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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage with National Geographic
  Varies pp

  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Destinations: Antarctica, Argentina, Chile, South America

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage with National Geographic

Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way with our eight, nine and ten-day options. 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 our intimately scaled National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Orion, purpose-built for polar exploration. 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 or snow-shoe 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 photographer.

Travel in November for premium conditions for photography, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking across the frozen sea. In December, there are Orcas and Humpback whales abound and clear waters allow undersea specialists to document an array of colorful creatures below. January is penguin season, as newborn penguins are waddling after their parents with Weddell seal pups close by the shores. February shows the newborn penguins become adventurous and jump into the icy blue waters during prime mating season for the Minke, Sperm, Southern Right and Humpback whales. Listen to the whale songs, and watch the curious, and highly intelligent, whales swim right up to the boat.

Call to Book 1-800-829-5448
Included With Your Trip

AAA Member Benefit

  • $100 per person shipboard credit on all sailings on National Geographic branded ships.

Aboard the Ship

  • Informed by more than 55+ years of polar experience, the 138-passenger National Geographic Endurance and her sister ship, National Geographic Resolution, are in a class of their own. Featuring sleek Scandinavian design and special amenities - including infinity hot tubs, fire pits, twin saunas and geodesic igloos that you can rent for an overnight stay - these highest ice-class vessels deliver the ultimate expedition experience in supreme comfort.

Ashore

  • 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
  • Marvel at the abundance of wildlife—a parade of gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; stealthy leopard seals; several species of whales from humpbacks to orcas; and more
  • Hike, kayak and Zodiac cruise in complete tranquility, surrounded by a pristine kingdom of snow and ice
  • November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting (excluding departures on National Geographic Orion)
  • Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with our exclusive family program, National Geographic Global Explorers
Additional Information

Available January, February, November & December 2025, 2026 and 2027


Day                      Destination

Day 1                               Puerto Natales, Chile

Day 2                               Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship 

Day 3 - 6                          Exploring Antarctica

Day 7                               King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship / Puerto Natales

Day 8                               Puerto Natales, Chile

Ask your AAA Travel Advisor to include a pre or post extension to your cruise, like the 5-Day Torres del Paine Pre-Extension tour, exploring Patagonia's Jewel!


Day 1
Puerto Natales, Chile

Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities.


Day 2
Puerto Natales / King George Island, Antarctica / Embark Ship

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your two-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you'll begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil, call the various stations home. Your flight will land at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Explorer will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail


Days 3-6
Exploring Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you'll have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.

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; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.

Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you'll be surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.


Day 7
King George Island / Disembark Ship / Puerto Natales

This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at your hotel.


Day 8
Puerto Natales, Chile

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.

Departure Dates
Start: November 14, 2025
End: November 21, 2025
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End: November 24, 2025
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End: November 26, 2026
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End: December 6, 2025
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End: December 11, 2025
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End: December 22, 2025
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End: December 28, 2025
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End: December 29, 2025
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End: January 3, 2026
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End: January 10, 2026
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End: January 17, 2026
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End: January 28, 2026
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End: February 8, 2026
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End: February 10, 2026
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Product Code: AAA-Lindblad

Please see Lindblad Expeditions brochure for deck plans, general information, cruise conditions and responsibility statement. Itinerary and times subject to change. Validity dates apply per product. Land only/cruise only unless otherwise specified. Wi-Fi connectivity and speed may vary based on destination. Gov't, misc. fees/taxes, optional excursions and travel insurance not included. Restrictions, limitations and agency fees may apply. Ask AAA for details. Member Benefits does not apply to bookings made onboard Delfin II, The Jahan, Lord of the Glens, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Oberoi Philae, and Sun Goddess. Agency #178-018-521