Expedition Details

Traveling aboard the state-of-the-art National Geographic Explorer, encounter the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands and waterways. Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant marine life.

Trip Highlights

• View magnificent mountains, towering icebergs, and ice formations that make up the dramatic Antarctic landscape.
• Cruise aboard sturdy Zodiac landing craft in search of leopard seals.
• Walk ashore amid thousands of penguins, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap.
• Explore the world's last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists.

Itinerary - 15 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Santiago, Chile

Depart on an overnight flight to Santiago. Framed by the snowy caps of the Andes, Santiago is a city of sun-mellowed facades and lush palms. Settle into your hotel before heading out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner.
Grand Hyatt Santiago (L,D)

Day 3 — Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — At Sea/Drake Passage

While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot whales and other marine life that glide alongside the ship.
(B,L,D)

Days 5 through 11 — Exploring Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales perform off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise, or heading out on an extra landing during the day. We anticipate making several Zodiac landings each day to hike, kayak among the icebergs, and experience close encounters with wildlife.

Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make the following stops: (B,L,D) - Daily

Deception Island
One of the South Shetland Islands, this giant caldera measures more than four miles in diameter and is still volcanically active. Sail right inside the flooded crater center, passing through the narrow entrance known as Neptune's Bellows.

Paradise Bay
This pristine bay is edged by soaring ice-covered peaks. Hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.

Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel between towering snowcaps and blue icebergs. Step ashore at Petermann Island to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline as if awaiting your arrival. This is the site of the research group Oceanites, whose effort to inventory the region's many bird species is supported by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Meet with the scientists and learn about their research.

Neko Harbor
Dock in Neko Harbor. Walk among the penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.

Historic Port Lockroy
In 1944, the British government began a top-secret expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica's only public post office.

Day 12 — Antarctic Peninsula/At Sea

Depending on conditions, make may try to make one last landfall before heading back across the Drake Passage.
(B,L,D)

Day 13 — At Sea

Spend the day enjoying the ship's amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.
(B,L,D)

Days 14 & 15 — Ushuaia/Santiago/U.S.

Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.
(B,L)

Optional Extension

• Easter Island - Post-Trip Extension, 6 Days

Related Trip

• Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

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This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.