Voyage Overview
Experience the adventure of sailing the Drake Passage one-way and fly across the other.
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: 11 Days
Ship: National Geographic Explorer, Premium Ship, 148 Guests
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
End: Puerto Natales, Chile
Highlights:
- 5 planned days in Antarctica
- Watching large seabirds & attending lectures while sailing the Drake, then taking a quick 2 hour flight across the Drake Passage
- 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
- November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2: Ushuaia / Embarkation
Day 3-4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
Days 5-9: Exploring Antarctica
Day 10: Disembarkation at King George Island & Fly to Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 11: Depart Puerto Natales
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: 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 from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on our upcoming adventure. All guests should arrive into Ushuaia by 5:00pm local time. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark Ship
Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. 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 the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
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 we 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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-9: 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’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales, Chile
This morning finds the ship anchored off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, this 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. Disembark and Zodiac from the ship to the rocky shoreline at King George Island, where you will be transferred to the hangar to await your flight. You will then be transferred to the gravel runway to board your flight back to Puerto Natales, where you will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Puerto Natales, Chile
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 1:00p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible). 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
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
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