Photo by: Todd Smith

Todd Smith

AdventureSmith Explorations Founder & President

As founder and president, Todd puts the “Smith” in AdventureSmith Explorations. Todd has traveled throughout the world working as a guide and manager for small ship cruise lines and prominent ecotourism operators. As a recognized industry leader in small ship cruising, Todd has been featured on television shows such as Lonely Planet and Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.

He has 10 times been named a Top Travel Specialist on Condé Nast Traveler‘s Annual Top Travel Specialists List (most recently in 2023), and he has been a guest lecturer at the Seminar for Thematic Cruises and Ecological Tourism in the Sea of Cortez, Outside Magazine‘s IATOS World Congress on Adventure Tourism in Chicago and the REI Flagship Travel Show in Seattle.

Todd is experienced in a wide range of disciplines relating to adventure travel: guest services, guide and safety training, natural history interpretation and the development of sustainable tourism. He currently serves on the board of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association) and is an avid advocate for sustainable travel initiatives worldwide.

Where Has Todd Traveled with AdventureSmith? Read His Expert Reviews

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022

Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Todd Smith • July 23rd, 2021

Expert Review: Belize Catamaran Charter Cruise

AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith details his Belize catamaran charter cruise aboard a private boat with two families. Learn why sailing is Todd's recommended way to experience the Belize Barrier Reef, and how this cruise offers so much more than just snorkeling.

Todd Smith • January 28th, 2020

Expert Review: Classic Polar Bear Adventure

Travel with us to Churchill, Canada, near the world's greatest concentration of polar bears. Learn from our expert about this trip's logistics and what it's like on a polar rover.

Todd Smith • November 15th, 2018

Expert Review: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Learn why remote small ship cruising and snorkeling are some of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef and its famous coral in this detailed family trip review from AdventureSmith's founder.

Todd Smith • May 29th, 2018

Expert Review: Antarctica Air Cruise

AdventureSmith's founder and president reviews his air cruise aboard the 67-guest Ocean Nova. Learn what it's like to fly the Drake and why he's dubbed Antarctica "Alaska's big brother."

Todd Smith • March 20th, 2018

Expert Review: Camp Denali Adventure

AdventureSmith's founder reviews his Camp Denali Adventure with his family of four. Learn why he says there is no better way to explore Denali National Park.

Todd Smith • July 10th, 2017

Expert Review: My Return to Glacier Bay Aboard the Sea Wolf

The story of Glacier Bay is one of change, and my return after more than 20 years away would reveal changes to the glaciers, the animals, the National Park and to myself.

Todd Smith • February 20th, 2017

Expert Review: Explora Atacama

Reach new heights with AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith as he explores the Atacama Desert and climbs the 18,000-foot Cerro Toco.

Todd Smith • January 31st, 2017

Expert Review: Explora Rapa Nui

Travel to remote Rapa Nui, Easter Island, with AdventureSmith's founder who reviews his trip at the luxury basecamp Explora Rapa Nui.

Todd Smith • December 31st, 2020

Expert Review: Slow Travel in Alaska

Alaska is the perfect destination for slow travel. Learn about AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith's slow cruising experience in this detailed review and get inspired to enjoy authentic Alaska aboard historic small ships Catalyst and Westward.