SOLAR ECLIPSE:
ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS
__________________
SOLAR ECLIPSE:
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago, Chile | Arrive and explore the vital capital city of Chile |
| 2 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Fly to Ushuaia, Catamaran cruise on Beagle Channel |
| 3 | At Sea | The Drake Passage |
| 4-9 | Antarctic Peninsula | Gentoo, Adelie & chinstrap penguins, seals and dramatic scenery |
| 10-11 | At Sea | Southern Ocean |
| 12-16 | South Georgia | Millions of penguins, hundreds of thousands seals with a magnificent backdrop of snow-capped mountains |
| 17-18 | At Sea | Towards the Falkland Islands |
| 19-20 | Falkland Islands | Four species of penguins, black-browed albatross, numerous bird species and dramatic Falklands scenery |
| 21 | At Sea - Beagle Channel | Southern Ocean |
| 22 | Disembark Ushuaia | Farewell your fellow expeditioners and fly to Santiago |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC RESOLUTION
National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation for 126 guests. It is identical to National Geographic’s first polar new-build, the Endurance, she is a fully stabilised, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.
Day 1 Santiago, Chile
Overview:
Check in to your hotel this morning before enjoying a guided overview of Chile’s fascinating capital city, backed by the inspiring Andes.
*Note: This hotel night is part of a charter flight package and comes at an extra cost. Contact us for details and pricing.
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the morning fly from Santiago to Ushuaia. The National Geographic charter flight is at an additional cost. Alternatively you can book a regular domestic flight. Please contact us regarding what your preferred option is.
The morning’s flight offers some rare views as you fly over the starkly rugged terrain of Patagonia to land in Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world (although, with a population of around 60,000, really more of a large town). Set on the shores of the Beagle Channel, ‘Ushuaia’ actually means “the bay facing westward” in the language of the original Yamana inhabitants. Once a penal colony for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals – the Presidio (prison) was closed in the late 1940s – Ushuaia is now a major tourist centre, particularly for people cruising to Antarctica.
You will have lunch aboard a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your ship in the mid-afternoon. As you board the vessel, you cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead. In the early evening set sail, leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel, the historic channel that transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.
Day 3 At Sea
You’ll awake this morning into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. The Drake Passage is unforgettable-a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history—with time to hear talks preparing you for the exciting days ahead.
Days 4-9 Antarctic Peninsula
With long hours of daylight, make the most of your days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Your schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected. Spend the days exploring the “White Continent” via Zodiac, kayak and on foot, and using the arsenal of tools for exploration.
Days 10-11 At Sea
As you voyage north, 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. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day your naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Days 12-16 South Georgia
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions, making stops every day as you leisurely circumnavigate the island. Teeming wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet the ship as Zodiacs make landfall. Plan to visit Grytviken, part of the extraordinary story of the Endurance and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, as well as Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. See huge elephant seals, and, on a single beach, you will visit a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins!
Days 17-18 At Sea
Whales beneath, birds above, as you continue on. The naturalists will prepare you for the exciting days ahead with presentations on the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands.
Days 19-20 Falkland Islands
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass, curious fur seals, and Peale’s dolphins riding the waves. Stroll 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 21 At Sea
On your final day at sea, enjoy one last chance to view the marine and bird life of these southern waters. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner.
Day 22 Ushuaia
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore.
You have the option of booking onto the National Geographic charter flight from Ushuaia to Santiago on the day of disembarkation at an additional cost. Alternatively you may wish to spend a bit more time exploring this region.
NOTE: It is possible to arrange alternate flights if you want to explore other areas of Argentina or Chile before or after the voyage. Please ask at time of booking.