Antarctica Cruises & Tours

Extensions

Icon Legend

Escort

Escorted

Unescorted

Difficulty

Easy

Moderate

Challenging

When to Travel

Excellent

Very Good

Unpredictable

Unavailable

Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary: Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope: From South America to South Africa

click to enlarge
  Does this penguin have an itch?

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries  |  cancellation policy

Extraordinary and unusual, an expedition from Cape to Cape has been the challenge and dream of many sailors and explorers. Colorful milestones line our route on this epic voyage from Cape Horn, at the tip of South America, to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Explore the wildlife and icebergs of Antarctica and South Georgia, with its vast king penguins colonies. Visit the remote outpost of Tristan da Cunha — one of the least accessible, least visited and most dreamed-of places anywhere — before ending in lively Cape Town. You explore the Antarctic in prime season, mid-February, accompanied by the best Ice Team on earth. We always change course for wildlife sightings — and our Zodiacs, kayaks and an Undersea Specialist help us understand these remote lands.

Day 1 : Arrive Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the Grand Hyatt. Join a guided view of the city, and visit the Pre-Columbian Museum. (L,D)

Day 2 : Santiago / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark

This morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia. Join a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark ship. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : At Sea

Watch for whales and birds as you settle into shipboard life. (B,L,D)

Days 4-8 : Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible to take advantage of the unexpected. Cruise in Zodiacs, paddle kayaks, observe penguins. We land on the “white continent” and sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : South Orkney Island

Mountainous and rugged, the South Orkneys are never quite free of ice. Giant icebergs litter the surrounding waters and every rocky beach teems with penguins. Leopard seals can be seen and innumerable birds nest on these wild islands. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : At Sea

Days 11-14 : South Georgia

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs greet us. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew’s Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins! (B,L,D)

Days 15-18 : Sail the Southern Atlantic

With our bow pointed northeast towards the African continent, our days at sea are spent relaxing and hearing talks from our Naturalists to prepare us for the exciting days ahead. (B,L,D)

Days 19-20 : Tristan da Cunha / Nightingale Island

“Welcome to the Remotest Island” reads the sign at our landfall today. In the middle of the South Atlantic, Tristan is home to just over 300 hardy souls who make their living from the sea. We meet the islanders to learn firsthand about their culture and history. Nightingale Island is a wildlife haven, home to millions of breeding greater shearwaters, albatross and a unique race of rockhopper penguins. There’s time to hike with our Naturalists on this oceanic Eden. (B,L,D)

Days 21-24 : At Sea

Watch for marine life at the Bridge, hear talks by our expedition staff, take time for a massage, a workout in the gym, or catch up on some reading. (B,L,D)

Day 25 : Cape Town, South Africa / Disembark / Overnight Hotel

Disembark and explore Cape Town, the premier city in South Africa, celebrated for its great seaside location and vistas. For a spectacular view of the Cape, take a cable car to the top of the city’s landmark, flat-topped Table Mountain (weather permitting). Then visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, known for its remarkable collection of Cape flora. Check in to the fine Table Bay Hotel, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with the rest of the day free to explore. (B,L)

Day 26 : Return Home

Ask about our three Optional Extensions to Cape Town, South Africa, to Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and to Easter Island.

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

click to enlarge
  Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.

Cat 1 C Deck - Cabins 301-308. Double with porthole.	Cat 2 C Deck - Cabins 317-320, 335-336. Double with window.
Cat 2S C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window	Cat 3 D and E Deck - Cabins 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. Double with window.
Cat 3S D and E Solo - Cabins 105-106, 203, 208. Single cabins with window.	Cat 4 C Deck - Cabins 313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350. Long double with window.
Cat 5 C Deck - Cabins 341, 343. Oversize double with window, no balcony.	Cat 6 D Deck - Cabins 209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. Double with balcony.
Cat 7 E Deck Suites with no balcony - 101-102. D Deck Suite with balcony - 213.	Cat 8 D Deck - Suites with balcony. 215, 219, 230.