Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands
Embark: Ushuaia Disembark: Ushuaia
Aboard National Geographic Explorer
- 21 days 8 - 28 November 2011
- 21 days 16 February - 7 March 2012
For most travellers, visiting the "White Continent" is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you have the time, optimise your Antarctica cruise expedition with South Georgia and the Falklands--our travellers never regret it. This voyage has it all: the impossible beauty of Antarctic ice, over 100,000 king penguins in South Georgia and the Falkland's human history and amazing albatross colonies. You'll see three distinct regions, each offering wonderful experiences and sights. And you'll benefit from our 40+ years of exploring here to make the most of every day.
See the huge tabular bergs, explore the wildlife-rich Falklands, hear the stories of Shackleton and early polar exploration and walk wild beaches in South Georgia. Our expeditions with National Geographic allow you to get out daily to take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This Antarctica cruise will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.
Day 1
Ushuaia - Embarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and embark the National Geographic Explorer.
Day 2
Drake Passage
Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities.
Days 3-8
Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We"ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the "White Continent."
Day 9
Elephant Island
We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat.
Days 10
At sea
As we voyage south, watch for icebergs or head to the Bridge for a lesson in navigation. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment in the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up on a book or simply relax. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Days 11-15
South Georgia
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins.
Days 16-17
At Sea
These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax.
Day 18
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum.
Day 19
Falkland Islands
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals.
Day 20
At sea
Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage.
Day 21
Ushuaia
Our journey ends in Ushuaia this morning and we disembark.
