Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula
Comfortable Expedition Ship, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel - Kayaking
14 Days | Departures: 11/27/13, 12/07/13, 12/17/13, 12/27/13, 01/6/14, 01/16/14, 01/26/14, 02/05/14   | From $11,990

Testimonials  |   Ship types

Trip Highlights: Stylish expedition ship, great guides, kayaks, National Geographic partnership.

Rates: $11,990 - $22,870
Child rate: $500 off per child (under 18)

Ship - National Geographic Explorer - Luxury Expedition Ship
Passengers: 148

Introduction

This journey to the "White Continent" offers six days of exploration on the incomparably beautiful Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands and waterways. The sights, sounds and emotions will stay in your mind forever — enormous tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with thousands of penguins and the excitement on deck as someone shouts, “Whales!” Travel with a very highly experienced Antarctica expedition staff, which includes an Undersea Specialist. Zodiacs and kayaks to further your ability to examine this remote wilderness. All departures are Photo Expeditions, see end of page for details.

Itinerary

Day 1: U.S. / Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart this evening on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires this morning. Buenos Aires undoubtedly resembles the aristocratic atmosphere of the big European capitals. But beyond this Buenos Aires, there is another one: the bohemian neighborhood of La Boca and the popular Tango that lives in San Telmo streets. This is the mixture that makes Buenos Aires original and irresistible.

Day 3: Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark
The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views as you fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking the National Geographic Explorer.

Day 4: At Sea
Arise this morning well into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a distinct place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable.

Days 5-10: Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, you make the most of the six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. The schedule is flexible to give you the best experience possible. Your veteran expedition team and their expert knowledge of Antarctica’s waters enable you to take advantage of the unexpected. You are out daily — experiencing Antarctica with all your senses as you walk, cruise in Zodiacs, and venture out in kayaks. See seals wallowing on the beach; hear the cries of penguins, and the huge, nurturing silence of this pristine place.

You may sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, where a hush falls over onlookers as bergs of beauty and scale drift by. Identify penguins, paddle kayaks through berg fields, and land with Zodiacs on the “White Continent.”

Days 11-12: At Sea
There is time to watch at the bridge for marine life, to indulge in a massage, a workout in the gym, or catch up on some reading in the library.

Day 13: Ushuaia / Disembark / Buenos Aires
Disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore before proceeding to the airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires. Fly on an overnight flight to the U.S.

Day 14: Arrive Home
Today, you arrive back home.

Notes:

Exclusive Global Perspectives Program:
Explore Antarctica with mountaineer Peter Hillary (Nov. 27, 2013); NG-funded polar explorer John Evans (Dec. 17 & 27, 2013); oceanographer Adm. Geof Chesbrough (Jan. 6 & 16, 2014) and polar scientist, Prof. Paul Arthur Berkman (Jan. 26, 2014).

Photo Expeditions:
The photo team, a National Geographic Photographer and a Lindblad Photo Specialist, will enhance your voyage by working with you on photo composition and exposure; helping you develop your own unique vision; showing you how professionals edit and store images while on the go; and sharing the stories behind some of their greatest images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.

Included:
Cabin accommodations aboard ship; one hotel night in Buenos Aires; all meals and non-alcoholic beverages aboard the ship; some meals ashore; all shore excursions and sightseeing; transfers to and from group flights; tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician and expedition staff; use of kayaks; expedition parkas.

Not Included:
International air transportation; round-trip charter flights between Buenos Aires/Ushuaia (approx. $790 per person); extensions; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; immigration fees; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, email and laundry; gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.