Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage
Join Dr. Robert Bindschadler aboard the Dec. 1, 2024 departure
Robert Bindschadler
Former Chief Scientist, NASA’s Hydropheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory
Senior Fellow, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
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
Join Ted Scambos aboard the Nov. 26, 2024, departure
Ted Scambos
Senior Research Scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center
From
$8,066
/ per person
Does not include any flights
View our brochures for more details
Antarctica 2024-26
From
$8,066
/ per person
View our brochures for more details
Antarctica 2024-26
From
$8,066
/ per person
View our brochures for more details
Antarctica 2024-26
Dates & Rates
Ships
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.
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Expedition Team
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.
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