Experience Antarctica from every perspective using a range of exploration tools aboard the National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion, including a remotely operated vehicle that captures footage of the ocean floor.
Explore alongside a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists who offer insights and engaging presentations throughout the trip.
Get up close to icebergs, wildlife, and hard-to-reach places using our fleets of kayaks and Zodiacs.
Observe a range of penguin and whale species, as well as seals and seabirds, and photograph them alongside our onboard photo instructor.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise Offer
We also include in most cases some attractive extras free of charge should we book one of these expedition cruises for you. Such extras range from free return flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, or Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, or a hotel night or two free of charge or other parts of your overall travel itinerary at no cost. Note: The final offer will be determined by us and depend on type of cabin, length of trip and which expedition cruise you book with us.
Itinerary
Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, where endless white mountains roll to the horizon and massive glaciers churn icebergs into the sea. Here, nature reigns: pengines teeter along the shore, seals loll on ice slabs, and humpbacks and killer whales break the water’s surface. Traveling with a team of scientists aboard the state-of-the-art National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion, encounter this otherworldly place close-up, gliding around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac or kayak, and walking along beaches peppered with penguins and seabirds.
Day 1-2: U.S./Buenos Aires/Santiago, Chile → Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer departures) or Santiago (National Geographic Orion departures). Settle into our hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather tonight for a welcome reception.
Meals Included: Day 2 (Lunch) Accommodations: Alvear Art Hotel (or similar) or Mandarin Oriental
Day 3:Ushuaia, Argentina → Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch and wildlife viewing on a catamaran cruise on the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion
Day 4: At Sea, Drake Passage→ Voyage across the legendary Drake Passage, and enjoy talks from our onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await us on the Antarctica Peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5-10:Exploring Atarctica→ With long daylight hours at this time of year, we make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected—veering off course to watch killer whales perform off the bow or enjoying an after-dinner Zodiac cruise. We anticipate opportunities to hike, explore by Zodiac or kayak, and experience close encounters with wildlife every day. Our route will be determined by the conditions and the ever-changing ice, and may include some of the locations indicated on the map shown here.
One day, we may take Zodiacs out to see towering icebergs at close range, walk a beach covered with bickering seals and penguins, or hike to a summit for a breathtaking view. The next, we may be kayaking amid glittering brash ice or along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through the pack ice or slipping between the soaring rock walls of the Lemaire Channel.
As we encounter the volcanic isles and pristine bays of the peninsula, our team of experts will bring depth and insight to the experience, explaining the behaviors and interactions of different species, the geological and climatic forces that still shape Antarctica, the anatomy of a glacier, and even how to make beautiful photographs of the places we visit. Our undersea specialists capture images from the deep—revealing the hardy marine life beneath the ice—and our expedition leader is always on the lookout for the best way to experience everything Antarctica has to offer.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily
Day 11-12:At Sea→ Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Celebrate our voyage at a farewell dinner on board.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily
Day 13-14:End of the Air-Cruise → Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch fly to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer departures) or Santiago (National Geographic Orion departures) by private charter, and connect with your overnight flight home.
Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy.
International airfare to/from Buenos Aires (Explorer), to/from Santiago (Orion), airfare within Argentina (Explorer) and Chile (Orion) is not included in the expedition cost. The group flight to/from Ushuaia is $960-$1,240 depending on the departure date (subject to change).
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights
Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
Trip cancellation insurance or any othertravel insurance
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling it to navigate polar ice as well as small harbors in Europe.
The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as a remotely operated vehicle and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. The Orion is also equipped with snorkeling and diving gear. Our “open bridge” policy provides guests the opportunity to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation. A full-time doctor, a video chronicler, an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer and a photography instructor are part of every expedition team.
Public areas include an outdoor café, a lounge and bar, a sun deck, a state-of-the-art lecture theater, a library, a boutique, a mud room with lockers for expedition gear, a sauna, a fitness room, spa treatment rooms, a hot tub/plunge pool, and a centrally located elevator. The restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables. The restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables. Served in a single seating with unassigned tables. Exceptional cuisine features tastes of the regions we visit.
The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a fitness center with Life Fitness equipment, a spa treatment room, and a sauna.
Category 1 Main Deck with oval windows #316, 318, 319-321
Category 2 Main Deck with large oval window #302-312, 314, 315, 317
Category 1 Solo Main Deck with oval windows #301, 322, 323
Category 3 Suite with window#401-412, 414-419
Category 4 Deluxe suite with window #511, 515
Category 5 Suite with balcony #501, 503-506, 508
Category 6 Owner’s suite with balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510
Note: *Cabin 509 does not have a balcony
Category 3 Solo Bridge Deck Suite with window #512
National Geographic Explorer
The National Geographic Explorer is arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. A state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, the Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views; private bathrooms; and sleek, modern furnishings. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 309-312 and 310-332. Single cabins in Category 3 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 105, 106, 203 and 208.
The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar; a library; a spa; a fitness center; a sauna; and a selection of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an Internet cafe.
9 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 5,460 pp Aboard The Ushuaia Ship
Expedition cruise to Antarctic Peninsula & So. Shetland Islands.
On board the Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova or Hebridean Sky Ships
7 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 11,395 pp Flight and Cruise
Fly over Cape Horn and Drake Passage, and then cruise aboard the Ocena Nova, Magellan Explorer or Hebridean Sky.
On board the Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova Ships
9 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 15,495 pp Flight and Cruise
Fly over Cape Horn and Drake Passage, and then cruise aboard the Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer.
On board the Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova or Hebridean Sky Ships
5 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 4,695 pp Flight and Cruise
Leaving from Ushuaia, the 2018-19 Antarctica Express Air-Cruise takes you through the Beagle Channel and to Cape Horn aboard the Ocean Nova, Hebridean Sky or Magenllan Explorer.
14 DAYS FROM: US$ 14,680 pp Aboard National Geographics Explorer
Experience Antarctica from every perspective using a range of exploration tools aboard the National Geographics Explorer and National Geographic Orion, including a remotely operated vehicle that captures footage of the ocean floor.
23 NIGHTS FROM: US$ 25,220 pp Aboard National Geographics Explorer/Orion
Set out on cruise then on Zodiac or kayak glide icebergs of Antarctic Peninsula. Expedition on South Georgia and Falklands.
The “Classic Antartic” route. This cruise delivers you to wonderous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins and in total seven species could appear before your very own eyes.
This Antarctic cruise explores the Antactic Peninsula over a period of 10 night/11days. A classic itinerary for whale watching, seabird viewing, visiting penguin colonies and experiencing zodiac excursions in Antactica. Camping in Antarctica is included.