This Antarctica expedition aboard the 138-guest National Geographic Endurance or 138-guest National Geographic Resolution offers a classic itinerary to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. Experience quintessential Antarctica: huge tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with gentoo penguins, whales and abundant marine life, a passage through the famed Lemaire Channel between towering blue bergs and kayaking available to all guests who choose to explore at this slower pace—a rare inclusion for polar expeditions! The sights, sounds and emotions of the White Continent will be a lasting memory.

The Nat Geo Endurance and Nat Geo Resolution act as floating basecamps during the voyage. Each small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins on each vessel offer private balconies for special moments taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness and the bar tab is included for all passengers. These 138-guest sister ships National Geographic Endurance (named after the great explorer Ernest Shackleton) and National Geographic Resolution (named after explorer Capt. James Cook’s favorite ship) each have a polar ice class 5 rating that allows her to operate in polar environments any time of year, vastly expanding her range of Arctic and Antarctic exploration and making each the perfect basecamp for long-range luxury Antarctica cruises.

A hallmark of this Antarctica cruise itinerary is the National Geographic legacy of exploration, with exclusive access to expert guides and special guest hosts in the fields of science and exploration. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enable up-close examination of this remote wilderness. Travel safely with an experienced Antarctica cruise expedition staff: naturalists, ornithologists, marine biologists, polar historians, an undersea specialist and a National Geographic photographer to assist in creating photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.

National Geographic Voyage to Antarctica Itinerary

Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, ChileUshuaia, Argentina, Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile & Depart

The National geographic Voyage to Antarctica Itinerary begins in either Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile, with a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina for embarkation. This classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage features National Geographic experts and guides. Kayaking is uniquely included.

Route map of National Geographic The White Continent Antarctica small ship cruise, operating roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with stops along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Arrive in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina (Endurance) or Santiago, Chile’s mountainous capital (Resolution).

In Buenos Aires: Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Art, or similar.

In Santiago: Transfer to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or similar.

ACCOMMODATIONS Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires (or similar), Ritz Carlton, Santiago (or similar)
MEALS N/a

Fly southward to Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Before departing, visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board your ship and ready to meet the White Continent.

ACCOMMODATIONS National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution
MEALS Breakfast

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as you begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins. Or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

ACCOMMODATIONS National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution
MEALS Breakfast

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, enjoy ample opportunities to explore. Your schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of your ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal – from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, yo might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere you go in Antarctica you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich your experiences.

ACCOMMODATIONS National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution
MEALS Breakfast

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos, or send a message home to friends and family. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

ACCOMMODATIONS National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution
MEALS Breakfast

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Buenos Aires or Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

Expedition parka to keep; one hotel night; all accommodations; all meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Mandatory charter flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires or Santiago (inquire for pricing); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic Voyage to Antarctica cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), or Santiago, Chile (SCL), depending on your departure date. Plan flights to arrive into your starting city by 11:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 12 of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart your ending city no earlier than 9:00pm on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of one or two checked bags weighing up to 51 lbs (23 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (7 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Special to departures in early November is the option of cross-country skiing, dependent upon snowpack conditions and weather at that time (excluding departures on National Geographic Orion). See the Accommodations section for more information on what activities to expect aboard each vessel.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options. See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended but not mandatory for this trip. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but also highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

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Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

The National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Luxury 138 GUESTS 408 FEET

The National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Luxury 138 GUESTS 408 FEET

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