Lindblad Expeditions Holdings announced September 15 that it has acquired 60% of luxury Antarctic operator White Desert and new aviation travel brand Echo Charlie for approximately $61 million in cash, plus roughly $6 million in cash on the acquired companies’ balance sheets and customary adjustments.
Lindblad called it the largest transaction in company history. White Desert, founded by polar explorer Patrick Woodhead, specializes in fly-in luxury expeditions to Antarctica’s interior, including the South Pole and emperor penguin colonies. Echo Charlie is being developed around a restored DC-3 for specialized access to remote destinations. Both brands will continue to operate independently, while Woodhead remains White Desert chairman, becomes Echo Charlie CEO, and joins Lindblad as a strategic innovation advisor. Lindblad also raised its 2026 revenue, net-yield and adjusted EBITDA guidance following the acquisitions and continued business performance.
