Antarctica National Geographic

Expeditions from Santiago or Buenos Aires

14 Days / 13 Nights From US$14,680

(Max. Ship Capacity 148 Passenger

Summary of Key Points During the Expedition

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions

Key Points During the Expedition

It should be noted that Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions has the reputation of being one of the World’s foremost photographic researchers of animals in their natural habitat. Moreover, Nat Geo also investigates, and supplies information on the flora and fauna inhabiting the Earth. Above all, their historic, exceptional photographs have set the standard for capturing images of wildlife in top quality imagery. For example, to capture “that special moment” of an animal doing something remarkable in its natural habitat. Consequently, to join one of their expedition vessels to explore the Antarctic, and the Southern Atlantic islands is a rare opportunity to be with the experts of wildlife investigation and photography.

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions Highlights

Herewith below, are some of the highlights you will be able to participate in, as well as encounter during one of their Antarctic expeditions.

Most importantly, from the moment you check in to your hotel in either Santiago or Buenos Aires, the team at National Geographic will be looking after you. National Geographic has set the bar very high when it comes to recording wildlife. Consequently, it will be no surprise that when you join one of their Antarctica expeditions, that this same objective will be in place. Therefore, the idea will be to learn, have fun and enjoy new experiences.

In conclusion, we cannot think of a better Antarctica expedition partner to work with.

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions Zodiacs

Undoubtedly, getting close to nature is key. Therefore, passengers will have the option to join many excursions from the National Geographic Explorer, or National Geographic Orion ships in a zodiac or kayak. Consequently, you will be able to then glide, and get up close among the exquisite icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula, for example.

Education & Penguins

Another key point is that National Geographic will educate guests. For example, we will trace the riveting story of Shackleton’s fateful expedition on South Georgia. Above all, our team of experts will be with you at all times ane lead you to become immersed in a sea of black and white amid thousands of king penguins.

Outposts

In addition to the above, the itinerary will include history. For example, we will visit the pioneer outposts of Port Stanley in the Falklands, and Port Lockroy in Antarctica.

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions Professional Photographer

In the event that you like taking pictures of incredible scenery, and animals in their natural habitat Nat Geo are the experts. In addition, we ask what better photo opportunities will you have, other than being on a trip to the Antarctic? For this reason you will receive hands-on instruction from a National Geographic photographer as you frame breaching whales, elephant seals, and numerous penguin species.

Experience Chile Offer

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions

EXPERIENCE CHILE OFFER

ExperienceChile.Org will also include, in most cases, some attractive extras free of charge should we book one of these expedition cruises for you. However, please note that these options are based upon two people booking with us.

For example, free return flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, or Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. As well as, or instead of the flights, we will include a hotel night, or two, free of charge or other parts of your overall travel itinerary at no cost. For instance, a free private transfer to Torres del Paine, or to El Calafate (or reverse).

In conclusion, we will create a program that is financially beneficial to you, as long as you book with us.

Also, we will make our offer on top of whatever offer National Geographic may be running too.

However, the final offer will be determined by us and depend on type of cabin, length of trip and which expedition cruise you book with us.

The Itinerary

Antarctica Expeditions with National Geographic

Introduction

It should be noted that Antarctica is still the “final frontier” with regards to a vast area that has remained relatively untouched by human exploration, thus far. Therefore, by joining one of the National Geographic Antarctica expedition trips, you will be setting out on an epic voyage to the remote lands made famous by Ernest Shackleton. Above all, you will be traveling aboard one of our ice-class expedition ships, National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion.

In other words, you will be able to spend six days discovering the icy wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. Moreover, you will be able to stroll through lively crowds of king penguins in stunning South Georgia, and hike the rocky shores of the Falkland Islands to see nesting albatros’s. Most importantly, experience boundless wildlife and captivating beauty as you venture into some of the planet’s most unspoiled landscapes.

The Itinerary

Days 1-2:

Buenos Aires, Argentina Arrival (for trips on the National Geographic Explorer)

Accommodation: Alvear Hotel

Upon your arrival to Buenos Aires there will be a transfer to take you to your hotel. However, you will have some time to settle into your hotel before a city tour that includes Beaux-Arts palaces and the famous balcony associated with Eva Peron.

Santiago Arrival, Chile(for trips on the National Geographic Orion).

Accommodation: Hotel Mandarin

In the event that you are arriving to Santiago, after the transfer to your hotel and check in to your room, you will be able to enjoy a guided overview of this vibrant city, backed by the inspiring Andes.

Day 3: Ushuaia, Argentina

The charter flight will depart from Santiago or Buenos Aires, depending on which ship you will be joining in Ushuaia. Naturally the flight path will be over, or close to The Andes, offering passengers great views of snow-capped mountains. Moreover, closer to Ushuaia there will be great views of Patagonia. For instance, you should be able to see glaciers, lakes, icebergs in lakes, remote fiords and, close to landing, the Beagle Channel.

Shortly after arrival to Ushuaia you will have some free time prior to boarding the ship. Therefore, you will be able to take a catamaran cruise through Patagonia’s scenic Beagle Channel before embarkation. Moreover, in the evening evening, we will set sail for the open sea.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the Open Sea

Day 4: At Sea, Drake Passage

Hopefully, after a good nights sleep you will wake up to views of the famed Drake Passage. Moreover, during your day you can enjoy talks from our onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await us on the Antarctica Peninsula.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-10: Exploring Antarctica

Considering the long daylight hours at this time of year, we make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected. For example, veering off course to watch killer whales perform off the bow, or enjoying an after-dinner excursion on the water. Moreover, we anticipate opportunities to hike, explore by Zodiac or kayak, and experience close encounters with wildlife every day. However, our stops will be adapted to the conditions and the ever-changing ice, and may include some of the locations indicated on the map shown here.

Zodiacs

Above all, we are able to be totally flexible during the trip. For example, one day, we may take Zodiacs out to see towering icebergs at close range, walk on a beach covered with bickering seals and penguins, or hike to a summit for a breathtaking view. Consequently, the next day, we may be kayaking amid glittering brash ice or along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. However, the following day, we might experience a thrill of the ship crunching through the pack ice.

Volcanic Islands

Important to note is that upon arrival to the Antarctic peninsula we encounter volcanic islands and pristine bays. Therefore, this is the cue for our team of experts will bring depth and insight to the experience. For example, explaining the behaviors and interactions of different species. As well as the geological and climatic forces that still shape Antarctica, the anatomy of a glacier, and even how to take beautiful photographs of the places we visit. Most importantly, our undersea specialists will capture images from the deep—revealing the hardy marine life beneath the ice, and our expedition leader is always on the lookout for the best way to experience everything Antarctica has to offer.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Days 11-12: At Sea

During the time at sea you will be able to enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. As a result of the navigational route we will also round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the evening we will celebrate our voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Daily

Day 13-14: End of the Air-Cruise

Finally our expeditions has to end and you will disembark in Ushuaia. Following lunch you will fly to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer departures) or Santiago (National Geographic Orion departures) by private charter, and connect with your overnight flight home.

Meals Included: Day 13 (Breakfast, Lunch).

Map of the Antarctica Navigation

National Geographic Navigational Map for Antarctica

SEASON: 2020 Dates & Prices 17 Departures

Date	Price From	Ship
Jan 6-19, 2020	$14,680 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Dec 8-21, 2020	$14,880 p/person	National Geographic Orion
Dec 16-29, 2020	$14,680 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Jan 26-Feb 8, 2020	$14,680 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Jan 28-Feb 10, 2020	$14,980 p/person	National Geographic Orion
Feb 5-18, 2020	$14,680 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Feb 7-20, 2020	$14,980 p/person	National Geographic Orion
Nov 8-21, 2020	$14,940 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Nov 18-Dec 1, 2020	$14,940 p/person	National Geographic Explorer
Nov 28-Dec 11, 2020	$14,940 p/person	National Geographic Explorer

Details of What's Included?

What is Included in the Cost?

Firstly, Prices are per person, based upon double occupancy. However, those marked solo, are based on single occupancy.

Antarctica National Geographic Expeditions Included

Following your arrival to Santiago or Buenos Aires we will transfer you to your hotel, and back to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia.

Accordingly, accommodation on board.

Meals as indicated in the itinerary.

Furthermore, all the daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary.

Not Included

It should be noted that your airfare to and from Buenos Aires and Santiago is not included.

Insurance of any type (trip cancellation or travel).

Visas.

Alcoholic beverages.

Tips (Gratuities).

Fleet (2 Ships)

National Geographic Orion Specifications

Brief Description

Most important, the state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull. Therefore, the ship is able to navigate polar ice as well as small harbours in Europe.

Moreover, the ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as a remotely operated vehicle and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Therefore, our ships can offer all passengers great opportunities to get closer to nature. In addition, the Orion is also equipped with snorkeling and diving gear. Moreover, our “open bridge” policy provides guests the opportunity to meet the captain and officers and learn about navigation too.

Professionals & Experts

Also on board is a full-time doctor, a video chronicler, an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, and a photography instructor, are part of every expedition team.

The Public Areas

Summing up, the ship’s public areas include an outdoor café, a lounge and bar, a sun deck, a state-of-the-art lecture theater, a library, a boutique, a mud room with lockers for expedition gear and even a sauna. Above all it also has a fitness room, spa treatment rooms, a hot tub/plunge pool, and a centrally located elevator. Moreover, the restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single seating with unassigned tables.

Restaurant

For the most part, the restaurant features international cuisine inspired by our ports of call and all meals are served in a single session with unassigned tables. Moreover, exceptional cuisine features tastes of the regions we visit.

Finally, the vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a fitness center with life fitness equipment, a spa treatment room, and a sauna.

Accommodation Distribution Details:

Main Deck

Category 1
Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308

Category 2
Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336

Category 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343

Category Solo A
Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334

Upper Deck

Category 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category 5
Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224

Category 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.

Category Solo B
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

Category 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category Solo B
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

National Geographic Explorer Specifications

Brief Description

The National Geographic Explorer is the flagship of the Nat Geo fleet. The ship travels from pole to pole each year, spending Nothern Hesmisphere winters in Antarctica and Northern Hemisphere summers in the Arctic. Moreover, as the ship navigates the length of the Atlantic, the ship explores the Baltic Sea, Norway, the Northwest Passage, the Canadian Maritimes, and the wild coast of South America.

Therefore, in our mind, the National Geographic Explorer is arguably the finest expedition vessel on the seas. Most importantly, this is a state-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ship. As a result, the Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 spacious cabins, each with outside views; private bathrooms; and all with sleek, modern furnishings. Single cabins in Category 2 are highlighted in bright blue and include cabins 309-312 and 310-332. Single cabins in Category 3 are highlighted in bright pink and include cabins 105, 106, 203 and 208.

Zodiacs

In order to get close to nature, the ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. Moreover, public areas include a lounge and bar; a library; a spa; a fitness center and even a sauna. Above all, we have a selection of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

Other services include a full-time doctor, a wellness specialist, and an internet cafe.