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.
    Duration: 17 days
    Passengers: 148 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: Unavailable
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

      Check in to the excellent Sofitel Buenos
      Aires (or similar) 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; Embark ation Day

      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 - Falkland Islands

      Each Falkland Island is a variation on the
      theme of topographical beauty with whitesand
      beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept
      moors and the sunlit yellows and sage
      greens of waving tussock grass. The
      Falklands boast thousands of irresistible
      gentoo, rockhopper & 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 5/6 - 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 7/11 - 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 12/13 - 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, and browse in the library. (B,L,D)

    • Day 14 - Falkland Islands

      Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean
      takes us once more to the island archipelago
      that teems with nature and wildlife. Take a
      last walk along the beautiful white-sand
      beaches, meander through tussock grass or
      sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. (B,L,D)

    • Day 15 - At Sea

      One last chance to send emails home saying
      “Don’t want this to end.” (B,L,D)

    • Day 16 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires; Disembarkation

      Disembark in Ushuaia with time to explore
      before flying to Buenos Aires 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

    Falkland Islands

    Boasting rugged scenery and excellent wildlife opportunities, including the Black-browed albatross, Elephant seals and a number of penguin species not found in Antarctica.

    Wandering Albatross

    Spectacular in flight and on the ground, with the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet; gracefully and effortlessly glides for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean to their nesting site on South Georgia.

    South Georgia; Wildlife Mecca

    Walk amidst tens of thousands of king penguins on a single beach. Hike in the footsteps of ‘the Boss’, Sir Ernest Shackleton and hear his tale of survival.

  • Inclusions

    Transfers, tour & accommodation

    Pre and post-cruise transfers are provided in your itinerary, along with a city tour and 1 night hotel accommodation

    Expedition Jacket

    A fully lined windproof, water resistant parka is included in the cost of your expedition.

    Free Bar & Gratuities

    The National Geographic Explorer will cover the costs of your bar tab and expedition gratuities*
    *On select items only

    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
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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.

1 - Twin Cabin with Porthole

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Twin cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings
USD$ 13,538pp
USD$ 13,538pp

2 - Twin Cabin with Window

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings
USD$ 14,443pp
USD$ 14,443pp

3 - Twin Cabin with Window

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings
USD$ 15,238pp
USD$ 15,238pp

4 - Superior cabin with Window

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Twin or double cabin, with private facilities with plenty of luxury finishings
USD$ 16,143pp
USD$ 16,143pp

SA - Single cabin with Porthole

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Single cabin, perfect for the decerning solo traveller
USD$ 18,054pp
USD$ 18,054pp

SB - Single cabin with Window

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Single cabin, perfect for the decerning solo traveller
USD$ 19,046pp
USD$ 19,046pp

5 - Superior cabin with Balcony

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Superior cabins with Balcony and luxury finishings
USD$ 19,543pp
USD$ 19,543pp

6 - Suite with Balcony

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
Suite cabin with Balcony and luxury finishings
USD$ 22,589pp
USD$ 22,589pp

7 - Suite with Balcony

24 Oct 2017 - 09 Nov 2017
The largest suites with Balcony and luxury finishings
USD$ 26,207pp
USD$ 26,207pp