Exploring Antarctica in an authentic expedition style, aboard an authentic expedition ship, is an incomparable experience, and your guarantee of an in-depth encounter with all its wonders. Lindblad Expedition’s pioneering polar heritage and 40+ years of experience navigating polar geographies is your assurance of safe passage in one of the wildest sectors of the planet. Join the National Geographic Orion for the most exhilarating adventure the planet offers.
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Overnight Hotel in Santiago Day 2 : Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark Ship Day 3 : At Sea | Drake Passage Days 4-9 : Exploring Antarctica Days 10-11 : At Sea Day 12 : Disembark Ushuaia | Fly to Santiago
Highlights
See more of the legendary landscapes and habitats
Encounter iconic penguins, leopard seals, and marine mammals
Kayak among icebergs, Zodiac cruise past leopard seals & hike the continent
Guests traveling aboard National Geographic Orion arrive today in Santiago. Check in to the fine Mandarin Oriental (or similar), centrally located in Santiago, and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. In the early evening you can gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
Today you fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly from Santiago, Chile to Ushuaia to embark the Orion. This morning's charter flight brings you over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, embark the expedition ship and set sail.
You awake this morning well into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable—a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history.
With nearly 24 hours of daylight, make the most of your days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected — perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. You are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice, or step ashore to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. Learn from your experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, your Undersea Specialist may present video from that day’s dive — rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. The expert staff crafts an expedition where you can learn more, see more and experience more.
As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross your bow, and your spotters keep an eye out for marine life. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. Talks from your staff can reflect on all you have seen and learned.
Day 12 Disembark Ushuaia | Fly to Santiago
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for your charter flight.
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.
$15,250
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Cost Includes:
Includes one hotel night
Accommodations
Meals indicated
Excursions
Services of Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides
Use of kayaks
Entrance fees
All port charges and service taxes
Not Included:
Round-trip charter flight from Santiago to Ushuaia
Immigration fees are not included
Air transportation
Personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, voyage DVD etc.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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