Elise Lockton

Elise's life has been shaped by a longstanding curiosity about the natural world and the stories that connect people to place. With a degree in Environmental Studies and more than three decades of field experience, she has dedicated her career to helping others better understand the environments they explore.

Her work as a naturalist has taken her across a wide range of ecosystems and latitudes. She began her career at remote jungle lodges in Costa Rica, Peru and Ecuador, where she developed a strong foundation in tropical ecology and natural history. Over time, her interests expanded beyond the tropics, and the landscapes of the North drew her to Alaska. From there, she began exploring and working throughout the polar regions, gaining experience in some of the planet's most remote environments.

Since joining National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2007, Elise has continued to broaden her interests, developing a particular appreciation for regional history and the ways human and natural stories intersect. She enjoys drawing connections between biology, ecology, culture and history, helping travelers understand destinations through multiple perspectives.

Whether leading a hike, standing on the bow in search of wildlife or sharing stories from the bridge, Elise approaches each expedition as an opportunity to foster curiosity and deeper understanding. She believes every landscape has a story to tell, and that the most rewarding experiences often come from discovering how nature, culture and history are woven together. Sharing those connections with travelers remains one of the most meaningful aspects of her work.