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Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Expedition Cruise

Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Expedition Cruise

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Description

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake Passage on the way back on a 2-hour flight from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard the 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 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: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Expedition Cruise
Days
10
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 Ushuaia, Argentina
 Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer from the airport to our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on our upcoming adventure. Arrival Time: Arrive by 6:00 p.m. local time.  Arrival City: Ushuaia, Argentina Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 Ushuaia / Embark Ship
 Check out of our hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - DAYS 3-4 At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
 At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - DAYS 5-8 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 5 - DAY 9 King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales, Chile
 This morning finds us off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this 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. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where we will overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - DAY 10 Puerto Natales
 Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 3:45 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).Departure City:  Puerto Natales, Chile Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $21,476Category 4
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 1
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 7
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category SB (solo)
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 5
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category SA (solo)
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 2
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 3
03-02-202512-02-2025AUD $0Category 6
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $18,290Category 2
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $18,833Category 3
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $20,196Category 4
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $24,179Category SA (solo)
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $25,066Category 5
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $27,891Category SB (solo)
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $29,029Category 6
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $32,000Category 7
07-11-202516-11-2025AUD $15,247Category 1
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $16,357Category 1
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $18,290Category 2
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $18,833Category 3
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $20,196Category 4
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $24,179Category SA (solo)
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $25,066Category 5
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $27,891Category SB (solo)
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $29,029Category 6
26-11-202505-12-2025AUD $32,000Category 7
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $17,071Category 1
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $19,004Category 2
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $19,547Category 3
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $20,910Category 4
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $24,893Category SA (solo)
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $25,780Category 5
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $28,606Category SB (solo)
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $29,743Category 6
15-12-202524-12-2025AUD $32,714Category 7
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $19,929Category 1
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $22,214Category 2
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $22,857Category 3
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $24,470Category 4
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $29,179Category SA (solo)
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $30,230Category 5
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $33,571Category SB (solo)
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $34,919Category 6
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $38,429Category 7
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $18,500Category 1
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $20,609Category 2
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $21,201Category 3
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $22,689Category 4
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $27,036Category SA (solo)
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $28,003Category 5
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $31,087Category SB (solo)
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $32,329Category 6
22-01-202631-01-2026AUD $0Category 7
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $17,786Category 1
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $19,894Category 2
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $20,487Category 3
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $21,974Category 4
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $26,321Category SA (solo)
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $27,289Category 5
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $30,373Category SB (solo)
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $31,614Category 6
10-02-202619-02-2026AUD $34,857Category 7

Inclusions

    • Experience it all—cruise the legendary Drake Passage aboard the National Geographic Explorer and then enjoy the ease of returning on our 2-hour direct flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales
    • 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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