Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica

National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer
148 Passengers

The ultimate Southern ocean experience, this 24-day, 21-night expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of some 200,000+ individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home. You’ll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings.  It’s the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time. 

For most travelers, visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, for those with the luxury of time, optimizing your time and interest by including South Georgia and the Falklands makes sense. And makes for a genuine experience-of-a-lifetime. This voyage has it all.

  • The impossible beauty of Antarctic ice: tabular bergs, the haunting Lemaire Channel
  • Massive wildlife spectacles in South Georgia and the Falklands
  • Three distinct regions to experience
  • Superlative photos ops and on-board photo assistance

 

 

Days 1 - 2: Home/Fly Overnight to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Check in to the Caesar Park Hotel. This seductive city set along the Rio de La Plata has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. We have a guided overview, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.

Day 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark

This morning’s charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia en route to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Take a catamaran cruise through Patagonia’s scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our ship.

Day 4: At Sea

Awake well into our journey across the Drake Passage---a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history---with time to hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead.

Days 5 - 6: Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum.

Days 7 - 8: At Sea

Whales beneath, birds above, as you head to legendary 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 Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance.

Days 9 - 13: South Georgia Island

This is the final resting place for explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and we’ll hoist a toast at his gravesite. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet our ship. Hundreds of Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. And at a vast penguin colony you’ll be surrounded by 300,000 king penguins!

Days 14 - 15: At Sea

As we voyage south, 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, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Days 16 - 20: Antarctica

With long hours of daylight, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent,” exploring via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using our arsenal of tools for exploration.

Days 21-22: At Sea

As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross our bow. There’s time to share photos with the onboard National Geographic photographer, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end.”

Day 23: Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia. Board our charter flight to Buenos Aires. Fly overnight home.

* Itinerary may be subject to change

Click on the tour dates in the left column to view a trip itinerary. Point MOUSE at Cabin Category to view DETAILED description.
Per Person USD
Rates 2013-2014
Cat 1 Double Porthole
Cat 2 Double Window
Cat 3 Double Window
Cat 4 Oversized Double
Cat 5 Double Balcony
Cat 6 Suite
Cat 7 Balcony Suite
Cat SA Solo
Cat SB Solo
Charter Air
Photography
Free R/T Airfare Miami-Buenos Aires
Expires June 30, 2013
$20,740
 
$22,240
 
$23,260
 
$24,350
 
$29,890
 
$34,490
 
$39,990
 
$27,790
 
$28,990
 
$790
 
Photography
Free R/T Airfare Miami-Buenos Aires
Expires Jun 30, 2013
$11,740
 
$12,390
 
$12,850
 
$13,760
 
$16,490
 
$18,890
 
$21,990
 
$15,390
 
$15,940
 
$790
 
Photography
Free R/T Airfare Miami-Buenos Aires
Expires Jul 31, 2013
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$11,990
 
$12,890
 
$13,290
 
$14,290
 
$17,150
 
$19,650
 
$22,870
 
$16,110
 
$16,620
 
$790
 
Photography
$20,740
 
$22,240
 
$23,260
 
$24,350
 
$29,890
 
$34,490
 
$39,990
 
$27,790
 
$28,990
 
$790
 

Dates shown are USA/USA; however international airfare is NOT included in trip price.

All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.

Click on the tour dates in the left column to view a trip itinerary. Point MOUSE at Cabin Category to view DETAILED description.
Per Person USD
Rates 2014-2015
Cat 1 Double Porthole
Cat 2 Double Window
Cat 3 Double Window
Cat 4 Oversized Double
Cat 5 Double Balcony
Cat 6 Suite
Cat 7 Balcony Suite
Cat SA Solo
Cat SB Solo
Charter Air
Photography
Free R/T Air Miami-Buenos Aires
Expires June 30, 2013
$21,360
 
$22,890
 
$23,960
 
$25,090
 
$30,780
 
$35,520
 
$41,190
 
$28,620
 
$29,950
 
$790
 
Photography
Free R/T Air Miami-Buenos Aires
Expires June 30, 2013
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$12,350
 
$13,280
 
$13,690
 
$14,720
 
$17,670
 
$20,240
 
$23,560
 
$16,600
 
$17,110
 
$790
 
Photography
$21,360
 
$22,890
 
$23,960
 
$25,090
 
$30,780
 
$35,520
 
$41,190
 
$28,620
 
$29,950
 
$790
 

Dates shown are USA/USA; however international airfare is NOT included in trip price. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.

National Geographic Explorer Deck Plan