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Mainland South America
Begin in Buenos Aires or Santiago before the recommended flight south to Ushuaia.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions · Antarctica
Voyage to Antarctica — The White Continent
Cross the Drake Passage into a world of ice, penguin colonies, whales and immense silence — explored with an expert expedition team.
Duration
12 days
From
Rates upon request
Region
Antarctica
Style
Polar Expedition
The Journey
An overview
The classic Antarctic voyage is defined less by a list of ports than by the moment the expedition team finds the right landing, wildlife encounter or ice-filled channel. After reaching Ushuaia, sail across the Drake Passage toward the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a purpose-built National Geographic polar vessel. Once south, days are shaped by Zodiac cruises, shore landings, wildlife observation and opportunities to kayak when conditions permit. Penguins, seals, whales and monumental ice become the landscape. The exact route is deliberately fluid: ice, wind, sea state and wildlife guide the expedition in real time.
The full Drake Passage crossing in both directions.
Zodiac cruises among icebergs and landings on remote Antarctic shores.
Penguin colonies, seals, whales and seabirds viewed with expert naturalists.
Kayaking and other active exploration when conditions allow.
Best time
October to March, the Antarctic expedition season. Wildlife and ice conditions evolve through the summer, so different months offer different character rather than a single perfect departure.
Expedition style
Small polar expedition ship with activities organized in field groups; the exact vessel depends on departure.
Pace
Active and highly flexible. The expedition team adjusts landings and activities daily to conditions.
The expedition route
A route guided by ice and opportunity
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Ushuaia
Embark at the edge of Tierra del Fuego and sail into the Beagle Channel.
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Drake Passage
Two days of open-ocean crossing, seabirds and the growing anticipation of the White Continent.
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Antarctic Peninsula
Several days of flexible exploration among ice-filled channels, penguin colonies, seals and whales.
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Return Drake Crossing
Sea days to process the journey, review photographs and watch the Antarctic coast disappear astern.
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Ushuaia
Disembark and connect back to Buenos Aires or Santiago for onward travel. PUBLIC ROUTING RULE: do not promise a specific Antarctic landing site, channel, penguin colony or wildlife sighting. The operator determines the route according to conditions.
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The Expedition Experience
Purpose-built for the polar world The ship is the base, but the expedition happens off it — in Zodiacs, on shore, on deck and through the expertise of the field team.
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National Geographic Polar Vessel
Purpose-built expedition ships with observation areas and equipment designed for high-latitude exploration.
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Zodiac & Shore Exploration
Frequent departures from the ship for landings, ice cruising and wildlife encounters as conditions allow.
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Naturalists & Photography
Expedition leaders, naturalists and photography experts help guests understand the landscape and capture it responsibly.
Included in your journey
- Accommodation aboard the expedition ship and included hotel nights as specified by the confirmed itinerary.
- Meals and standard onboard beverages as provided in the selected program.
- Expedition landings, Zodiac cruises and included activities using operator-supplied exploration equipment.
- Guidance of expedition leaders, naturalists and photography experts.
- Included port fees, permits and site fees specified by the operator.
- Standard expedition amenities and basic Wi-Fi as specified by the confirmed departure.
Not included
- International airfare and any recommended group flights unless specifically stated as included in the confirmed booking.
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions or extra hotel nights not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Crew gratuities where not included by the specific program.
- Spa treatments, laundry, premium personal purchases and other optional services.
- Travel protection, passports, visas and personal expenses.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Make it your own
A voyage rewritten in your name
Add Buenos Aires or Santiago time, Patagonia, Iguazú Falls or other South America extensions before or after the expedition.