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: Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia

click to enlarge
  Does this penguin have an itch?

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries  |  cancellation policy

Decades of exploring Antarctica and the surrounding region have given our staff the expertise and time needed to uncover important landing sites beyond the Antarctic Peninsula that we now call on with ease: the South Orkney Islands, the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia, perhaps the ultimate destination for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and the captivating history of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Walk wild beaches as a hundred thousand king penguins go about their busy lives: calling for mates, flashing their bright colors in their courtship ritual. Take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This voyage will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come. Note: Voyage cost includes charter flights Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago.

Day 1 : Arrive Santiago, Chile

This morning we arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the gracious Grand Hyatt Santiago. In the afternoon, have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for dinner. (L,D)

Day 2 : Santiago / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark

The morning's LAN Chile charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have a traditional Argentinean barbecue for lunch and then board National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Explorer and set sail. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : At Sea

Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : At Sea / Antarctica

Our first landfall is at one of the many islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region, taking hikes and Zodiac forays with our Naturalists. (B,L,D)

Days 5-9 : Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent.” (B,L,D)

Day 10 : At Sea / Elephant Island

We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : At Sea

As we voyage south, watch for icebergs. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment, workout in the fitness center, or catch up on a book. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : South Orkney Islands

Mountainous and rugged, the South Orkneys are never quite free of pack ice and icebergs. Every rock site teems with penguins. Leopard seals can be seen and innumerable birds come here to nest and breed. (B,L,D)

Days 13-16 : South Georgia

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. 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 17-18 : At Sea

These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax. (B,L,D)

Day 19 : Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum. (B,L,D)

Days 20-21 : Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. (B,L,D)

Day 22 : At Sea

Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)

Day 23 : Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Santiago / Return Home

We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN Chile flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)

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.