FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE

Launching in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. Designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions, reduced spray on deck and wave-splicing action making for superior observation.

Made for exploration, the National Geographic Endurance is outfitted with kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts, underwater cameras, video microscopes to explain elements of the surrounding environments, a hydrophone to listen to the vocalisations of marine mammals, an open bridge to constantly talk to your captain and expedition crew along with snorkeling gear and wet suits for underwater excursions.

Day 1 Santiago, Chile

Day 2 Fly to Falkland Islands

Today you will fly by private charter to the Falklands, where you will arrive in Mount Pleasant with a transfer to Stanley, the capital. You will have time to stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, colonial-style houses of Stanley, seeing the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whale bones before embarking your ship.

Day 3 Exploring the Falkland Islands

Days 4-5 At Sea

During your days at sea, learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of South Georgia—and the riveting story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance. Naturalists help you identify the seabirds that follow you: wandering albatross, prions, and black-browed albatross. There’ll also be time to browse the library, enjoy a massage in the wellness center, or workout in the gym.

Days 6-11 South Georgia Island

Sailing north-east bound for the island of South Georgia, you’ll notice a dramatic drop in temperature as you cross the Antarctic Convergence where the cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. The on-board naturalists will increase your anticipation with presentations on the wildlife of South Georgia, and, of course, the inspiring story of the great polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and his ship ‘Endurance’.

Days 12-13 At Sea

With whales below and birds above, voyage towards the seventh continent. Head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as the skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. Each day your naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Days 14-19 Antarctic Peninsula

With long hours of daylight, the most will be made of the time spent around the Antarctic Peninsula and cruising among the surrounding islands. Dazzling wildlife sightings await you on excursions to some of these islands and the scenery is breathtaking, from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet. The schedule is flexible, allowing the opportunity to take advantage of the unexpected, exploring by Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using the vessel’s arsenal of tools for exploration. If the ice conditions permit, you might sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, and land on the White Continent itself.

Days 20-21 At Sea

As you sail back through to Drake Passage to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross your bow. There’s time to share photos with the on-board National Geographic photographer and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end.”

Day 22 Disembark in Ushuaia

After breakfast disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The scheduled charter flight (at extra cost) will take you over Patagonia for spectacular views on the way to Buenos Aires where your journey will come to an end.