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Request further details or information.National Geographic-Argentina, South Georgia & The Falklands
If the epic stories of discovery, endurance and polar explorers like Shackleton, or the sheer magnificence of ice-capped peaks don’t grab you, the wildlife certainly will: penguins (king, gentoo and macaroni), sea lions, fur seals and enormous elephant seals cozy up to these shores. Only here on South Georgia can you observe one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: literally, 100,000 king penguins on a single beach. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.
When to go? Nowhere is springtime as intense as in the southern ocean. In October, the land is fueled by sunlight and food and life here explodes in a frantic race to breed. It is the best time to see the raucous courtship behavior of the penguins: calling for mates and flashing and preening their bright colors. You can walk the beaches as thousands of king parents go about their busy lives. October is also the absolute best time to visit the Peninsula Valdes, the main breeding site for the endangered southern right whales. The great whales concentrate here in large numbers to give birth and find mates. What makes them particularly captivating is their curiosity and interest in contact with humans--an unforgettable experience.
So join us, South Georgia, the Falklands and the Peninsula Valdes explode with life after a long winter. And, we've added some really fun time in Buenos Aires, with plenty of exclusive events. These are the ultimate destinations for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and captivating history, and will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.
When to go? Nowhere is springtime as intense as in the southern ocean. In October, the land is fueled by sunlight and food and life here explodes in a frantic race to breed. It is the best time to see the raucous courtship behavior of the penguins: calling for mates and flashing and preening their bright colors. You can walk the beaches as thousands of king parents go about their busy lives. October is also the absolute best time to visit the Peninsula Valdes, the main breeding site for the endangered southern right whales. The great whales concentrate here in large numbers to give birth and find mates. What makes them particularly captivating is their curiosity and interest in contact with humans--an unforgettable experience.
So join us, South Georgia, the Falklands and the Peninsula Valdes explode with life after a long winter. And, we've added some really fun time in Buenos Aires, with plenty of exclusive events. These are the ultimate destinations for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and captivating history, and will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.
Departures
National Geographic-Argentina, South Georgia & The Falklands
18 October, 2012 to 09 November, 2012
18 October, 2012 to 09 November, 2012
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Category 1
$13780.00 USD pp
Main Deck with one or two Portholes
Category 2
$14590.00 USD pp
Main Deck with Window
Category 3
$15330.00 USD pp
Main Deck with Window
Category 4
$15950.00 USD pp
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window
Category 2 Solo
$18240.00 USD pp
Main Deck with Window
Category 3 Solo
$19160.00 USD pp
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window
Category 5
$19380.00 USD pp
Upper Deck with Balcony
Category 6
$22350.00 USD pp
Veranda Deck - Suite and Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony
Category 7
$25900.00 USD pp
Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony
National Geographic-Argentina, South Georgia & The Falklands itinerary:
DAY 1 U.S./Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart Miami on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Please inquire for other gateways.
DAY 2 — Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel
We arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the luxurious Caesar Park Hotel. We have planned several exclusive events during our three days in Argentina's capital city. This afternoon, we visit the pink Presidential Palace, whose famous balcony is forever associated with Eva Peron, the old quarter of San Telmo, and La Boca, with its striking multi-colored houses. An exclusive event is planned at El Zanjon, a beautifully restored residence and the city's finest archaeological venue. Walk along the colorfully illuminated underground tunnels, unveiling the very beginnings of the city, and end our day with a wine toast. (L)
DAY 3 — Buenos Aires/Overnight Hotel
Today we explore the city's cultural heritage, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, the Museum of Latin American Art and the impressive Evita Museum. A short walk through the famed Recoleta Cemetery shows us local history n a snapshot: presidents, artists and influential Argentineans lie in this eclectic landmark. In the bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo we witness another cultural icon: the Tango. After a delicious dinner of Argentine beef and wine, you'll have an exclusive visit to the most authentic tango venue in Buenos Aires. El Viejo Almacen has housed stories of treachery and love, singers and dancers, knives and poems--and always gathers the best musicians and dancers in town. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — Buenos Aires/Embark Ship
Today we exeprience elegant country living at a beautiful private estancia (ranch). Enjoy the grounds, and savor a typical Argentinean barbecue, before ending the day aboard National Geographic Explorer, set on a southerly course. (B,L,D)
DAY 5-6 — At Sea—South Atlantic Ocean
We relax and settle in to shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from our Naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness ahead and spending time on deck and on the Bridge, scanning for seabirds and whales. There's time to tak full advantage of the ship's amenities: workout in the Fitness Center, indulge in the spa or sauna, browse the library or relax in the Observation Lounge. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia
Our staff has been longing to return to the Peninsula Valdes since 2005. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peninsula Valdes is a wildlife haven where the endangered southern right whales come to breed, mate and calve their young. October is the peak of the migration season, and at this time of year the cows and newborn calves can be seen, often in water as shallow as 15 feet. We take smaller boats out to the bay and look for these behemoths. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — At Sea--South Atlantic
During our day 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 our ship: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross. (B,L,D)
DAY 9-10 — 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 the largest albatross colony in the world, thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and elephant seals. (B,L,D)
DAY 11-12 — At Sea
Seabirds above, whales beneath as we head to our next destination: South Georgia Island. (B,L,D)
DAY 13-18 — South Georgia Island
These days are devoted to exploring the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible. Throughout our journey there will be 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'll take you to a vast king penguin colony where you may come upon 100,000 kings! (B,L,D)
DAY 19-20 — At Sea
These days are spent relaxing at Sea in the Southern Ocean, enjoying the amenities of the ship, hearing talks from our expedition staff, and absorbing all that we've seen and heard so far. (B,L,D)
DAY 21 — Falkland Islands
Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with the wondes of nature and wildlife. Take a last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through the tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. And, our visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, hoist a few at the famous Upland Goose pub and meander this remote Victorian town. (B,L,D)
DAY 22 — At Sea
Our final day at sea allows us time to relax and reflect on all that we have seen and learned. At the Bridge, observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers navigate the same waters that Shackleton and his expedition sailed aboard the Endurance. Sometimes misty and gray, other times calm and clear, the crossing is unforgettable — a milestone in any adventurer’s personal travel history. (B,L,D)
DAY 23-24 — Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark/Bueno Aires/Fly to US
Our journey ends in Ushuaia this morning, with time to explore before boarding our chartered LAN Chile flight to Buenos Aires, and an overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Capacity: 148 guests in 81 outside cabins.
Registry: Bahamas. Overall Length: 356 feet.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
