Immerse yourself in the majestic wilderness of the Southern Ocean on this unforgettable 22-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Cross the legendary Drake Passage toward the Falkland Islands, where you'll discover remains from whaling and exploration history, as well as incredible wildlife such as seals, albatrosses, and several species of penguins. Cruise to South Georgia, known for its vast colonies of king penguins, and as the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Finally, explore the islands and shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, and set foot on the southernmost continent. Everywhere you go, marvel at sculptural icebergs, vast glaciers, and spectacular wildlife such as whales, seals, penguins, and other seabirds as they follow in your ship's wake.
Highlights
Marvel at a king penguin colony with tens of thousands of individuals
Experience Antarctic ice: tabular bergs, and the haunting Lemaire Channel
See incredible wildlife such as whales, seals, penguins, and other seabirds
Travel to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel before seeing the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and the famous balcony associated with Eva Perón.
The Falklands boast albatross, king cormorants, nesting rockhopper penguins, and Magellanic penguins in their green tussock grass burrows. Stroll the photogenic colonial town of Stanley and visit the evocative Anglican Cathedral with its archway of whalebones.
During our days at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of South Georgia—and the riveting story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance. The naturalists help you identify the seabirds that follow us: wandering albatross, prions, and black-browed albatross. There’ll also be time to browse the library, enjoy a massage in the wellness center, or workout in the gym.
This is the final resting place for explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, and conditions permitting, we’ll hoist a toast at his gravesite. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet our ship. And at a vast penguin colony you’ll see tens of thousands of king penguins!
As we voyage, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
With long hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel (conditions permitting) and land on the “White Continent,” exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our arsenal of tools for exploration. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales play off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an unplanned excursion. We anticipate offering opportunities each day to hike, kayak among the ice floes, and experience close encounters with wildlife. You may have the thrill of watching our powerful ship crunch through the pack ice or step ashore to thousands of Adelie and chinstrap penguins. Our expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn, see and experience more.
Sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross our bow. There’s time to share photos with the onboard National Geographic photographer, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end.”
Day 22: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly Buenos Aires | Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by charter to Buenos Aires, Argentina and connect with your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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, 344-350
Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
21 Breakfasts, 21 Lunches, 21 Dinners
21 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Gratuities for the Expedition Leader
Air transportation: including charter flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia (from $550 per person), Stanley/Santiago (from $710 per person). Miami/Ushuaia/Miami (Economy: $1,660 per person) Flight rates are subject to change.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
