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    Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake

    Highlights

    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. 

    •  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

    Map/Itinerary

    Day 1Puerto 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 our hotel. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities. 

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

    Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our 2-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you 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 US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Our 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 as we begin exploring this amazing region.

    Day 3-6Exploring Antarctica

    With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our 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, we 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, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.

    Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience. 

    Day 7King 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, our flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where we overnight at our hotel.

    Day 8Puerto Natales

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

    Departure Time: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 3:45 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).
    Departure City: Puerto Natales, Chile

    Please note: this itinerary can last one or two additional days depending on the date of departure.

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    Inclusions

    • 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, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
    • Beer and wine with meals aboard. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
    • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our Lindblad Expeditions-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 
    • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  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 Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages 
    • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-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 Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
    • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes  

    Exclusions

    • The voyage price does not include the cost of the Mandatory charter flight. The 2024/2025 season charter flight is $1,000USD per guest each way. The 2025/2026 season charter flight is $1,500USD per guest each way.
    • 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) 
    • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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