Small expedition cruise ship exploring the icy coast and landscapes of antarctica
Travelers in orange jackets prepare to venture out in small skiffs and kayaks on a sunny and cloudy day
Whale tail diving into the icy waters on a calm night with a small skiff in the distance
penguins play in the small waves next to a small skiff filled with explorers in orange jackets
Adventurists explore the captains quarters and control room as they look out into the icy snowy landscape
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

National Geographic Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Experience an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with the pioneers of Antarctic cruising, featuring nine days on the continent. This is the pinnacle of expeditionary travel as we push further south into rarely visited territory in pursuit of the Antarctic Circle. Along the way, Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs, watch for whales off the bow, kayak in tranquility, and hike onshore. 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.

The National Geographic Endurance acts as a floating basecamp during the voyage. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins offer private balconies for special moments taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness and the bar tab is included for all passengers. The 138-guest ship Nat Geo Endurance (named after the great explorer Ernest Shackleton) has a polar ice class 5 rating that allows her to operate in polar environments any time of year, vastly expanding her range of Arctic and Antarctic exploration and making her the perfect basecamp for long-range luxury Antarctica cruises.

A hallmark of this Antarctica cruise itinerary is the National Geographic legacy of exploration, with exclusive access to expert guides and special guest hosts in the fields of science and exploration. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enable up-close examination of this remote wilderness. Travel safely with an experienced Antarctica cruise expedition staff: naturalists, ornithologists, marine biologists, polar historians, an undersea specialist and a National Geographic photographer to assist in creating photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.



Itinerary

National Geographic Quest for the Antarctic Circle Itinerary

Begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina for embarkation. Spend 16 days dedicated to deep exploration towards the Antarctic Circle.

map of national geographic quest for the Antarctic circle shows each cruise stop along the 16 day cruise
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Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina before 11:30a.m. local time. Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon or similar.

 

Accommodations

Alvear Icon Hotel (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina & Embark

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is the best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and might be lucky enough to encounter killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ll soon be seeing, or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. If it does get a little rough, just take a couple of nice naps; you’ll be in Antarctica before you know it.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 13
Deep Exploration Towards the Antarctica Circle

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, and 9 days on the Continent, you can experience more as you sail in the wake of history’s boldest explorers on a quest to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. The schedule is flexible, and the state-of-the-art ship allows you to get deeper and go further to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, walking amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins, enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise under the spectacular midnight sun, or even discovering a new uncharted cove. 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 or embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags. 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 your experiences and the Icemaster Captain will navigate you safely through these icy waters.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 14 - 15
At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Bueno Aires & Depart

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark in Ushuaia following breakfast. Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.

 

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; one hotel night; all accommodations; all meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; 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 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & 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 Quest for the Antarctic Circle cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE). Plan flights to arrive Buenos Aires by 11:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 16 of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ushuaia, Argentina are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. 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. 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.

Jan 11 - Jan 26, 2027
National Geographic Endurance • 16 days
From $26974USD
Per Person
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Jan 25 - Feb 09, 2027
National Geographic Endurance • 16 days
From $26974USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 138-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

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

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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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National Geographic Quest for the Antarctic Circle