Antarctica

51° 47′ S 59° 31′ W

Guests exploring by zodiac and kayaks see a blue ice arch/blue iceberg up close, at Niko Harbor, Antarcic Peninsula, Southern Ocean, Antarctica
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightAntarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

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Highlights

Guests explore King penguins in Salisbury Plains with the ship National Geographic Orion at bay, South Georgia, Antarctica
  • Explore three distinct regions and benefit from our 50-plus years of experience here

  • Scan the skies for bird species and keep an eye on the sea for fin whales, southern right whales, and blue whales

  • Trace the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fateful journey in 1914 aboard Endurance, and toast his gravesite in South Georgia

  • October and November departures offer the possibility to 'park' the ship in the fast ice for a once-in-a-lifetime walk over the sea ice

  • Capture incredible images of the ice and vast penguin colonies with help from a National Geographic Photography Expert

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

2023-24


Starts at

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ends at

Ushuaia, Argentina

Download Itinerary

Days 1-2

U.S. / Buenos Aires, Argentina (National Geographic Explorer / National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago, Chile (National Geographic Resolution)

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer/National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar, National Geographic Explorer) or Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar, National Geographic Endurance) 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.

Or check into the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar, National Geographic Resolution) before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. In the early evening, we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel. 

Days 1-2

U.S. / Buenos Aires, Argentina (National Geographic Explorer / National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago, Chile (National Geographic Resolution)

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer/National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar, National Geographic Explorer) or Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar, National Geographic Endurance) 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.

Or check into the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar, National Geographic Resolution) before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. In the early evening, we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel. 

Day 3

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

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 4

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

Day 4

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 5-7

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 5-7

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 8-9

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 8-9

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 10-14

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 10-14

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 15-16

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 15-16

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 17-20

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 17-20

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 21-22

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

Days 21-22

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 23

Disembark Ship / Ushuaia / Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer / National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution) / Home

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter to Buenos Aires or Santiago and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 23

Disembark Ship / Ushuaia / Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer / National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution) / Home

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter to Buenos Aires or Santiago and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Download Itinerary

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

ROUTING REMINDER: Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please confirm with an Expedition Specialist or the Lindblad Expeditions Air Department before making flight arrangements.

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Originally constructed to navigate Norway’s famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her high degree of maneuverability, ideal size, and platform for discovery made National Geographic Explorer a natural choice for addition to the Lindblad Expeditions fleet. Her rebuild drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise.


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The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat offering unprecedented access to polar regions

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The sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, she explores polar & temperate regions

One of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.  A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Resolution’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—and, since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride as well. 

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Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience


Join us for one of the grandest wild experiences the planet offers. Spend days immersed in the extreme beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula in the company of top naturalists and National Geographic Photography Experts. Expand the wonder with an exploration of South Georgia—where vast colonies of king penguins throng the beaches and Sir Ernest Shackleton rests for eternity. Cap that off with time spent in the windswept Falklands, awash in British charm and history.

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Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience

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Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free

Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience

From

$27,200

/ per person

Book Now
Book before Jun 30

ROUND-TRIP AIR INCLUDED UP TO $2,000

See all offers

View our brochures for more details

Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free

Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience