the 68-guest Oceanic Discoverer. The 17-day journeys depart Jan 31 and February 12, 2011. Rates begin at $11,990 per person based on double occupancy.
• West Africa & Islands of the Atlantic explores five distinct and welcoming regions – Senegal, Gambia, Western Sahara, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands – offering a dazzling array of cultures, scenery, wildlife and experiences to inspire even the most experienced world traveler. See vivid birdlife and the legendary baobab trees, walk the dunes in the beautiful desert of the Western Sahara, and experience the daily life of Africa through its lively markets and music. The 13-day expedition aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer departs April 7, 2011. Rates begin at $9,820.

For daily itineraries and additional information on Lindblad Expeditions’ new voyages and other expeditions to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth visit www.expeditions.com or call 1-800-EXPEDITION .

Western River Expeditions Hosts Girlfriend’s Getaway July 20-23, 2010

Plus 2, 4 and 6-day Summer-Long Rafting Adventures on Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Western River Expeditions announces a July 20-23 Girlfriend’s Getaway plus 2, 4 and 6-day summer-long adventures on the 100-mile stretch of the Colorado River called Cataract Canyon in Utah.

All programs include rafting and hiking in Canyonlands National Park with explorations of Native American culture and the thrill of 30 world-class white water rapids, camping equipment including cots, delicious meals, guides and return air from Lake Powell back to Moab, UT, where the trips begin.

Ideal for mothers and daughters, groups of friends and solo travelers, the Girlfriend’s Getaway also includes daily yoga and optional massage. The rate is $1,205 per adult, including scenic return flight to Moab.

The two-day Cataract Express designed for those challenged with busy schedules offers a 100-mile, thrilling adventure via motorized raft at $695 per person ages 12 and up, run weekly through early July.

Cataract Classic engages guests for four days of rafting and three nights of deluxe camping on the banks of the river and a little more time for side canyon exploration at $1,150 per person and $995 per youth ages 10-15, run weekly through August.

The six-day Cataract Ranch/Raft includes two nights at Sorrel River Ranch with an off-road Hummer safari and optional horseback ride in advance of a four-day river adventure at $1,730 per person and $1,560 for ages 10-15, run weekly through August.

Brandon Lake, vice-president of Western River Expeditions, said Cataract Canyon offers comparable beauty and whitewater excitement, with more affordable multiple-day trip options and better last-minute availability than the company’s already-sold-out excursions through the Grand Canyon (with one exception – a few spaces remain available for the Grand Canyon 6-Day trip on Aug. 25). He said that while Cataract Canyon bookings are up nearly 30 percent this year with waiting lists on some departure dates; however there are still a number of prime departures available.

Lake explained, “Cataract Canyon is often overshadowed by its downriver counterpart, the Grand Canyon, primarily due to name recognition. But the whitewater and scenery in Cataract are comparable and absolutely breathtaking. It’s somewhat of hidden gem. The trip cuts right through the middle of Canyonlands National Park. In fact, the river itself was recently made a “district” of Canyonlands National Park.”

“The trip has much warmer water than Grand Canyon and water levels fluctuate more because it’s not dam-controlled. This gives visitors the chance to choose between bigger rapids in May and June and more moderate (but still very exciting) whitewater later in the summer. Guests also have a choice of boat: high speed snout rig, j-rig, oar-powered rig, and paddle raft,” he said.

Getting to Moab is easy. There are direct flights from Denver to Moab; air service is also available to Grand Junction, CO, a 1.5- hour drive to Moab, and Salt Lake City, a 4-hour drive to Moab.

SEE Turtles Generates $100,000 for Conservation

SEE Turtles, a conservation tourism project, has surpassed the milestone of $100,000 generated for sea turtle protection efforts and local communities. The goal of the project is to benefit sea turtle conservation efforts through ecotourism and volunteer projects, as well as raising funds to protect important habitat. To celebrate this milestone, SEE Turtles will be giving away a free spot on a turtle ecotour to Costa Rica or Baja.

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