South Georgia and the Falklands | Endurance | IExpedition

South Georgia and the Falklands

  • Overview

    Pack your sense of intrigue and favorite photography gear for an in-depth expedition covering two of the most remote subantarctic island destinations. Witness wildlife on an incomparable scale on South Georgia, where elephant seals lumber, untold thousands of king penguins gather on a single beach, and Sir Ernest Shackleton rests for eternity. In the Falklands, discover vast colonies of nesting albatrosses and rockhopper penguins and visit isolated settlements where locals still live off the land.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Hike in the footsteps of “the Boss,” Sir Ernest Shackleton, and toast his gravesite in South Georgia

    • Witness the spectacle of tens of thousands stately king penguins in South Georgia and observe magnificent albatross in the Falklands

    • Explore the ice by Zodiac and paddle a kayak amid curious fur seals

    • Compare aperture settings side by side with a National Geographic Photography Expert

    Duration: 17 days
    Passengers: 126 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: Unavailable
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

      Arrive in Buenos Aires. Settle into the Alvear Icon or similar before setting out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina’s iconic first lady,
      Eva Perón — and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums.

      In the early evening, we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.

    • Day 2 - Fly to Ushuaia / Embark

      Fly southward to Ushuaia—aka ‘The End of the World’—sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the protected waters of Beagle Channel. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump sea lions and sleek imperial cormorants. By day’s end, embark and settle into your floating expedition home base.

    • Day 3 - At Sea In The South Atlantic

      Feel the excitement build as we depart South America and enter the chilly realm of the Far South Atlantic. Visit the Bridge (nerve center of the ship and ideal for spotting wildlife), enjoy a massage, and listen in on informal gatherings with our naturalist staff as they discuss what to expect in the wilds of the Falklands. Spend time on deck scanning the horizon for petrels, penguins, and albatross.

    • Day 4/5 - Falkland Islands

      Everything we love about expedition travel seems to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you 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? Just a few steps further and you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins congregate here, along with magnificent albatross and fur seals.

    • Day 6/7 - At Sea

      Expedition days at sea are an invitation to pause, catch a breath, and absorb some of the experiences we’ve already accumulated—before marching off on a range of all-new ones. It’s a great time to get some background on the history of Antarctic exploration and the flora, fauna, and geology of our next destination: South Georgia. And to learn from our naturalists how to identify the seabirds that inevitably follow us there: wandering albatross, prions, and others.

    • Day 8/12 - 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. Sailing along the coast, we plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins.

    • Day 13/14 - At Sea

      Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Head up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

    • Day 15/16 - Falklands / At Sea

      With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge, or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library, and observation deck. After time at sea, our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature. In the afternoon, we visit Stanley, the bright, pretty capital of the Falkland Islands, 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 we’ll have a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about 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.

    • Day 17 - Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile

      After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for our private charter flight to Santiago or Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home.

    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
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
    - Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
    - Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
    - 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
    - Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
    - Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
    - Complimentary reusable water bottle
    - Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
    - Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
    - Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
    - Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
    - Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
    - Crew gratuities
    - Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
    - All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Travel protection plans
    - Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
    - Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
    - Pre- and post-expedition extensions
    - Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
    - Passport / visa & immigration fees
    - Private transfers
  • Map
    Screenshot 2023 07 12 at 14.17.09
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation.

    Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.

     

    TOOLS FOR EXPLORATION:

    Expedition Landing Craft
    Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 8 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use is 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.

    Remotely Operated Vehicle
    Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colourful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.

    Kayaks
    National Geographic Endurance will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.

    Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.

    Underwater camera
    Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colourful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrives in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.

    Video microscope
    Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.

    Hydrophone
    This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real-time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.

    Electronic charts
    An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.

    Open bridge
    You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

     

     

     

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 126
    Crew #:
    Ice Class: PC5
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2020
    Length: 124m
    Width:
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 1250
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets: 2 Flat
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.
national geographic endurance cat 1 cabin

Category 1

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Fore Deck, with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, and a closet.
USD$ 22,079pp
USD$ 22,079pp
national geographic endurance cat 2 cabin

Category 2

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Fore Deck, with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, 2 seat sofa, coffee table, armchair, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 22,739pp
USD$ 22,739pp
national geographic endurance cat 3 cabin

Category 3

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 27,696pp
USD$ 27,696pp
national geographic endurance cat 4 cabin

Category 4

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, hammock, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 30,538pp
USD$ 30,538pp
national geographic endurance cat 5 cabin

Category 5

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 34,000pp
USD$ 34,000pp
national geographic endurance cat SA cabin

Category SA (Single)

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs and a table; single bed, writing desk with an office chair, bedside table, and a closet.
USD$ 34,639pp
USD$ 34,639pp
national geographic endurance cat SB cabin

Category SB (Single)

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed, bedside table, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
USD$ 38,168pp
USD$ 38,168pp
national geographic endurance cat 6 cabin

Category 6

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
USD$ 39,134pp
USD$ 39,134pp
national geographic endurance cat 7 cabin

Category 7

08 Oct 2024 - 24 Oct 2024
Large Balcony Suite that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen. Large Suite sized bathroom with double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, rain shower, separate bathroom with toilet. Sofa bed, coffee table, writing desk and chair, hammock, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Suites include a Bose Bluetooth player.
USD$ 43,363pp
USD$ 43,363pp