Antarctica, South Georgia, & the Falklands - Explorer
Among the "gold standard" of polar experiences on a lovely ship with National Geographic-level guiding. Expect spectacular wildlife and soul-expanding vastness in this stunning and magical region.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
148
PASSENGERS
22
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
This voyage has it all: the impossible beauty of the Antarctic ice, the vast king penguin colonies of South Georgia, and the Falklands' amazing albatross colonies. Not even the mass migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of tens of thousands of individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll have other rare sightings here too: herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It’s the impossible beauty of an Antarctica trip exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. For most travelers, visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So for those with the luxury of time, including the Falklands and South Georgia just makes sense. And it makes for a genuine experience of a lifetime.
- • Trace the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful journey in 1914 aboard Endurance and toast his gravesite in South Georgia.
• Create incredible images of the ice and vast penguin colonies with help from a National Geographic photographer.
• See three distinct regions, including unbelievable South Georgia, and benefit enormously from this operator's 50 years of experience in the region.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $28,304 per person
From late October to early March, Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands experience spring to summer. This period features rising temperatures, abundant wildlife activity, and extended daylight. You’ll see penguins nesting, seal pups playing, and whales feeding.
Inquire for specific dates.
October – March;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Offsets 100% of operations and is carbon neutral
Waste
100% free of single-use plastics!
Food
Sources all food and seafood sustainably and locally
Itinerary
(Some departures may travel in reverse.)
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel 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.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time.
Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship
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. While we’re there, we visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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 in to 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
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 Ship / Ushuaia / Buenos Aires
Disembark in Ushuaia, and fly by charter to Buenos Aires for your flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please Note: Some departures may have a slightly modified itinerary. Please confirm departure and arrival cities with your Travel Curator before booking your flights.
Special Offer: (Subject to change): Travel aboard the National Geographic Explorer on any voyage and this operator will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew.
Children: Take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
Group Rates: Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from regular policies.
National Geographic Explorer
Arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas, a state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship, all cabins have outside views; private bathrooms; and beautiful furnishings. Public spaces include a library, a lounge, a bar, a spa, a fitness center, a sauna, an internet cafe, and delicious fresh cuisine is served in the dining room. The ship carries kayaks, a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as top-of-the-line video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.
• Capacity: 148 guests
• Cabins: 81
• Specialists: National Geographic Experts, National Geographic Photo Coach, Full-Time Doctor, Video Chronicler, and Wellness Coach
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 ”Best Cruise Ships in the World" Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
2023 "Best Expedition Ships" Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards
2022 "World's Best Cruise Line" World Cruise Awards
2022 "GOLD: Best Expedition Line" Reader's Choice Awards, Recommend Magazine
"The lovely National Geographic Explorer isn't as flashy as this operator's two latest ships, however she still delivers a very comfortable atmosphere, world-class guiding and 50 years of experience which definitely make a difference in this complex yet unforgettable region. The NG Explorer has long represented one of the best experiences on offer, and if you don't have to have a brand-new ship, she'll offer you an outstanding trip."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Combine this longer itinerary that includes South Georgia with one of the best education programs in the world and you're looking at one of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in your life.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance (recommended) Air transportation; charter flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires; immigration/passport fees; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD.
