Quest for the Antarctic Circle - National Geographic Endurance
Experience an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with the pioneers of Antarctic cruising, featuring nine days on the continent!
SPECIAL OFFER
9.2*
ECO SCORE
126
PASSENGERS
16
DAYS
2.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
This is the pinnacle of expeditionary travel as we push further south into rarely visited territory in pursuit of the Antarctic Circle. National Geographic Endurance, your home base for the adventure, is purpose-built to offer unprecedented access to these rarified places, and our diverse team of experts will ensure we maximize our time in the region. Along the way, Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs, watch for whales off the bow, kayak in tranquility, and hike onshore. 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.
- • Capture incredible images of the ice and vast penguin colonies with help from a National Geographic photographer.
• This operator has been offering Antarctic exploration for over 50 years! Benefit from their great expertise while traveling on their state-of-the-art, purpose-built ship.
• An incredible journey for both active travelers who want to be at the center of the action and those who prefer to lounge and observe the sparkling ice from the comfort of their ship.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $26,974 per person
January to February offer long daylight hours and warmer temperatures in the Antarctic Circle, allowing access to remote areas, with active wildlife including penguin chicks, seals, and feeding whales.
Inquire for specific dates.
Jan. – Feb.;
Hover here for specific dates.
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
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive Buenos Aires. Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon or similar.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark National Geographic Endurance.
Days 3-4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula 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 killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know our ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ll soon be seeing, or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. If it does get a little rough, just take a couple of nice naps; we’ll be in Antarctica before you know it.
Days 5-13: Deep Exploration Towards the Antarctica Circle
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, and nine days on the Continent, we can experience more as we sail in the wake of history’s boldest explorers on a quest to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. Our schedule is flexible, and our state-of-the-art ship allows us to get deeper and go further to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, walking amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins, enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise under the spectacular midnight sun, or even discovering a new uncharted cove. 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, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level or embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags. The next, we might 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 your expert expedition team will enrich your experiences and our Icemaster Captain will navigate you safely through these icy waters.
Days 14-15: At Sea
Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.
Day 16: Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires
Today we disembark in Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.
National Geographic Endurance
The first new polar build in this operator's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions.
• Capacity: 126 guests
• Cabins: 69 outside cabins, 53 cabins with balconies
• Specialists: Nat Geo Experts, Full-Time Doctor, 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 brand new, state-of-the-art X-Bow ship, the National Geographic Endurance, offers one of the most exciting, cutting-edge expedition experiences available. With her spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, expedition equipment, and National Geographic-level experts onboard, the NG Endurance is an outstanding choice for any of her far-flung destinations. Highly recommended!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
With six full days heading down the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, this program on the state of the art National Geographic Endurance offers a more in-depth experience of Antarctica than most other Peninsula-focused trips. Add National Geographic-level guiding and you have a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in what we consider to be the “gold standard” of polar adventures.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary; Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddle boards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant; Guidance and expertise of expedition staff; All meals as indicated in itinerary; Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks; Cocktails and spirits on select ships; Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes; 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers; Complimentary WiFi, with the exception of Delfin II.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers; Travel protection plan, passport, visa, and immigration fees; Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving and phone services (except when indicated as included)
