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Antarctica

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

12 Days aboard National Geographic Endurance. Contact for pricing.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

Experience an in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with the pioneers of Antarctic cruising, featuring nine days on the continent—our longest, most comprehensive Antarctica experience available. This is the pinnacle of expeditionary travel as we push further south into rarely visited territory in pursuit of the Antarctic Circle. National Geographic Endurance, your home base for the adventure, is purpose-built to offer unprecedented access to these rarified places, and our diverse team of experts will ensure we maximize our time in the region. Along the way, Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs, watch for whales off the bow, kayak in tranquility, and hike onshore. 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.

Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
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Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the last great wilderness in the company of a team of veteran naturalists and take epic photographs with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert on board every departure
  • Watch whales off the bow; glide around enormous icebergs in Zodiacs; explore on shore; and kayak near porpoising gentoo, Adelie, and chinstrap penguins
  • Discover the unexpectedly dazzling undersea with a dedicated undersea specialist

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship
  • Day 3 and 4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Day 5 to 13: Deep Exploration Towards the Antarctica Circle
  • Day 14 and 15: At Sea
  • Day 16: Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the National Geographic Endurance please view the ship page.

View National Geographic Endurance

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
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Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina.

Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon, or similar (National Geographic Endurance).

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

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Embark the National Geographic Endurance.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3 and 4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of your journey is the best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you might be lucky enough to encounter killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know the ship and prepare for your adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ll soon be seeing or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge looking out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. If it does get a little rough, just take a couple of nice naps; you'll be in Antarctica before you know it.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5 to 13: Deep Exploration Towards the Antarctica Circle

With long hours of daylight at this time of year and nine days on the Continent, you'll experience more as you sail in the wake of history’s boldest explorers on a quest to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. Your schedule is flexible, and the state-of-the-art ship you'll be sailing on allows you to get deeper and go further to explore the unexpected—whether it's watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, walking amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins, enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise under the spectacular midnight sun or even discovering a new uncharted cove. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal, from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze.

One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level or embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. No matter where you go in Antarctica, you're surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich your experiences and the vessel's Icemaster Captain will navigate you safely through these icy waters.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 14 and 15: 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. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 16: Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Buenos Aires

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

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

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 11 Jan 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Cabin Details

Category 1

183 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.

Category 1
Category 1
Category 2

205 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.

Category 2
Category 2
Category 3

205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, main deck location.

Category 3
Category 3
Category 4

205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, lounge deck location.

Category 4
Category 4
Category 5

205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.

Category 5
Category 5
Category Solo A

140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the main deck.

Category Solo A
Category Solo A
Category Solo B

140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the lounge deck.

Category Solo B
Category Solo B
Category 6

344 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.

Category 6
Category 6
Category 7

430 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, large balcony, sofa, bathtub, walk-in closet, bridge deck location.

Category 7
Category 7

National Geographic Endurance Deckplan

National Geographic Endurance deck plan

Specifications

  • Guests: 138
  • Crew: 112
  • Cabins: 71
  • Length: 124.4m
  • Beam: 21m
  • Draft: 5.3m
  • Speed: 16.6 knots
  • Decks: 5
  • Ice Class: 5

What's included?

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer,  National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, Charaidew II, The Jahan, Aqua Blu, and Connect.
  • As part of our Suite Amenities program, complimentary laundry is available on suites booked on National Geographic Endurance Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Resolution Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Explorer Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Orion Categories 4, 5, and 6; National Geographic Quest Category 5; National Geographic Venture Category 5; National Geographic Endeavour II Suites A, B, and C; National Geographic Gemini Categories 5, 6, and 7; and the National Geographic Islander II Islander Suite.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
  • Complimentary National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photographer (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic fleet, except in Galápagos)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

What's not?

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

Important notes and additional information

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Antarctica travel guide

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Quest for the Antarctic Circle

12 Days aboard National Geographic Endurance. Contact for pricing.
No obligation enquiry