Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope: From South America to South Africa
« All National Geographic Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Buenos Aires / Overnight Hotel
- Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
- Day 3 At Sea
- Day 4 Falkland Islands
- Days 5-6 At Sea
- Days 7-9 South Georgia
- Days 10-13 At Sea
- Day 14 Tristan da Cunha
- Day 15 Nightingale & Inaccessible islands
- Days 16-19 At Sea
- Day 25 Cape Town, South Africa / Disembark / Overnight Hotel
- Day 21 Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| Deals, Discounts... Savings! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| All Departure Dates | ||
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Buenos Aires / Overnight Hotel
Arrive in Buenos Aires and check in to the excellent Caesar Park Hotel. This seductive city set along the Rio de la Plata has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. Return to your hotel for a relaxing dinner. (L,D)
Day 2 Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
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)
Day 4 Falkland Islands
Lace up your walking shoes and hike the tussock grass-covered landscape. See another side of the Falklands: meeting the rugged, friendly islanders who live in this isolated outpost of the United Kingdom. Visit the photogenic, Victorian town of Port Stanley. Hoist a couple at the local pub and stop at the Anglican Cathedral with its Gothic archway of whalebones. (B,L,D)
Days 5-6 At Sea
En route to South Georgia traverse 750 nautical miles. Stop by the Bridge to meet the officers and keep watch for whales and seabirds. (B,L,D)
Days 7-9 South Georgia
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Make the most of your three days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected—perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. Walk the wild beaches. Paddle a kayak as curious fur seals play alongside. Hike mountain passes along Shackleton’s epic route. And stand in awe surrounded by 300,000 king penguins! (B,L,D)
Days 10-13 At Sea
Enjoy the ship’s amenities: have a massage, work out in the gym, savor time in the Observation Lounge, or listen to presentations by your expedition team. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Tristan da Cunha
Land ho! On this leg of your voyage, experience firsthand the islands of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with their volcanic origin and still-active cones to be seen en route. Tristan is primarily known for its wildlife, including rare northern rockhopper penguins and Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross. The fiercely proud islanders were evacuated to England in 1961, due to a volcanic eruption — with most voting to return to Tristan. A visit to this enchantingly remote but enterprising community provides the explanation: tropical weather, self-sufficient farming and a lucrative lobster trade. Meet the islanders, who are proud of their international status as ‘the remotest island,’ to learn firsthand about their culture and history — and discover what ‘rush hour’ is like on an island of 300 hardy souls. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Nightingale & Inaccessible islands
With no humans, neighboring Nightingale and Inaccessible islands are a pristine wildlife haven, where you are likely to encounter ‘Life List’ species. Several endemic wildlife species, such as the unique Moseleyi rockhopper penguins and the Tristan albatross can only be observed along the Atlantic Ridge. One look at Inaccessible Island explains the name, as sheer cliffs rise from the sea. In 2004, it became a UNESCO Site in recognition of an ecosystem almost untouched by mankind, with many native species of plants and seabirds. (B,L,D)
Days 16-19 At Sea
Last chance to linger in the Library, enjoy a wellness treatment or send e-mails home saying “Don’t want this to end.” Celebrate your adventure at the farewell dinner. (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 21 Return Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your overnight flights home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies by sailing, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cruises for up to 8 nights | . |
| 90 days or more | $250 |
| 89-60 days | deposit |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
| Cruises with 9 more more nights | . |
| 120 days or more | $250 |
| 119-90 days | deposit |
| 89-60 days | 30% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
National Geographic Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
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.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
 | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
 | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
 | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
 | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
 | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
 | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
 | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
 | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
