Travel aboard the National Geographic Endurance to the rarely visited shores and isles of the South Atlantic and find places of stunning beauty that harbor a mesmerizing array of marine creatures. Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience Argentina’s rugged coast, seeking out secluded ports, wildlife-rich estuaries, and the whale-rich waters of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Península Valdés. Hike the rocky shores and atmospheric moors of the Falkland Islands among fur seals and the world's largest colony of black-browed albatross. Then get immersed in a sea of black and white amid tens of thousands of king penguins on a remote beach in South Georgia. This voyage connects you to wildest nature and rugged beauty for an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Look for wildlife such as whales, seals, penguins, and albatrosses
Experience traditional gaucho culture and cuisine in Argentina.
Learn about the history of explorers in the region
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Buenos Aires and check in to the Alvear Icon Hotel, or similar. Set out on a guided tour of the city’s beaux arts palaces, the bohemian neighborhoods of La Boca and San Telmo, and the balcony immortalized by Argentina’s iconic first lady Eva Perón.
Arrive in Montevideo—Uruguay’s vibrant capital city—and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco. Or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch. Here, vintage vehicles take us to Río de la Plata, or “River of Silver,” where we enjoy a traditional asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.
As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from our onboard naturalists and visit the ship’s open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.
Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills to enjoy a barbecue lunch at a splendid ranch and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. As we make our way back to the coast, visit one the world’s largest colony of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of the colorful birds that make their nests here. Once back onboard, spend time on deck with our naturalists or relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities.
As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from our onboard naturalists and visit the ship’s open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.
Granted World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world’s most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Our arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing our chances for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Step foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins, and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo, and rhea—a distant relative of the ostrich.
Included in Patagonia Austral National Park and Blue Patagonia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Bahia Bustamante is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Argentina. Steppes of inland Patagonia meet the sea, providing a rugged backdrop to the white sand beaches and clear waters. Take a Zodiac cruise or kayak along the coast to observe an abundance of wildlife – blue-eyed and rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, and sea lions and more. Remote and still largely wild, learn about the rugged ranchers who settled in the region in the 50’s building sustainable wool production on the grasslands and harvesting seaweed from the sea.
Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin—one of the smallest cetaceans in the world—and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve’s unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop-of-war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina’s southern coast.
Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation on rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors, and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife—from thousands of gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with our naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn.
As we journey across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join our naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.
Day 14-18: South Georgia Islands
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. Our schedule is flexible, and we anticipate opportunities to walk, hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals, and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatross; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Our stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer’s final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica.
After time at sea, we return to the Falkland archipelago and its natural wonders. Stroll around the lively Victorian town of Port Stanley—the largest and most populated city in the Falklands—and mingle with islanders at a local pub in this remote outpost.
Day 21: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross our bow and follow in our wake. Soak up final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers, and toast our epic voyage at a farewell dinner.
Day 22: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a charter flight to Buenos Aires.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
18 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches, 17 Dinners
20 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
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available 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)
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.