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Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands - 22 Days
Onboard National Geographic Explorer – 148 passengers
Join us for one of the grandest wild experiences the planet offers. Spend days immersed in the extreme beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula in the company of top naturalists and National Geographic Photography Experts. Expand the wonder with an exploration of South Georgia—where vast colonies of king penguins throng the beaches and Sir Ernest Shackleton rests for eternity. Cap that off with time spent in the windswept Falklands, awash in British charm and history.
Highlights:
- Explore three distinct regions and benefit from our 50-plus years of experience here
- Scan the skies for bird species and keep an eye on the sea for fin whales, southern right whales, and blue whales
- Trace the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful journey in 1914 aboard Endurance, and toast his gravesite in South Georgia
- October and November departures offer the possibility to ‘park’ the ship in the fast ice for a once-in-a-lifetime walk over the sea ice
- Capture incredible images of the ice and vast penguin colonies with help from a National Geographic Photography Expert
Tour Dates
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Oct 30 - Nov 20, 2024 (22 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel or similar before setting out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina’s iconic first lady, Eva Perón—and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums. Guest should arrive before 11:30am local time.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina and embark
Today we fly south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where we meet our ship. Ushuaia’s spectacular setting, between the jagged peaks of the Darwin Range and the protected waters of the Beagle Channel, makes it an appropriately wild place to begin our journey to the White Continent and a great destination in its own right. Lunch will be served onboard a private catamaran while cruising the Beagle Channel, where we’ll be on the lookout for huge South American sea lions and birds like imperial cormorants. Residents of Ushuaia often call their small city ‘El Fin Del Mundo’, The End of the World, but for us, it’s just the beginning. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3: At Sea
Settle into shipboard life as we sail to the Falkland Islands. Keep a lookout for albatross that glide alongside the ship. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-6: Falkland Islands
Everything we love about expedition travel seems to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture, and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf? Just a few steps further and you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins that congregate here, along with fur seals.
Stanley, the bright, pretty capital of the Falkland Islands, is a wonderfully unexpected place: a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and we’ll have a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward, a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-8: At Sea
With whales beneath and birds above, we continue toward South Georgia Island. Our naturalists will prepare us for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife of South Georgia, and, of course, the inspiring story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9 – 13: South Georgia Island
Simply put, there is nowhere else in the world like South Georgia. King penguins, the second largest species in the world, are unquestionably the most iconic wildlife of South Georgia. Exact numbers are not known, but the largest single colony on the island may have as many as 500,000 of these amazing birds nesting together on a single two-mile-long beach.
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, we plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken—the final resting place of Shackleton—and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station.
The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins. South Georgia is sometimes called “the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean”, but even that description seems inadequate; this lonely island is unique in the world, so rich and so beautiful that it defies any comparison. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 14-15: At Sea
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, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 16-19: Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We 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; walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins; or experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way our expert expedition team will enrich our experiences. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 20-21: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is our best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and we might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen, or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast our epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Disembark in Ushuaia & Fly to Buenos Aires
Today we disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast. Guests should book a flight out of Buenos Aires after 9:00pm local time.
Route Map: charter Flights on NG Explorer are Roundtrip Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
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Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Mandatory Charter Flights are an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See neon green box in pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.
- Charter flights for Antarctica Direct Itineraries are between Puerto Natales, Chile and King George Island, Antarctica
- Charter fights for Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands departures are between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
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Category 7
#215, 219, 230 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Large-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-6-W3A4882-scaled.jpg)
Category 6
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, this spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
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Category 5
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
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Category 4
Veranda Deck #103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. Upper Deck #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
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Category 3
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — newly renovated in May 2023, each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
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Category 2
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Medium-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-1-W3A5272.jpg)
Category 1
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Medium-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-SB-Y4A3386.jpg)
Category A Solo
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Medium-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-SB-Y4A3386.jpg)
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Medium-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-SB-Y4A3386.jpg)
![](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Medium-RGB-LEX-Ship-NG-Explorer-Cabin-CAT-SB-Y4A3386.jpg)
Category B Solo
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Deck Plan
![National Geographic Explorer deck plan](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NGX-deck-plan.jpg)
![National Geographic Explorer deck plan](https://polarcruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NGX-deck-plan.jpg)
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees