Antarctica

63° 55′ S 59° 33′ W

Gentoo Penguin highway at Neko Harbor, Antarctic Peninsula
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightJourney to Antarctica: The White Continent

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

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Highlights

Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer enjoy the Yalour Islands, Antarctica by Zodiac
  • Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists celebrating Lindblad’s 50-plus years of expedition heritage

  • Hike on magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and watch for gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins

  • Kayak in protected waters, paddling as penguins swim nearby

  • Early November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

2023-24 Expedition


Starts at

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ends at

Ushuaia, Argentina

Download Itinerary

Days 1-2

Buenos Aires, Argentina (National Geographic Explorer & National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution)

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer; National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar, Explorer) or Alvear Icon (or similar, National Geographic Endurance) 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.

Or check into the Mandarin Oriental (or similar, National Geographic Resolution) before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. This area is excellent for photos!

Meals Included: Lunch

Days 1-2

Buenos Aires, Argentina (National Geographic Explorer & National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution)

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer; National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar, Explorer) or Alvear Icon (or similar, National Geographic Endurance) 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.

Or check into the Mandarin Oriental (or similar, National Geographic Resolution) before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. This area is excellent for photos!

Meals Included: Lunch

Day 3

Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark

Fly southward to Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Before departing, visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board your ship and ready to meet the White Continent.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark

Fly southward to Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Before departing, visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board your ship and ready to meet the White Continent.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins. Or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as we begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins. Or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Exploring Antarctica

Ice! It’s probably the very first thing most people think about when the topic of Antarctica comes up, and once you’re here it never disappoints. From icebergs the size of islands to the fragile, nearly invisible layers glistening on the surface where the sea has just begun to freeze, from near-vertical glaciers pouring down the slopes of every mountain to the endless landscapes of sea ice, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know it well: hiking, kayaking, and cruising in the Zodiacs through this frozen world.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Exploring Antarctica

Ice! It’s probably the very first thing most people think about when the topic of Antarctica comes up, and once you’re here it never disappoints. From icebergs the size of islands to the fragile, nearly invisible layers glistening on the surface where the sea has just begun to freeze, from near-vertical glaciers pouring down the slopes of every mountain to the endless landscapes of sea ice, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know it well: hiking, kayaking, and cruising in the Zodiacs through this frozen world.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Exploring Antarctica

Our sturdy Zodiac landing craft are really the heart and soul of our explorations in the Antarctic. These tough, stable little motorized boats maneuver easily through ice-choked waters, getting us ashore safely in even the most remote and challenging locations. And simply cruising in the Zodiacs is just as much fun. What’s around the next corner? A leopard seal relaxing on an ice floe or a chance to photograph an exquisite arched iceberg that no one has ever seen before? We never know until we get there, but it’s always a thrill.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Exploring Antarctica

Our sturdy Zodiac landing craft are really the heart and soul of our explorations in the Antarctic. These tough, stable little motorized boats maneuver easily through ice-choked waters, getting us ashore safely in even the most remote and challenging locations. And simply cruising in the Zodiacs is just as much fun. What’s around the next corner? A leopard seal relaxing on an ice floe or a chance to photograph an exquisite arched iceberg that no one has ever seen before? We never know until we get there, but it’s always a thrill.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Exploring Antarctica

Penguins, without any doubt, are the most popular residents of Antarctica, and we will have many chances to get to know them well. Their colonies are almost always close to the beach, so it’s very easy to get great photos. In the short Antarctic summer these amazing birds are always busy with the many tasks of breeding and raising their chicks, so every month brings something new. In November the adults are squabbling over the pebbles they use to build their nests. By late December the first chicks are tucked in under their parents, peeping out at the world. And in February the chicks have left their nests and are very active, learning to swim and getting ready to fend for themselves.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Exploring Antarctica

Penguins, without any doubt, are the most popular residents of Antarctica, and we will have many chances to get to know them well. Their colonies are almost always close to the beach, so it’s very easy to get great photos. In the short Antarctic summer these amazing birds are always busy with the many tasks of breeding and raising their chicks, so every month brings something new. In November the adults are squabbling over the pebbles they use to build their nests. By late December the first chicks are tucked in under their parents, peeping out at the world. And in February the chicks have left their nests and are very active, learning to swim and getting ready to fend for themselves.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Exploring Antarctica

Everywhere we go in the Antarctic we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images with our cameras. Whether we are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, getting close to seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, we are always in the company of a National Geographic photography expert and a certified photo instructor who share what they see and help us to perfect both the art and the technique of our own photography. The impossibly gorgeous blue in the heart of an iceberg, a penguin tenderly feeding its tiny chick or a glorious sunset over frozen ocean, shots like these surround us every day. Learning to capture these perfect moments is both a wonderful challenge and a huge thrill.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Exploring Antarctica

Everywhere we go in the Antarctic we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images with our cameras. Whether we are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, getting close to seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, we are always in the company of a National Geographic photography expert and a certified photo instructor who share what they see and help us to perfect both the art and the technique of our own photography. The impossibly gorgeous blue in the heart of an iceberg, a penguin tenderly feeding its tiny chick or a glorious sunset over frozen ocean, shots like these surround us every day. Learning to capture these perfect moments is both a wonderful challenge and a huge thrill.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Exploring Antarctica

Exploring Antarctica also means simply relaxing and watching while our ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge, visit the officers on the Bridge, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance. We'll make transits of world-famous passages like the Lemaire Channel and Antarctic Sound and go ashore on the continent itself, but we'll also visit equally amazing islands and places you haven't yet heard of!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Exploring Antarctica

Exploring Antarctica also means simply relaxing and watching while our ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge, visit the officers on the Bridge, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance. We'll make transits of world-famous passages like the Lemaire Channel and Antarctic Sound and go ashore on the continent itself, but we'll also visit equally amazing islands and places you haven't yet heard of!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11-12

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos, or send a message home to friends and family. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11-12

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos, or send a message home to friends and family. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-14

Disembark Ushuaia / Fly to Buenos Aires (Explorer, Endurance) or Santiago (Resolution) / Home

Today we disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Buenos Aires or Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.

IMPORTANT: Some departures may have a slightly modified itinerary. Please confirm departure and arrival cities with an Expedition Specialist before booking your flights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Days 13-14

Disembark Ushuaia / Fly to Buenos Aires (Explorer, Endurance) or Santiago (Resolution) / Home

Today we disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Buenos Aires or Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.

IMPORTANT: Some departures may have a slightly modified itinerary. Please confirm departure and arrival cities with an Expedition Specialist before booking your flights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Download Itinerary

NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins.  Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details. 

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Ship National Geographic Explorer - Ilulissat, Arctic, Greenland

National Geographic Explorer

Guests

148

Cabins

81

National Geographic Explorer: The Standard for Exploration

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.

Ship National Geographic Endurance.

National Geographic Endurance

Guests

138

Cabins

76

The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat offering unprecedented access to polar regions

The first new polar build in Lindblad’s 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully-stabilized vessel of ice class PC5 Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.

Ship National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution

Guests

138

Cabins

76

The sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, she explores polar & temperate regions

One of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.  A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Resolution’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions—and, since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride as well. 

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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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Expedition leaders take guests to explore daily by skiff in the Amazon

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Guests from the Lindblad Expedition ship National Geographic Explorer take the Polar Plunge off ice floe in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, Southern Ocean.

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Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience


Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, where endless white mountains roll to the horizon and massive glaciers churn icebergs into the sea. Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard one of our three state-of-the-art expedition ships. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; glide around enormous icebergs in Zodiacs; and hike, kayak, and 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.

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Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience

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Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience

From

$15,840

/ per person

Book Now
Book before Jun 30

ROUND-TRIP AIR INCLUDED UP TO $2,000

See all offers

View our brochures for more details

Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free

Antarctica 2023-25

Polar Discovery: Voyages to Antarctica & the Arctic 2023-25

Antarctica: A How-to Guide to a Safe & Rewarding Antarctica Experience