Antarctica, South Georgia and The Falklands
Cruise Highlights:
- Once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting The White Continent.
- The impossible beauty of Antarctic ice.
- 100,000 king penguins on a single beach in South Georgia.
Book by June 30, 2012 for complimentary airfare on the Nov. 7, 2013 departure (based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires.) New bookings only; not combinable with other offers.
At a glance
Duration: 24 Days/21 Nights
Coverage: Roundtrip Ushuaia, Argentina
From: $19,940
Season: February, November
Activities: Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Zodiacs
For most travelers, visiting the "White Continent" is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you have the time, optimize your Antarctica cruise expedition with South Georgia and the Falklands--our travelers never regret it. This voyage has it all: the impossible beauty of Antarctic ice, over 100,000 king penguins in South Georgia and the Falkland's human history and amazing albatross colonies. You'll see three distinct regions, each offering wonderful experiences and sights. And you'll benefit from our 40+ years of exploring here to make the most of every day.
Come with us on our Antarctica cruise: see the huge tabular bergs, explore the wildlife-rich Falklands, hear the stories of Shackleton and early polar exploration and walk wild beaches in South Georgia. Our expeditions with National Geographic allow you to get out daily to take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This Antarctica cruise will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — U.S./Santiago, Chile
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Depart Miami this evening on an overnight flight to Santiago. We've found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available.
- Day 2 — Santiago/Grand Hyatt
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This morning we arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the gracious Grand Hyatt Santiago. In the afternoon, have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for dinner. (L,D)
- Day 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark Ship
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The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our expedition ship and setting sail. B,L,D)
- Day 4 — At Sea
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Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities. (B,L,D)
- Days 5-10 — Antarctica
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With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the 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.” (B,L,D)
- Days 11 — Elephant Island
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We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)
- Day 12 — At Sea
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As we voyage south, watch for icebergs or head to the Bridge for a lesson in navigation. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment in the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up on a book or simply relax. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)
- Day 13-17 — South Georgia
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Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins. (B,L,D)
- Day 18-19 — At Sea
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These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax. (B,L,D)
- Day 20 — Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
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See 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. (B,L,D)
- Day 21 — Falkland Islands
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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. (B,L,D)
- Day 22 — At Sea
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Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)
- Day 23 — Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Santiago
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We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)
- Day 24 — Arrive U.S./Home
Dates & Rates
Book by June 30, 2012 for complimentary airfare on the Nov. 7, 2013 departure (based on round-trip economy group flights Miami/Buenos Aires.) New bookings only; not combinable with other offers.
| National Geographic Explorer | Cabin Categories | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 2S | 3S |
| November 7 | $19,940 | $21,380 | $22,460 | $23,220 | $28,460 | $32,850 | $38,140 | $26,720 | $27,990 |
| 2013 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 2S | 3S |
| February 15 | $19,940 | $21,380 | $22,460 | $23,220 | $28,460 | $32,850 | $38,140 | $26,720 | $27,990 |
Included in Cruise Fare
- All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
- All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
- Air transportation where indicated as included
- Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available)
- Gratuities (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew)
- Taxes and service charges
- Services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff
Not Included in Cruise Fare
- Air transportation (except where shown as included)
- Extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees
- Scuba diving (where available)
- Meals not indicated
- Baggage/accident/travel protection plan
- Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry
- Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion
Map
Ships
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the latest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. View ship details...
Land Tours
Easter Island
Follow your Antarctica expedition with a visit to one of the most mysterious places on earth — Easter Island. Home to silent sentinels of a long lost culture, this tiny island is located 2,300 miles west of Chile in the Pacific Ocean and almost 1,200 miles from its nearest island neighbor. Learn about the ancient Rapa Nui culture that grew up in isolation. Where did these people come from and why did they carve more than 600 giant moai or stone statues? Learn from key archaeologists who have worked on uncovering these great relics.
- Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Santiago, Chile
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Today we disembark National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia and fly to Santiago, where we check in to the Grand Hyatt Santiago Hotel. (B,L,D)
- Day 2 — Santiago, Chile/Easter Island
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This morning you may explore Chile’s sophisticated capital before we fly to Easter Island and check in to the fine Taha Tai Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (B,L,D)
- Day 3-4 — Easter Island
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Easter Island Visit the Tahai Archaeological complex and museum to learn about the pre-history of the island, and the Rano Kau ceremonial site of Orongo, sited magnificently at the very edge of a volcanic crater. Explore Ahu Te Pito Kura, Punapau red stone quarry and Ahu Akivi, one of the latest constructions on the island with seven moai 14 feet tall. See Rano Raraku, where most of the stone statues were carved. Visit Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial altar in Polynesia. (B,L,D)
- Day 5 — Easter Island/Santiago
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We have the day to continue our explorations of Easter Island before our late flight to Santiago, connecting to home-bound flights. (B,L)
- Day 6 — Arrive U.S.
Cost Per Person*
Double Occupancy - $2,690 Single Occupancy - $3,290
*To be added to your voyage cost. These costs are for the Oct. 2010-Mar. 2011 season.
Inquire for 2011/12 season costs.
Birds & Mammals of the Antarctic, Subantarctic & Falkland Islands - by Frank Todd - $24.95
Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage - by Alfred Lansing - $14.95