Lindblad Expeditions

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Price from
$8,138
Departure Date(s)
22 departures between Dec 2024 and Mar 2026
Ship
National Geographic Explorer
Duration
8 days
A Gentoo penguin jumps out of the water in Antarctica

Overview

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, bypass the traditional Drake Passage crossing on a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike, kayak, and (in November) even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.

Highlights

  • Get a head start on your Antarctica experience by flying across the Drake Passage from Puerto Natales to King George Island, landing at the Chilean research station which permanently operates there
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage
  • Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins
  • Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby
  • November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting
  • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales

Available Itineraries

Our portfolio of immersive itineraries allows you to choose where and how you'd like to explore the Antarctic with the best expedition team available.

Ships

National Geographic Explorer

Guests
148
Cabins
81

Built to handle deep swells and towering waves, National Geographic Explorer invites polar exploration while providing exceptional comfort.

Originally constructed to navigate Norway’s famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her high degree of maneuverability, ideal size, and platform for discovery made National Geographic Explorer a natural choice for addition to the Lindblad Expeditions fleet. Her rebuild drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise.

Today, National Geographic Explorer is a purpose-built expedition ship. She is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort, elegance and a deep connection to the environment.

Explore Ship
National Geographic Explorer

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