Embark on a 25-day adventure to explore Argentina's rugged eastern coast, discovering secluded ports, wildlife-rich estuaries, and the dynamic waters of UNESCO-listed Península Valdés during the whale breeding season. Experience a sea of black and white with tens of thousands of king penguins on a remote South Georgia beach. Hike the Falkland Islands' rocky shores among fur seals and the world's largest colony of black-browed albatrosses. This expedition opens an opportunity to witness breathtaking scenery, a deep connection with nature, and unforgettable exploration.
Highlights
Enjoy hikes and stunning views of Argentina's rugged coast
Look for incredible wildlife such as whales, seals, and seabirds
Trace the spellbinding story of Shackleton’s fateful expeditions
Spot vast colonies of penguins on South Georgia and Patagonian shores
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Buenos Aires and check in to the Alvear Icon Hotel, or similar. Set out on a guided tour of the city’s beaux-arts palaces, the bohemian neighborhoods of La Boca and San Telmo, and the balcony immortalized by Argentina’s iconic first lady Eva Perón.
Arrive in Montevideo—Uruguay’s vibrant capital city—and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco. Or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch. Here, vintage vehicles take us to Río de la Plata, or “River of Silver,” where you enjoy a traditional Asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.
As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from onboard naturalists and visit the ship’s open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.
Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills to enjoy a barbecue lunch at a splendid ranch and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. As you make your way back to the coast, visit one of the world’s largest colonies of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of colorful birds that make their nests here.
Granted World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world’s most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Step foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins, and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo, and rhea—a distant relative of the ostrich.
Included in Patagonia Austral National Park and Blue Patagonia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Bahia Bustamante is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Argentina. Steppes of inland Patagonia meet the sea, providing a rugged backdrop to the white sand beaches and clear waters. Take a Zodiac cruise or kayak along the coast to observe an abundance of wildlife – blue-eyed and rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, and sea lions, and more. Remote and still largely wild, learn about the rugged ranchers who settled in the region in the ’50s building sustainable wool production on the grasslands and harvesting seaweed from the sea.
Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin—one of the smallest cetaceans in the world—and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve’s unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop-of-war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina’s southern coast.
Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation of rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors, and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife—from thousands of Gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn.
As you journey across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join your naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.
Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. The schedule is flexible, and travelers anticipate opportunities to walk, hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals, and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatross; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer’s final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica.
As you travel across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join your naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.
As you sail back to Ushuaia, soak up the final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers, and toast your epic voyage at a farewell dinner.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$44,7462-3 travelers
Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
24 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 23 Dinners
24 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
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)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
1 month ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
1 month ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
2 months ago
The entire experience was great. Erin really knows her stuff and provided me with a lot of great insight and advice.
MARGARET CINCOTTA
6 months ago
Mary always does an outstanding job... and this trip planning was no exception. She always brings a high level of quality customer service to any question or request we pose.
