SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS  

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE

A next-generation expedition ship the National Geographic Endurance is 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires. Settle into your hotel before setting out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta – the final resting place of Argentina’s iconic first lady, Eva Perón – and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums. Enjoy a lunch in this vibrant city.

Day 2 Fly Ushuaia

Fly southward to Ushuaia – aka ‘The End of the World’ – sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the protected waters of Beagle Channel. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump sea lions and sleek imperial cormorants. By day’s end, embark and settle into your floating expedition home base.

Day 3 At Sea, South Atlantic

Feel the excitement build as we depart South America and enter the chilly realm of the Far South Atlantic. Visit the Bridge (nerve center of the ship and ideal for spotting wildlife), enjoy a massage, and listen in on informal gatherings with our naturalist staff as they discuss what to expect in the wilds of the Falklands. Spend time on deck scanning the horizon for petrels, penguins, and albatross.

Days 4 & 5 Falkland Islands

Everything we love about expedition travel seems to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture, and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf? Just a few steps further and you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins congregate here, along with magnificent albatross and fur seals.

Days 6 & 7 At Sea

Expedition days at sea are an invitation to pause, catch a breath, and absorb some of the experiences we’ve already accumulated—before marching off on a range of all-new ones. It’s a great time to get some background on the history of Antarctic exploration and the flora, fauna, and geology of our next destination: South Georgia. And to learn from our naturalists how to identify the seabirds that inevitably follow us there: wandering albatross, prions, and others.

Days 8 – 12 South Georgia Island

Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, we plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins.

Days 13 & 14 At Sea

Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Head up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Days 15 & 16 Falklands, At Sea

With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge, or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library, and observation deck. After time at sea, our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature. Our afternoon visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to see the human face of the islands. Meet the hospitable locals, hoist a drink at a local pub, and stroll around this remote colonial town.

Day 17 Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires

After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for our private charter flight to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home or onward journey.