South Georgia and the Falklands
17 Days - National Geographic Endurance
Pack your sense of intrigue and favorite photography gear for an in-depth expedition covering two of the most remote subantarctic island destinations. Witness wildlife on an incomparable scale on South Georgia, where elephant seals lumber, untold thousands of king penguins gather on a single beach, and Sir Ernest Shackleton rests for eternity. In the Falklands, discover vast colonies of nesting albatrosses and rockhopper penguins and visit isolated settlements where locals still live off the land.
from AUD $37444pp
Home » 17 Day National Geographic Endurance: South Georgia and the Falklands
Itinerary Highlights
- Hike in the footsteps of “the Boss,” Sir Ernest Shackleton, and toast his gravesite in South Georgia
- Witness the spectacle of tens of thousands stately king penguins in South Georgia and observe magnificent albatross in the Falklands
- Explore the ice by Zodiac and paddle a kayak amid curious fur seals
- Compare aperture settings side by side with a National Geographic Photography Expert
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia / Embark
- Day 3: At Sea In The South Atlantic
- Day 4-5: Falkland Islands
- Day 6-7: At Sea
- Day 8-12: South Georgia Island
- Day 13-14: At Sea
- Day 15-16: Falklands / At Sea
- Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Transfer from the airport to the 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.
In the early evening, we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia / Embark
Fly southward to Ushuaia—aka ‘The End of the World’—sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the protected waters of Beagle Channel. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump sea lions and sleek imperial cormorants. By day’s end, embark and settle into your floating expedition home base.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: At Sea In The South Atlantic
Feel the excitement build as we depart South America and enter the chilly realm of the Far South Atlantic. Visit the Bridge (nerve center of the ship and ideal for spotting wildlife), enjoy a massage, and listen in on informal gatherings with our naturalist staff as they discuss what to expect in the wilds of the Falklands. Spend time on deck scanning the horizon for petrels, penguins, and albatross.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4-5: Falkland Islands
Everything we love about expedition travel seems to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture, and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf? Just a few steps further and you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins congregate here, along with magnificent albatross and fur seals.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6-7: At Sea
Expedition days at sea are an invitation to pause, catch a breath, and absorb some of the experiences we've already accumulated—before marching off on a range of all-new ones. It’s a great time to get some background on the history of Antarctic exploration and the flora, fauna, and geology of our next destination: South Georgia. And to learn from our naturalists how to identify the seabirds that inevitably follow us there: wandering albatross, prions, and others.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8-12: South Georgia Island
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, we plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13-14: At Sea
Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Head up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15-16: Falklands / At Sea
With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge, or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library, and observation deck. After time at sea, our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature. In the afternoon, we visit Stanley, the bright, pretty capital of the Falkland Islands, a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and we’ll have a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for our private charter flight to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
28 Feb 2025 - 16 Mar 2025 | AUD $37444pp | ||
Category 1 | AUD $37444pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 | AUD $38574pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 | AUD $46979pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 | AUD $51799pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 | AUD $57676pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | AUD $58761pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | AUD $64741pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 | AUD $66379pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 | AUD $73563pp | Contact us |
*Please note the charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return are not included on the cabin price listed. These will be extra.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1
183 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.
Category 2
205 square feet, 1 double bed, two large windows, alcove seating, desk, armchair, fore deck location.
Category 3
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, main deck location.
Category 4
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, lounge deck location.
Category 5
205 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.
Category Solo A
140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the main deck.
Category Solo B
140 square feet, solo cabin with balcony and sofa, located on the lounge deck.
Category 6
344 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, balcony, sofa, bridge deck location.
Category 7
430 square feet, 1 double bed, TV, desk, large balcony, sofa, bathtub, walk-in closet, bridge deck location.
National Geographic Endurance Deckplan
Specifications
- Guests: 138
- Crew: 112
- Cabins: 71
- Length: 124.4m
- Beam: 21m
- Draft: 5.3m
- Speed: 16.6 knots
- Decks: 5
- Ice Class: 5
Whats included?
- One pre-voyage hotel night in Buenos Aires
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- Group transfers
- All meals during your voyage
- Selected alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Use of kayaks
- Port fees and service taxes
- Gratuities
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Internal airfares mentioned in itinerary are optional and not included*
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Any item not listed as included
Notes
*Please note the charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return are not included on the cabin price listed. These will be extra.