Southern Right Whale breaching out of the water in Península Valdés Patagonia Argentina.
Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Explorer in South Georgia, Antarctica
A beautiful Long-tailed Meadowlark bird posing in the bush in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
Guests explore Gold Harbor by zodiac, South Georgia Island, Antarctica
Two adult King penguins stand among Oakum boys in St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia Island.
Southern Right Whale breaching out of the water in Península Valdés Patagonia Argentina.
ExpeditionsWild Coasts of Argentina, South Georgia and the Falklands

Wild Coasts of Argentina, South Georgia and the Falklands  

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Discover Argentina's rugged eastern coast as we seek out secluded ports, wildlife-rich estuaries, and the vibrant waters of World Heritage-listed Península Valdés, where our arrival coincides with the whale breeding season. Get immersed in a sea of black and white amid tens of thousands of king penguins on a remote beach in South Georgia, then hike the rocky shores of the Falkland Islands among fur seals and the world's largest colony of black-browed albatrosses.

Highlights

Southern right whale during the calving and mating season, Valdes Peninsula, Argentina
  • Travel aboard National Geographic Endurance to experience the stunning beauty of Argentina’s rugged east coast and isles of the South Atlantic

  • Seek out the whale-rich waters of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Peninsula Valdés to observe southern right whales in their annual breeding grounds—one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles

  • Capture the windswept beauty of the Falklands—and the black-browed albatrosses and penguins that thrive here—with guidance from a National Geographic Photography Expert

  • Trace the spellbinding story of Shackleton’s fateful expedition on South Georgia and get immersed in a sea of black and white amid tens of thousands of stately king penguins

  • Discover the burgeoning wine region of Bahia Bustamante and visit Patagonia Austral National Park and Blue Patagonia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

duration
25 Days
starts at
Buenos Aires, Argentina
ends at
Ushuaia, Argentina

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Patagonia and Beyond

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348
duration
25 Days
starts at
Buenos Aires, Argentina
ends at
Ushuaia, Argentina

View our brochures for more details

Patagonia and Beyond

See More Brochures
duration
25 Days
starts at
Buenos Aires, Argentina
ends at
Ushuaia, Argentina

View our brochures for more details

Patagonia and Beyond

See More Brochures

Itinerary


Starts atBuenos Aires, Argentina
Ends atUshuaia, Argentina

Days 1-2

Days 1 & 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina / Embark Ship

Arrive in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon, or similar.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on Day 2.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Days 1-2

Days 1 & 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina / Embark Ship

Arrive in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon, or similar.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on Day 2.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 3

Montevideo, Uruguay

Arrive in Uruguay’s vibrant capital city and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles, ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco, or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch, where you'll enjoy a traditional asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Montevideo, Uruguay

Arrive in Uruguay’s vibrant capital city and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles, ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco, or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch, where you'll enjoy a traditional asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

At Sea

As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from your onboard naturalists and visit the ship's open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

At Sea

As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from your onboard naturalists and visit the ship's open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-6

Bahía Blanca / At Sea

Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. As you make your way back to the coast, visit one the world’s largest colonies of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of the colorful birds that make their nests here. Once back on board, spend time on deck with your naturalists or relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-6

Bahía Blanca / At Sea

Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. As you make your way back to the coast, visit one the world’s largest colonies of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of the colorful birds that make their nests here. Once back on board, spend time on deck with your naturalists or relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7-8

Puerto Madryn

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world's most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Your arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing your chances for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Set foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo and the ostrich-like rhea. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7-8

Puerto Madryn

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world's most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Your arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing your chances for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Set foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo and the ostrich-like rhea. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10

Bahía Bustamante

Included in Patagonia Austral Marine National Park and the UNESCO-listed Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve, Bahía Bustamante is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Argentina. Steppes of inland Patagonia meet the sea, providing a rugged backdrop to the white-sand beaches and clear waters. Take a Zodiac cruise or kayak along the coast to observe an abundance of wildlife, such as blue-eyed and rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, sea lions and more. Learn about the rugged ranchers who settled in the region–remote and still largely wild–in the 1950s and built sustainable wool production on the grasslands and harvested seaweed from the sea.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10

Bahía Bustamante

Included in Patagonia Austral Marine National Park and the UNESCO-listed Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve, Bahía Bustamante is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Argentina. Steppes of inland Patagonia meet the sea, providing a rugged backdrop to the white-sand beaches and clear waters. Take a Zodiac cruise or kayak along the coast to observe an abundance of wildlife, such as blue-eyed and rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, sea lions and more. Learn about the rugged ranchers who settled in the region–remote and still largely wild–in the 1950s and built sustainable wool production on the grasslands and harvested seaweed from the sea.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Puerto Deseado / At Sea

Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson's dolphin–one of the smallest cetaceans in the world–and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve's unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop of war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina's southern coast.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Puerto Deseado / At Sea

Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson's dolphin–one of the smallest cetaceans in the world–and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve's unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop of war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina's southern coast.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Falkland Islands

Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation on rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife–from thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatrosses, elephant and fur seals and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with your naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Falkland Islands

Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation on rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife–from thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatrosses, elephant and fur seals and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with your naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 14-15

At Sea

As you journey across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join your naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.

Days 14-15

At Sea

As you journey across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join your naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.

Days 16-20

South Georgia Island

Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. The schedule is flexible, and there will be opportunities to walk, hike, kayak or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatrosses; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer's final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 16-20

South Georgia Island

Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. The schedule is flexible, and there will be opportunities to walk, hike, kayak or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatrosses; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer's final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 21-22

At Sea / Falklands

After time at sea, return to the Falklands archipelago and its natural wonders. Stroll around the lively Victorian town of Port Stanley, the largest and most populated city in the Falklands, and mingle with islanders at a local pub in this remote outpost. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 21-22

At Sea / Falklands

After time at sea, return to the Falklands archipelago and its natural wonders. Stroll around the lively Victorian town of Port Stanley, the largest and most populated city in the Falklands, and mingle with islanders at a local pub in this remote outpost. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 23-24

Falklands / At Sea

As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross the bow and follow in the ship's wake. Soak up final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers and toast your epic voyage at a farewell dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 23-24

Falklands / At Sea

As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross the bow and follow in the ship's wake. Soak up final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers and toast your epic voyage at a farewell dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25

Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take the recommended flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your flight home.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 25

Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take the recommended flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your flight home.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meals Included: Breakfast

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

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

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