The undiscovered Eastern Seaboard —expedition style

There’s an American East Coast that few know exists and even fewer will ever experience.

Lindblad Expeditions hopes to change that by launching seven new itineraries for 2022 and 2023 designed to explore the most ecologically and culturally diverse destinations along the East Coast.

They will take a unique expeditionary approach in search of the untouched, seldom-seen side of the Eastern Seaboard.

Along this coastline are uninhabited islands with wildlife refuges and abandoned forts and castles, many of which are unknown even to locals.

Ranging from six to eight days, the itineraries will feature Maine, Cape Cod, Georgia, South Carolina low country, New York’s Hudson Valley, and the Chesapeake area off the coast of Maryland.

Aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion, guests explore secluded coves and barrier islands on expeditions.

From the windswept sand dunes of the South to Mid-Atlantic estuarine backwaters and island villages in the North with no paved roads, these exclusive journeys take guests into little-known American wilderness, history, and culture.

East Coast itineraries and highlights include:

Exploring the Hudson River: Fall Colors, Conservation & Creativity  Through the cascading colors of autumn, ‘America’s First River’ welcome guests on a journey of nature, conservation, and transformation. Explore the Hudson Valley Natural Heritage Area, part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve, kayak in wetlands on the lookout for bald eagles, wood ducks, and muskrats. Visit Storm King Mountain Art Center and Sleepy Hollow, to hear Washington Irving’s ageless tale re-told. Photographers will love the opportunities to capture the iconic lighthouses and bridges along the voyage. Departures Oct 13, 27; Nov 3, 10, 2022; Oct 14, 2023. Rates from $5,590.

Wild South Carolina Escape: Beaufort and the Barrier Islands On this u Eastern Seaboard adventure guests will voyage windswept islands, wildlife refuges, picturesque neighborhoods on Sea Islands, and a string of barrier and tidal isles. Guests will see alligators and loggerhead turtles on the pristine wilderness of St. Phillip’s Island and coast in a Zodiac along the shores of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge to view dolphins and seabirds. Explore one of the country’s most beautiful towns, Beaufort, S.C., with opulent mansions and historic churches. Departures Nov 22, 2022; Apr 29, May 4, 9, 14, 2023. Rates begin at $3,990.

Exploring the Low Country: Cumberland Island to Charleston Encounter sea turtles, stroll through charming Charleston and Savannah, and meet the Gullah-Geechee residents of Hog Hammock on a fascinating adventure through the Low Country. Navigate through waterways to see undulating dunes, meadows, marshes, and forests teeming with birdlife and other creatures. Discover these wilderness areas with expert naturalists, kayak in salt marshes and coastal lagoons rich with wildlife, including American alligators and dolphins. Meet researchers at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island; and enjoy excellent spring birding, watching for roseate spoonbills, wood storks, tricolored herons, and up to 20 species of migrant warblers. Departures April 8, 15, 22, 2023. Rates begin at $5,760.

New York City to Cape Cod: Discovering Whales, Great White Sharks, and Seafaring History  Sail beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on the way to Long Island Sound, where guests will discover little-known archipelagos via kayak and Zodiac cruise. Explore the many islands of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, encounter some of the world’s largest common tern colonies on Great Gull Island and see tens of thousands of gray seals. The marine ecosystems are equally fascinating with eelgrass meadows, corals, sponges, and an underwater plateau that draws 17 species of whales, creating New England’s only national marine sanctuary. Enjoy seaside towns, lighthouses, and historic forts, with an insider’s look at leading scientific research stations and important conservation efforts. Departures June 25; Aug 5, 12; Oct 2, 2023. Rates begin at $5,760.

Exploring Lobsters, Lighthouses, and Hidden Inlets of Coastal Maine Go whale watching in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Reserve, New England’s only national marine sanctuary, and visit the offshore seabird colony of Eastern Egg Rock, site of the world’s first restored Atlantic puffin colony. Explore rocky islets by kayak, paddleboard, or Zodiac, and take advantage of the golden light of summer and early fall for excellent photographic opportunities.  Departures July 2, 29; Aug 19; Sept 25, 2023. Rates begin at $5,760.

Wild Chesapeake Bay Escape: Waterways, Watermen, and Wildlife Explore the remote coves and islands of America’s largest estuary in the silent backwaters of Chesapeake Bay. Voyage to Smith and Tangier Islands, the Chesapeake’s only inhabited islands, to discover the unique culture and history of the bay’s watermen. Guests will paddleboard, kayak, and ride Zodiacs along the tributaries, remote islands, inlets, and coves of the Chesapeake, learning about the delicate ecosystems. Departures May 30, June 4, 9, 14, 19, 2023. Rates begin at $4,110.

Wild Maine Escape: Exploring Downeast & Acadia National Park On a rejuvenating expedition along Maine’s wild and rugged coast, time stands still in tiny fishing villages on remote islands. Explore the world’s first restored Atlantic puffin colony; windswept places that inspired writers and artists, and remote communities with no paved roads. Discover Acadia National Park’s secluded Schoodic Peninsula by kayak and hiking. Meet local researchers and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at a farm on North Haven Island. Departures July 9, 14, 19, 24; Aug 26, 2023. Rates from $4,110.