National Geographic the White Continent

Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (Explorer or Endurance) or Santiago (Orion). In Buenos Aires, settle into the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar) before seeing the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and the famous balcony associated with Eva Perón. In Santiago, check into the Hotel Santiago by Mandarin (or similar) before a guided overview of the vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes.

Fly by private charter to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and embark ship.

While crossing the legendary Drake Passage, spot albatross and other seabirds that glide alongside the ship.

With long hours of daylight this time of year, have ample opportunities to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible as to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales at play off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise or heading out on an unplanned excursion. Anticipate having opportunities each day to hike, kayak among the ice floe and experience close encounters with wildlife. Experience the thrill of watching the powerful ship crunch through the pack ice. Step ashore with thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. Learn how climate change affects the penguin populations and how best to capture images of penguins from a National Geographic photographer. Back aboard, the undersea specialist may present video from that day’s dive or show rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface using the ship’s ROV. The expert ship crew and National Geographic staff craft an expedition where each guests learns, sees, and experiences more.

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. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by charter to Buenos Aires or Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.

Included

One hotel night; all accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.

Exclusions

Air transportation; mandatory charter flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires or Santiago (inquire for pricing); personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; immigration and passport fees; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 to $2,500 (depending on season & cabin category) is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic White Continent cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), or Santiago, Chile (SCL), depending on your departure date. Embarkation time may vary based upon arrival of group flights from Miami, Florida (MIA). Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 13 of the outlined itinerary; departure times may vary depending on group flights to Miami, Florida. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions (Rates & Dates tab) and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of two checked bags weighing up to 57 lbs (25 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (8 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Special to departures in November/December is the option of cross-country skiing, dependent upon snowpack conditions and weather at that time. See the Accommodations tab for more information on what activities to expect aboard each vessel.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Third person rates are available in designated triple occupancy cabins on National Geographic Explorer at 1.5x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.