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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales

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Description

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and (in November) even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. 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. 

Trip Name
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. 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. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.  Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Puerto Natales, Chile
 Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar). Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities. Arrival Time: Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time.Arrival City: Puerto Natales, ChileMeals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Puerto Natales / King George Island / Embark Ship
 Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our 2-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to our Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Our flight will land at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Explorer will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAYS 3-6 Exploring 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, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.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; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. 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 every experience. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAY 7 King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales
 This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, our flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where we overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - DAY 8 Puerto Natales
 Check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Depart after 5:00 p.m. local time.Departure City: Puerto Natales, ChileMeals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $11,523Category 1
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $14,229Category 2
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $14,621Category 3
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $15,614Category 4
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $18,517Category SA (solo)
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $19,160Category 5
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $22,046Category 6
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $0Category SB (solo)
14-11-202521-11-2025AUD $0Category 7
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $14,229Category 2
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $14,621Category 3
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $15,614Category 4
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $18,517Category SA (solo)
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $19,160Category 5
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $21,217Category SB (solo)
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $22,046Category 6
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $24,214Category 7
19-11-202526-11-2025AUD $12,821Category 1
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $13,084Category 1
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $14,920Category 3
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $15,934Category 4
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $18,897Category SA (solo)
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $21,651Category SB (solo)
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $22,496Category 6
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $0Category 2
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $0Category 5
03-12-202510-12-2025AUD $0Category 7
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $14,229Category 2
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $14,621Category 3
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $15,614Category 4
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $18,517Category SA (solo)
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $19,160Category 5
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $21,217Category SB (solo)
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $22,046Category 6
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $0Category 1
08-12-202515-12-2025AUD $0Category 7
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $15,679Category 1
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $17,439Category 2
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $17,933Category 3
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $19,174Category 4
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $22,803Category SA (solo)
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $23,610Category 5
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $26,184Category SB (solo)
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $27,220Category 6
22-12-202529-12-2025AUD $0Category 7
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $15,679Category 1
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $17,439Category 2
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $17,933Category 3
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $19,174Category 4
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $22,803Category SA (solo)
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $23,610Category 5
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $26,184Category SB (solo)
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $27,220Category 6
27-12-202503-01-2026AUD $29,929Category 7
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $14,541Category 1
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $16,159Category 2
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $16,611Category 3
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $17,751Category 4
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $21,083Category SA (solo)
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $25,139Category 6
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $27,624Category 7
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $0Category SB (solo)
10-01-202617-01-2026AUD $0Category 5
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $14,250Category 1
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $15,834Category 2
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $16,279Category 3
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $17,396Category 4
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $20,660Category SA (solo)
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $21,387Category 5
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $23,703Category SB (solo)
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $24,636Category 6
15-01-202622-01-2026AUD $27,071Category 7
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $14,250Category 1
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $15,834Category 2
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $16,279Category 3
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $17,396Category 4
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $20,660Category SA (solo)
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $21,387Category 5
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $23,703Category SB (solo)
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $24,636Category 6
29-01-202605-02-2026AUD $27,071Category 7
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $14,250Category 1
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $15,834Category 2
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $16,279Category 3
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $17,396Category 4
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $20,660Category SA (solo)
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $21,387Category 5
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $23,703Category SB (solo)
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $24,636Category 6
03-02-202610-02-2026AUD $27,071Category 7
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $14,250Category 1
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $15,834Category 2
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $16,279Category 3
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $17,396Category 4
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $20,660Category SA (solo)
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $21,387Category 5
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $23,703Category SB (solo)
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $24,636Category 6
17-02-202624-02-2026AUD $27,071Category 7
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $15,120Category 2
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $15,564Category 3
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $16,681Category 4
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $19,946Category SA (solo)
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $20,673Category 5
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $22,989Category SB (solo)
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $23,921Category 6
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $26,357Category 7
22-02-202601-03-2026AUD $13,536Category 1

Inclusions

    • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
    • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
    • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins
    • Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby
    • November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting
    • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales

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