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Nights in Ushuaia

Journey to Antarctica - The White Continent

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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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 stay in your mind forever — enormous tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with thousands of penguins, and the excitement on deck as someone shout, “Whales!” Experience the National Geographic legacy of exploration in Antarctica as you travel with experienced Antarctica expedition staff, which includes an Undersea Specialist. Zodiacs and kayaks further your ability to examine this remote wilderness on this fascinating 12-day Antarctica expedition cruise. 
Travelers catching a glimpse of a Minke Whale on a zodiac trip.Hiking through the Antarctic landscape.UshuaiaTake a zodiac trip to view Humpback Whales.Nights in Ushuaia
Highlights
  • Encounter iconic penguins, leopard seals, and marine mammals
  • Kayak among icebergs and Zodiac cruise past resting leopard seals
  • Experience the seldom-seen Antarctic undersea
  • See legendary landscapes and habitats
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Guests traveling aboard National Geographic Explorer arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the fine Alvear Art Hotel (or similar). In the afternoon, have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening, gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel. 

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark Ship

Today you fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Guests traveling aboard National Geographic Explorer from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Ushuaia to embark the Explorer. This morning's charter flight brings you over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, embark the expedition ship and set sail.

Day 3: At Sea

Awake this morning well into your journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable—a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history.

Day 4-9: Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight,  make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected — perhaps watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow. We are out daily. One day, you may take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, you can have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the pack ice or step ashore to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins. Learn from Your experts how to identify penguins and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins. Back aboard, our Undersea Specialist may present video from that day’s dive — rare images took up to 1,000 feet below the surface using our ROV. The expert staff crafts an expedition where you can learn more, see more and experience more.

Day 10-11: At Sea

As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds that cross your bow, and your spotters keep an eye out for marine life. There is plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. Talks from your staff reflect on all you have seen and learned.

Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia | Fly to Buenos Aires

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, you disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before proceeding to the airport for your LAN charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
Cat 6
Upper Deck Suite 213 has a balcony, 290 sq ft. Veranda Deck Suites 101 and 102 are 355 sq ft without balcony
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
  • One hotel night
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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