Voyage Overview
Fly across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and experience the adventure of sailing the Drake one-way.
Discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.
Trip Details
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: National Geographic Explorer, Premium Ship, 148 Guests
Start: Puerto Natales, Chile
End: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights:
- 4 planned days in Antarctica
- Take a quick 2 hour flight to Antarctica
- Explore the world’s most pristine wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
- Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins
- Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby
- Watching large seabirds & attending lectures while sailing the Drake
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive into Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 2: Fly to King George Island & Embarkation
Days 3-6: Exploring Antarctica
Days 7-8: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 9: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 10: Depart Ushuaia
Tour Dates
- October 2027 to March 2028
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Dec 1 – Dec 10, 2027 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Dec 20 – Dec 29, 2027 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Jan 8 – Jan 17, 2028 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Jan 27 – Feb 5, 2028 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Feb 15 – Feb 24, 2028 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Mar 5 – Mar 14, 2028 (10 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities. All guests should arrive no later than 2:00pm. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Antarctica & Embark Ship
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you’ll begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land on a gravel runway at the Chilean research station. You will then be transferred to the rocky shoreline, where you will board Zodiacs to embark on the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-6: Exploring Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the 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, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.
Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-8: 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 your best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you 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 your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Depart Ushuaia
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Guest should book flights no earlier than 10:00 a.m. local time. Meals Included: Breakfast
Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions. Trips with flights to and/or from Antarctica have a higher risk of having a trip delay or interruption due to weather.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Mar 5 – Mar 14, 2028 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $14,280 | $16,480 | $17,100 | $19,240 | $20,700 | $24,410 | $27,950 | $20,030 | $20,820 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Feb 15 – Feb 24, 2028 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $15,640 | $16,320 | $18,470 | $19,130 | $23,410 | $26,620 | $30,310 | $22,590 | $23,410 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Jan 27 – Feb 5, 2028 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $16,340 | $17,060 | $19,320 | $20,010 | $24,510 | $27,890 | $31,170 | $23,650 | $24,510 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Jan 8 – Jan 17, 2028 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $17,390 | $18,160 | $20,580 | $21,320 | $26,150 | $29,770 | $33,940 | $25,230 | $26,150 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Dec 20 – Dec 29, 2027 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $16,690 | $17,420 | $19,730 | $20,440 | $25,050 | $28,510 | $32,490 | $24,160 | $25,050 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Dec 1 – Dec 10, 2027 (10 days)
| Start: | Puerto Natales, Chile |
| End: | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Charter Flight $2,000/person
(Already included in displayed pricing)
One-way charter flight Puerto Natales, Chile – King George Island, Antarctica.
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $15,640 | $16,320 | $18,470 | $19,130 | $23,040 | $26,620 | $30,310 | $22,590 | $23,410 |
| Availability | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
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.
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.
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Explorer
Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, makes her a natural choice for expedition voyages to the polar regions.
National Geographic Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
UPPER DECK
Recently remodeled 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 accommodate a third guest. 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. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
388 sq. ft. (36 m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed
Category 6
VERANDA DECK
Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Suites #101 & 102 are larger with a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest, but do not have a private balcony. Suite #213 has a private balcony with glass doors. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
#101-102: 355 sq. ft. (32.98 m2), #213: 291 sq. ft. (27 m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed in #101-102
Category 5
UPPER DECK
The lowest priced balcony cabins on National Geographic Explorer. In addition to the balcony, the cabins have 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.)
172 sq. ft. (15.98 m2)
1-2
1 queen (except #221 which can have 2 singles)
Category 4
UPPER DECK
VERANDA DECK
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.
168 sq. ft. (15.61 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 3
MAIN DECK
The most abundant cabin category on the ship with 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 are larger L-shaped suites that were renovated in 2023 and have a sofa-bed that can accommodate a third guest, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
210 sq. ft. (19.51 m2)
1-2 (cabin #341 & 343 can accommodate 3)
1 queen or 2 single
Category 2
MAIN DECK
Category 2 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.
171 sq. ft. (15.89 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1
MAIN DECK
Forward on the Main Deck, Category 1 cabins have 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.
188 sq. ft. (17.47 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK
Solo occupancy cabins featuring one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
126 sq. ft. (11.71 m2)
1
1 single
Category B Solo
UPPER DECK
VERANDA DECK
There are just four Category B solo cabins onboard. They feature one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
126-129 sq. ft. (11.71 – 11.98 m2)
1
1 single
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
- Waterproof boot rentals
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book a dedicated Category A or B Solo cabin
- Book into a share cabin (please enquire for details)
- Book a Category 1 – 7 at 2x the per person share price for solo occupancy
