National Geographic Patagonia, Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Odyssey

Today, fly south on the recommended flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost inhabited city, and meet the ship; transfers to the airport, and hotel and luggage assistance, will be provided.

Sail into southern Patagonia’s vast wilderness of forested isles, mirror-like lakes and snowcapped peaks. Myriad fjords cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls tumble from high above. Explore the region known as Chile’s “Glacier Alley,” part of the UNESCO-recognized Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Cruise into the secluded Pia Fjord, admiring views of its massive glacier; and glide into Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, where the Andes meet the sea. Get up close to the monumental wall of ice that marks the edge of Garibaldi Glacier, exploring by Zodiac or kayak. Continue to Agostini Fjord, where numerous glaciers originate from the nearby mountains, for a chance to witness thunderous glacial calving.

Today begins in Ainsworth Bay, a stunning fjord surrounded by subpolar forest at the base of Marinelli Glacier, where you’ll keep an eye out for elephant seals. Then cruise to Tierra del Fuego and venture into the archipelago’s largest protected land area: Karukinka Natural Park. Visit this private reserve by special permission, searching for an array of wildlife that includes Andean foxes, guanacos and black-browed albatross.

The best parts of expedition travel seem to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Here, you can 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. Witness a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, and check out thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins that congregate on the shores, along with fur seals.

Stanley, the colorful capital of the Falkland Islands, is a wonderfully unexpected place: a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and there will be a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward, a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely.

During the time at sea, learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. Your naturalists will help identify the seabirds that follow the ship: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross.

Simply put, there are very few places in the world like South Georgia. Often referred to as the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,” for its jaw-dropping abundance of wildlife, this rugged and remote island offers one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles: tens of thousands of king penguins, the second largest species in the world, all nesting together on a single two-mile-long beach. It’s also home to huge elephant seals and playful Antarctic fur seals.

In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions as you explore South Georgia’s spectacular coastline. Enjoy a variety of activities each day, including visits to Grytviken—the final resting place of Shackleton—and Stromness Harbor, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station.

As the ship voyages towards the Antarctic Continent, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as your skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There will also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse in the library. Each day, the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, there are ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, making it possible to take advantage of the unexpected, whether 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. 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, 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, experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.

No matter where 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.

This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America 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 you might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. Savor your final moments aboard ship as it makes its way toward Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent.

Disembark in Ushuaia and board the recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your flight home; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.