A Gentoo Penguin swims near the NG explorer at Neko Harbor, Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctic travelers in orange jackets in a Zodiac watch a humpback whale dive right beside them with icy wilderness behind.
An Antarctic traveler in orange parka hikes over a snowfield during a photo expedition on Peterman Island, Antarctica.
Adult Adelie penguins lining up to leap off of an iceberg at Paulet Island in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica.
2 small jets painted like king penguins in white, black, orange & yellow sit on concrete tarmac under cloudy skies.
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Polar Regions Antarctica

National Geographic Antarctica Direct

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way, via a 2-hour flight between Antarctica and Chile. Fly over the Drake Passage in both directions, or cruise it one way, to discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time.

Tick off various bucket list items on this itinerary. Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage. Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby. kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program.

Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more ways to fly the Drake Passage.



Itinerary

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Itinerary

The 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage cruise operates round-trip from Puerto Natales, Chile, embarking and disembarking at King George Island with bookend charter flights.

Route map of Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage cruise, operating round-trip from Puerto Natales, Chile, with charter flights to & from King George Island.
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Day 1
Arrive Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to the included group hotel. Join this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities.

Accommodations

Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar)

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Fly to Antarctica & Embark King George Island

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your 2-hour direct flight to King George Island and the thrilling start to your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land at the Chilean research station where the ship will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 6
Exploring Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, enjoy ample opportunities to explore. Your schedule is flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.

While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.

Everywhere you go in Antarctica you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Disembark King George Island & Fly to Puerto Natales

This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the included group hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Depart Puerto Natales, Chile

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward, or onward travel.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff, expert guides and ship’s physician; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Mandatory charter flights between Puerto Natales and King George Island ($2,000 per person round-trip); private transfers; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & super premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage cruise begins and ends in Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT). Plan flights to arrive to Puerto Natales in time to arrive at the hotel by 3:00pm on Day 1. Plan fights to depart Puerto Natales no earlier than 5:00pm on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Puerto Natales, Chile and King George Island are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions. There is a strict luggage limit of one or two checked bags weighing up to 51 lbs (23 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (7 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Special to departures in November/December is the option of cross-country skiing, dependent upon snowpack conditions and weather at that time. See the Accommodations section for more information on what activities to expect aboard each vessel.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Third person rates are available in designated triple occupancy cabins on National Geographic Explorer at 1.5x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended but not mandatory for this trip. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but also highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage Itinerary

The 10-day Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage cruise begins by sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, adding 2 days crossing the Drake Passage, then ends with a charter flight from Antarctica to Puerto Natales, Chile.

Route map of Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage cruise, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica & ending with a charter flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales, Chile.
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Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Join this evening for dinner and a briefing on your upcoming adventure.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Embark Ushuaia

Check out of your hotel and begin exploring this amazing region. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much as Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch on board a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board the ship and ready to sail off to the White Continent.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
Drake Passage

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as you begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins, or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 5 - 8
Exploring Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, enjoy ample opportunities to explore. Your schedule is flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.

While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.

Everywhere you go in Antarctica you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Disembark King George Island & Fly to Puerto Natales

This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and take a Zodiac to shore to board your 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the included group hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar)

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Depart Puerto Natales, Chile

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward, or onward travel.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff, expert guides and ship’s physician; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Mandatory charter flight between King George Island and Puerto Natales ($1,000 per person one-way); private transfers; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & super premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH), and ends in Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT). Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia by 6:00pm on Day 1. Plan fights to depart Puerto Natales no earlier than 5:00pm on Day 10. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between King George Island and Puerto Natales, Chile is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions. There is a strict luggage limit of one or two checked bags weighing up to 51 lbs (23 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (7 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Special to departures in November/December is the option of cross-country skiing, dependent upon snowpack conditions and weather at that time. See the Accommodations section for more information on what activities to expect aboard each vessel.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Third person rates are available in designated triple occupancy cabins on National Geographic Explorer at 1.5x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended but not mandatory for this trip. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but also highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Nov 19 - Nov 28, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11061USD
Per Person
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Nov 26 - Dec 03, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8138USD
Per Person
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Dec 01 - Dec 08, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8138USD
Per Person
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Dec 08 - Dec 17, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11174USD
Per Person
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Dec 15 - Dec 22, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8395USD
Per Person
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Dec 20 - Dec 27, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $10076USD
Per Person
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Dec 27 - Jan 05, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $13081USD
Per Person
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Jan 03 - Jan 10, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9159USD
Per Person
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Jan 08 - Jan 15, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9349USD
Per Person
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Jan 15 - Jan 24, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $12194USD
Per Person
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Jan 22 - Jan 29, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9253USD
Per Person
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Jan 27 - Feb 03, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9066USD
Per Person
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Feb 03 - Feb 12, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $12071USD
Per Person
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Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9066USD
Per Person
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9066USD
Per Person
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Nov 07 - Nov 16, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $10673USD
Per Person
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Nov 14 - Nov 21, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8066USD
Per Person
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Nov 19 - Nov 26, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8975USD
Per Person
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Nov 26 - Dec 05, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11450USD
Per Person
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Dec 03 - Dec 10, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8975USD
Per Person
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Dec 08 - Dec 15, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $8975USD
Per Person
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Dec 15 - Dec 24, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $11950USD
Per Person
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Dec 22 - Dec 29, 2025
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $10975USD
Per Person
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Dec 27 - Jan 03, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $10975USD
Per Person
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Jan 03 - Jan 12, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $13950USD
Per Person
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Jan 10 - Jan 17, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9975USD
Per Person
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Jan 15 - Jan 22, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9975USD
Per Person
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Jan 22 - Jan 31, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $12950USD
Per Person
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Jan 29 - Feb 05, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9975USD
Per Person
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Feb 03 - Feb 10, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9975USD
Per Person
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Feb 10 - Feb 19, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 10 days
From $12450USD
Per Person
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Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9975USD
Per Person
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Feb 22 - Mar 01, 2026
National Geographic Explorer • 8 days
From $9475USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
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Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

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On this customizable journey starting at 9 or 13 days, discover the different corners of Patagonia's vast territory in depth. Link 2 or 3 Explora properties in Patagonia via private jet and van to experience it all, including golden pampas, turquoise rivers, icy blue glaciers, snowcapped peaks and much more.

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National Geographic Antarctica Direct

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