national geographic explorer luxury south georgia cruise

South Georgia and the Falklands

  • Overview

    Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: king, Gentoo, and macaroni penguins, enormous elephant seals and a thriving fur seal population. On South Georgia you can observe one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles: tens of thousands of stately king penguins on a single beach. See the human face of the region in the Falklands, reminiscent of Great Britain, with grazing sheep, tea and crumpets. And in this privileged place, the albatross reveal the beauty of their mysterious lives.

    • Walk amid stately king penguins—tens of thousands on a single beach in South Georgia.
    • Observe magnificent albatross in the Falklands, and see Magellanic penguins peeking from their burrows.
    • Hike in the footsteps of “the Boss,” Sir Ernest Shackleton, and hear his tale of survival.
    • Paddle a kayak amid curious fur seals, and explore in a Zodiac among the bergs.
    • Compare aperture settings side-by-side with a National Geographic photographer.

     

    IMPORTANT: Please note that this voyage starts and finishes in Ushuaia, Argentina. It does not included the flight components as stated in the itinerary. 

    Duration: 16 days
    Passengers: 148 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

      Check in to the excellent Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similiar) before having a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel. (L)

    • Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia; Embarkation

      This morning's charter flight will bring us over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, you'll have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, you'll embark the expedition ship and set sail, (B,L,D)

    • Day 3 - At Sea In The South Atlantic

      Settle into shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from our naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. Spend time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds, notably the albatross. (B,L,D)

    • Day 4/5 - Falkland Islands

      Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and elephant seals. Our visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, and stroll around this remote Victorian town. (B,L,D)

    • Day 6/7 - At Sea

      During our days at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow us: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross. (B,L,D)

    • Day 8/14 - South Georgia Island

      Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely circumnavigating the island, we plan to make stops every day including Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. And, we visit a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins! (B,L,D)

    • Day 15 - At Sea

      With whales beneath and birds above, head out on deck or up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these waters. There’ll also be time to relax and enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, browse in the library, and hear talks on all you have seen from our expedition team. (B,L,D)

    • Day 16 - Falkland Islands

      Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature and wildlife. Our afternoon visit to Stanley, the capital, offers a chance to see the human face of the islands, to meet the hospitable locals, and perhaps hoist a drink at a local pub. Stroll around the remote colonial town, and visit the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world, which graces the nation’s paper money; it’s a simple yet beautiful structure with an unusual treasure: an arch made of the giant jaw bones of two blue whales erected in the yard. (B,L,D)

    • Day 17 - Disembark in Stanley, the Falklands / Fly to Santiago, Chile

      After breakfast, disembark in Stanley, the Falklands, with time to explore before flying to Santiago by private charter, if required. (B,L)

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    The National Geographic Explorer carries kayaks designed to get guests of all experience and fitness levels out on the water comfortably and safely. And more than just a token few, we carry a veritable fleet to ensure everyone who wants to can.

    Included

    Charter Flights (National Geographic)

    The National Geographic vessels often require charter flights which are an additional cost.

    Estimated costs for these flights range between AU$1,000 - $1,500pp.

    They are recommended but not mandatory.

    USD$ 1,020 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Transfers as per itinerary
    - Permits / Park fees & Port taxes
    - Hotels as per itinerary
    - Physician
    - Expedition excursions
    - Hot beverages
    - All meals on board

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Internet & Phone
    - Expedition extensions
    - Passport / visa & immigration fees
    - Private transfers
    - Additional hotel nights
    - International & Internal airfare
    - Spa treatments
    - Gratuities
    - Laundry
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 05 at 3.40.42 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

    Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the National Geographic alliance, her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, we completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions we explore. She provides a peerless expedition experience. Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury expedition vessel
    • Affiliated with National Geographic
    • Dining room & Bistro
    • Large observation decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Library
    • Observation lounge
    • 24 hour beverage station
    • Wellness Centre
    • Gym
    • laundry
    • Spa
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 148
    Crew #: 70
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 18
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 112m
    Width: 16
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 6471
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
national geographic explorer category 1 cabin

1 - Twin Cabin with Porthole

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Twin cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings.
USD$ 15,551pp
USD$ 15,551pp
national geographic explorer category 2 cabin

2 - Twin Cabin with Window

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings.
USD$ 16,313pp
USD$ 16,313pp
national geographic explorer category 3 cabin

3 - Twin Cabin with Window

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings.
USD$ 17,421pp
USD$ 17,421pp
national geographic explorer category 4 cabin

4 - Superior cabin with Window

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings.
USD$ 18,149pp
USD$ 18,149pp
national geographic explorer category SA Single cabin

SA - Single cabin with Porthole

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Single cabin, perfect for the decerning solo traveller.
USD$ 20,393pp
USD$ 20,393pp
national geographic explorer category SB Single cabin

SB - Single cabin with Window

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Single cabin, perfect for the decerning solo traveller.
USD$ 21,753pp
USD$ 21,753pp
national geographic explorer category 5 cabin

5 - Superior cabin with Balcony

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Superior cabins with Balcony and luxury finishings.
USD$ 22,433pp
USD$ 22,433pp
national geographic explorer category 6 cabin

6 - Suite with Balcony

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
Suite cabin with Balcony and luxury finishings.
USD$ 25,833pp
USD$ 25,833pp
national geographic explorer category 7 cabin

7 - Suite with Balcony

25 Oct 2020 - 09 Nov 2020
The largest suites with Balcony and luxury finishings. Please note this voyage may have additional charter flight costs.
USD$ 29,913pp
USD$ 29,913pp