Award winning small ship adventure cruises to exotic destinations worldwide. Think outside the boat. Think outside the boat with AdventureSmith Explorations.
06/18/2024
Calling all foodies and wine enthusiasts!
National Geographic is teaming up with Food & Wine for a new gastronomic expedition cruise. Take an unforgettable adventure through the Pacific Northwest’s culinary heartland. Discover historic towns, like Walla Walla and Astoria, indulge in sustainable gourmet cuisine sourced locally, and enjoy tastings of exquisite wines handpicked by Food & Wine executive wine editor. Plus, Immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty with guided kayak and Zodiac tours by National Geographic experts. https://shorturl.at/2Jkoe
06/17/2024
SPOTTED 👀
The first polar bear sightings of the Arctic cruise season aboard the Hondius.
06/17/2024
Breaking news
Ernest Shackleton’s last ship, Quest, has been found off the coast of Labrador in Canada, 62 years after it went missing.
“Finding Quest is one of the final chapters in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton” - expedition leader & CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, John Geiger.
An expedition led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society found the vessel intact and upright at a depth of 390 metres
06/14/2024
Ever seen penguins porpoising?
Turn your sound up & wait for it!
06/07/2024
We have been looking forward to this brand-new Alaska cruise itinerary.
Check out what's in store when you circumnavigate Prince William Sound, a unique offering for this region.
06/06/2024
See why our expert says "If I could pick a perfect size ship for comradery and adventure, this would be it."
Plus more firsthand insight on what you can expect if you want to get aboard in Hawaii or Alaska.
Read Safari Explorer reviews from both an expert and travelers rating everything from the cabins to the food.
06/05/2024
One of these rocks is furrier than the rest....
05/31/2024
Dive into our Adventure specialist photo album and immerse yourself in Taylor's epic Hawaiian journey. Experience the oceanic wonders she encountered, including her epic snorkeling adventures on 5 out of 6 days. Read first-hand tips about cabin selection, food, the best common areas & more: https://rb.gy/nas3qt
05/16/2024
Alaska, Galapagos, Greenland, Antarctica. Which of these stunning kayaking destinations would you choose for your next adventure?
05/14/2024
“Fall” in love with Iceland, one waterfall at a time. Estimates say there may be as many as 10,000!
What’s the most beautiful waterfall you’ve ever been to?
PC: Dreamer Visions
05/12/2024
For three years after birth the mother polar bear is solely responsible for the upbringing the cubs. On her own she is their fierce defender and faithful teacher; nursing her young, showing them how to navigate sea ice, where to migrate, how to hunt, and how to escape dangerous situations.
Our experts saw two different sets of mothers and cubs during their voyage to the North Pole.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mama bears out there, both two and four-legged.
05/07/2024
Where in the world is Todd Smith?!
AdventureSmith president and founder is currently in Ecuador, attending this year’s Adventure Travel Trade Association conference with our fellow industry partners. His pre-event activities included hiking in Cajas National Park at over 13,000ft plus biking and horseback riding in Cuenca. If you are at the event be sure to find Todd and say hello!
05/07/2024
“What a way to spend a week in paradise. Freshly disembarked from my island hopping expedition ship, the Safari Explorer, and still thinking about all the friends that were made, activities we had and the wildlife we spotted over the week. From bow riding dolphins to a humpback whale mother and calf, Hawaii did not disappoint. Looking forward to sharing more thoughts on the voyage, but in the meantime enjoy a couple video clips of some of the many mammal friends that came to say hello ” - Adventure Specialist Taylor C.
05/06/2024
With 13 major islands in the archipelago, each offering a unique mix of wildlife, it can be dizzying to figure out the best Galapagos cruise itinerary.
That’s where we come in. Start with some of our expert tips to help you understand all the considerations that help us find your best match.
Learn all about how to pick the best Galapagos cruise itinerary for your interests in this guide on east vs. west, length and other tips.
05/03/2024
Hey AdventureSmith Family! Happy to announce that we are finalists in the Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee 2024 Contest.
For 20 years and counting our award-winning staff have matched travelers with the top names in small ship cruising and are passionate about showing you the world.
We would appreciate your votes for us this month (during Global Travel Advisor month no less!) as the best in Travel and Tour Services in 2024.
5/2/24 – Reports from the field📍Hawaii
“Over halfway through the trip and it's been fantastic so far. Great crew, guests are all bonded into one happy family, and a diverse array of activities and experiences have been offered. The water temperature has been a perfect complement to air temp. Both for snorkeling and swimming off the boat. For kayaking what I've admired most is the diverse colors of blue we see. From deep cerulean blues to emerald greens, to sharp turquoise. It's magnificent!” - Adventure Specialist Taylor C.
05/01/2024
Get our experts take on the World Explorer polar expedition ship. Read firsthand tips on cabin selection, different types of balconies, the food, best common areas and more.
This World Explorer ship review written by an AdventureSmith expert showcases his tips for choosing your cabin and favorite spaces aboard.
04/26/2024
AdventureSmith’s Kevin experienced March in Antarctica. Considered 'late-season' for voyages, fall in Antarctica is when humpbacks are at their peak numbers (Kevin saw whales every day), penguin chicks are very curious and molting, and because the sun is low, it creates amazing sunrises and sunsets. See his photo journal for all the highlights of his peninsula voyage.
04/26/2024
Taylor's last expedition required a fur parka and smashing through ice on her way to stand at 90°N at the North Pole. This time around, she'll be a lot warmer and closer to home. 🌴
Taylor is headed to Hawaii! She'll be aboard one of the very few multi-night island hopping cruises in the region.
Wish her aloha and stay tuned for live updates from her ship, the 36-guest Safari Explorer.
04/18/2024
Wilderness Legacy and the Wilderness Discoverer (USA Today’s recent 10Best “Best in Alaska” winners) sailed away from Seattle this week on their way to the 2024 Alaska season.
Some friendly orca even stopped by to say bon voyage as they navigated through the Johnstone Strait!
Excited to kick off the 2024 Alaska season & hope to see you aboard this summer.
04/17/2024
Get aboard AdventureSmith! Come join our awesome team and see why we all love where we work and what we do. Click on the link below to learn more about the Content and Marketing Coordinator opportunity and how to apply.
The pinisi motorsailer Ombak Putih (meaning “white wave”) and it’s sister ship Katharina are sailing roundtrip from Flores Island getting active travelers up close and personal with Komodo dragons, whale sharks and volcanic islands, while also connecting them with the people living and working in local villages.
04/04/2024
What a sight!
Small ships get you to remote areas for optimal sky viewing conditions with little to no light pollution and maximize your chances of seeing stunning shows like this one.
The Baja Solar Eclipse cruise aboard Safari Voyager sold out right away. (the last total solar eclipse viewable from North America until 2044!)
But you can join other eclipse enthusiasts and get in the path of totality for the Arctic’s Solar Eclipse in August of 2026. (on https://rb.gy/l031hl or https://rb.gy/vf7zpp)
Or join a Northern Lights cruise in 2024 – Experts say that 2024 may bring the best and brightest auroras in 20 years due to the sun reaching its “solar maximum". (https://rb.gy/o77pi3)
03/29/2024
Congratulations Hondius on it's first ever Wilkins Ice Shelf landing at 71° 33’ South! An impressive feat rewarded with Emperor Penguins.
03/29/2024
Views from Greenland's Scoresby Sund - the world’s largest and deepest fjord system.
03/25/2024
Our favorite traveling family at 4 Worn Passports checked off their 7th continent with us and are sharing all about their experience. Read up on camping in Antarctica so you know what to expect.
Did you know you can camp in Antarctica? Sleeping on the White Continent is the polar opposite of your typical camping experience. Learn what you must know about camping in the coolest place on Earth!
03/21/2024
Cast your vote for our standout crew of experts and small ship adventures. We have been nominated in the Travel and Tour Services category for Sierra Sun’s Best of North Lake Tahoe & Truckee Awards. We appreciate your support.
Follow the link below to vote through March 27.
Vote in any or all categories once per day March 15th through March 27th PDT! Not seeing your favorite in a category? You can still cast write-in votes through March 27th PDT!
03/20/2024
BREAKING NEWS
Todd Smith, the man who helped pioneer the concept of wilderness expedition cruising, and our very own Founder and President, has once again been named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist. Join us in congratulating him on his 11th time winning this amazing accolade.
Conde Nast Traveler's annual list spotlights the top global experts who are at the peak of their field. For the 11th time Todd Smith is recognized for his expertise in the small-ship adventure cruise industry.
03/19/2024
Curious Humpback Whale | Antarctica Expedition
“We saw humpback whales every single day during my Antarctica expedition, but this was the most special encounter by far. For almost 15 minutes we watched three whales playing amongst each other from our Zodiac. Everything was quiet except for the sound of water from blow holes and splashing as they breached and flapped their fins. One curious whale broke off from the group and came over to say hello. It was an out of body experience.” – AdventureSmith’s Kevin Marshall
03/15/2024
New here?
Our crew of cruise specialists have over 50 years combined experience working on, planning and selling small ship cruises.
What is small? Expedition ships VS adventure yachts. We break down the styles, the benefits, the costs and more is handy comparison between small ships and big ships.
Big ship vs small ship? Which type of cruising is right for you? Read our in-depth comparison between small ship and big ship cruises.
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Videos
Ever seen penguins porpoising?
Turn your sound up & wait for it!
Giving you those Friday feels from Hawaiian paradise. Let’s turn those daydreams into unforgettable experiences together.
Glassy morning in the Lemaire Channel 🙌
What a way to close out the Antarctica cruise season. 🇦🇶⛴️🐧
Curious Humpback Whale | Antarctica Expedition
Curious Humpback Whale | Antarctica Expedition
“We saw humpback whales every single day during my Antarctica expedition, but this was the most special encounter by far. For almost 15 minutes we watched three whales playing amongst each other from our Zodiac. Everything was quiet except for the sound of water from blow holes and splashing as they breached and flapped their fins. One curious whale broke off from the group and came over to say hello. It was an out of body experience.” – AdventureSmith’s Kevin Marshall
Sailing into Trpanj, a more off-the-beaten path stop on our trip.
Highlight of the night was this singer. He covered everything from George Michael to traditional Croatian songs.
Krka National Park waterfalls were incredible, and some of my favorite photos and videos.
Croatia or bust 🇭🇷 Take a peek at our top memories from small ship cruising the Dalmatian Coast this past summer.
Galapagos Dolphin Pod
10/11/2023 Galapagos Field Report – Justin Massoni
"We were eating lunch when someone noticed movement from across the water headed straight for us. Everyone flew from their seats to greet the quickly approaching pod. 1000 or more bottlenose dolphins surrounded our yacht, some even riding the bow. The dolphin were only with us for a few minutes and were gone as quickly as they arrived. What a thrill! Pure delight for both the dolphins and ourselves"
Ultramarine Helicopter Experience
This is next level adventure cruising!
Watch footage taken by our expert during two helicopter-assisted activities while aboard the cutting-edge Ultramarine. First, a heli landing on the Greenland ice sheet followed by a remote alpine heli-hike.
Expert Ship Tour: Le Commandant Charcot
🚢Expert Ship Tour🚢
There have been many new polar ships in recent years, but Le Commandant Charcot is in a class of her own. She is the world's first luxury ice breaker, and our experts have cruised aboard to the farthest reaches of the globe.
Fun Facts:
- She holds the world record for most southerly point ever reached in the history of sailing.
- She's the world’s 1st passenger ship with a Polar Class 2 icebreaker hull (a privilege long reserved for certain transport and research ships).
- She's the 1st cruise ship with dedicated onboard wet and dry labs for a team of scientists.
See all her itineraries: https://rb.gy/y8jne
Orca Pod | Alaska with National Geographic Venture
Orcas at eye level.
AdventureSmith crew member Mary was recently in Alaska aboard the National Geographic Venture when a zodiac group spotted the pod from afar. With the engines turned off, they floated, watched and waited. Then the unbelievable happened. Filmed and provided by Lindblad Expeditions Naturalist guide Melissa H.
North Pole Expedition
Wishing we were ice breaking & polar bear spotting on our way to 90°N right now.
North Pole expeditions are in full swing! (mid-June to mid-August) Secure your spot for 2024: https://rb.gy/tf07g
If Greenland isn't already on your bucket list—it should be!
Short on time or concerned about the rough Drake Passage?
Skip a 2-day ocean crossing and opt for a 2-hour plane flight to Antarctica instead, then continue your Antarctic expedition aboard your ship. Here's what it's like.
Current Offer: Sail with the 67-guest Ocean Nova & save $2,000 on select Air-Cruise departures.
Dall's Porpoise Bow Ride | Alaska Cruise
Surfs up!
AdventureSmith Founder Todd Smith had a playful encounter with a pod of Dall's porpoise bow riding the waves of Safari Endeavour during a recent small ship cruise in Alaska!
2. Our Style - Enjoy a new style of adventure travel combining small vessels, great guides and sustainable practices to experience nature and wildlife up close. Specially outfitted yachts, small ships and wilderness lodges serve as a base from which expert naturalists lead small group explorations into the wilderness. Actively explore away from tourist crowds without sacrificing comfort, safety or the environment.
3. Knowledge - We are former expedition leaders and guides who have lived, worked and traveled at length in each destination. We have cruised aboard or personally inspected nearly every vessel on our website. Our crew has firsthand insight to help you decipher among all the small ship options or find the smaller family-owned vessels you have never heard of. Contact us to answer your questions quickly and accurately with honest, unbiased information.
4. Value - You will never pay more when booking with AdventureSmith Explorations. In fact you will often pay less! Our sales volume ensures you receive the best possible price. Our knowledge and experience adds value by ensuring you select the best trip for your style of travel. Expect to be the savviest traveler aboard after reviewing our extensive pre-travel documents including detailed itineraries, maps, packing/reading lists, expert advice and last minute reminders.
5. Personalized Service - Travel is about details so we believe in a personal relationship with each client. Throughout the process, you will work with one Adventure Specialist to research, purchase and prepare for your trip. We have close relationships and are an influential agency with our partners. If issues do arise, you're not alone. We make sure your voice is heard and problems are quickly resolved.
6. Special Offers - We offer special offers and discounts that are not available if you book direct. Many of our cruises feature early-booking discounts, last-minute offers, free or discounted flights, unadvertised shipboard credits and other perks like hats or video chronicles.
7. Sustainable Travel - We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Our Carbon-Free Cruising campaign offsets all carbon emissions created as a result of our cruise passengers, at no cost to our travelers. Through a network of local and global conservation partners, we provide a means for travelers to make a contribution while at the same time enhancing your own travel experience through education and outreach.
8. Leadership - We are a company founded by guides and believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. Travel with veteran guides and adventure leaders whose experience and insight invariably becomes the most appreciated aspect of the journey.
9. Lodging - Cruise aboard exclusive yachts and small ships specially outfitted to watch wildlife and explore the wilderness in style. Distinctive wilderness lodges and boutique hotels get you close to nature. Our accommodations and the people who run them are rooted in the region's environment.
10. Custom Charters & Adventures - We specialize in creating private journeys to all of our exciting destinations. We are experts at crafting personalized itineraries for couples, families and small groups. All of our small ships or yachts are available for groups, charters and families; please call for discounted rates. We apply our knowledge and experience toward choosing vessels and designing custom trips that are carefully tailored to suit your interests, ability and budget.
11. Peace of Mind - We are a US-based travel agency and registered as a Seller of Travel in the State of California (CST #2069288-40), which means we are subject to the nation's most stringent travel industry guidelines. We are licensed, bonded and insured for domestic and international travel. We are also licensed to sell travel insurance and offer a number of policies designed especially for expedition cruises and wilderness adventures.
12. What Others Say - Don't take our word for it. Read our press and awards. We have been recognized as leaders in expedition cruises and wilderness adventures by Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Outside Magazine, The New York Times, USA Today, Frommers and the Outdoor Channel. Read the many client testimonials throughout our website's trip reviews, or ask us to put you in contact with an alumni traveler. Analysis of our trip evaluations shows that more than 99% of our clients would refer AdventureSmith Explorations to their friends and family.
