Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent aboard the National Geographic Resolution
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent aboard the National Geographic Resolution
13 Days Starting and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Santiago, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16348
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Antarctica aboard the National Geographic Resolution, a state-of-the-art polar expedition ship. Begin your journey in Santiago, Chile, with a city tour before flying to Ushuaia, Argentina, to set sail. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, a rite of passage for explorers, and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. Experience the continent's breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, including seals, whales, and various penguin species. Enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight for endless exploration, whether kayaking among icebergs, hiking to stunning vistas, or capturing the perfect shot with guidance from a National Geographic photographer. Onboard, savor delicious meals and engage in informative sessions led by Antarctica experts. This expedition promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the raw beauty and majesty of the White Continent.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Santiago
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Centric Las Condes
Collette proudly offers an active, immersive adventure exploring Antarctica in an authentic expedition style aboard the National Geographic Resolution. See more of the legendary landscapes and inhabitants – encounter iconic penguins, leopard seals, and marine mammals; kayak among icebergs and Zodiac cruise past resting leopard seals; and hike on the continent with the best ice team on Earth. Through the efforts of an undersea specialist, you will also experience the seldom-seen Antarctic undersea. Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Santiago.
Day 2 : Santiago, Chile - Tour Begins
Location: Santiago
Accommodation Name: National Geographic Resolution
Arrive in Santiago, the capital city in Chile’s central valley. Enjoy a panoramic city tour and discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. In the early evening, gather for an informal reception at the hotel.
Day 3 : Santiago - Fly To Ushuaia - Embark Ship - At Sea
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Lunch
This morning we fly over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy lunch while cruising the Beagle Channel. Later, embark the National Geographic Resolution, a next-generation expedition ship uniquely equipped with a hull strengthened to “ice-class” and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions. With just 71 cabins and a maximum capacity of 138 passengers, the spacious and modern National Geographic Resolution offers a roster of tools for exploration and a variety of public areas for viewing the incredible passing landscape. In the ship’s spacious lounge, you will have informative presentations and a nightly recap of the day’s activities.
Day 4 : The Drake Passage - At Sea
Location: Drake Passage
Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Set between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, a crossing of the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable - a milestone in any adventurer's personal travel history. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life.
Day 5 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
The next six days are filled with discovering Antarctica, the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent is like nowhere else on the planet.
Day 6 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
The voyage keeps a flexible schedule (daily activities are contingent on weather conditions) to take advantage of the unexpected. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, make the most of your days with daily explorations.
Day 7 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
You may take a Zodiac foray amongst towering icebergs under a bright sun, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.
Day 8 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Today you could have the thrill of watching the ship crunch through the packed ice or step ashore to the cries of thousands of Gentoo penguins.
Day 9 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Learn from the experts how to identify different penguin species and get photo tips from a National Geographic photographer while watching those same penguins.
Day 10 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Onboard, the undersea specialist may present video from that day’s dive with rare images taken up to 1,000 feet below the surface. The expert staff will craft an expedition where you will learn more, see more and experience more.
Day 11 : At Sea
Location: Ushuaia
Leave Antarctica and sail back to Ushuaia, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. The ship’s spotters will keep an eye out for marine life, albatross and other seabirds that cross the ship’s bow.
Day 12 : At Sea
Location: Ushuaia
You may want to enjoy a wellness treatment, spend time in the gym, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, or participate in on board discussions reflecting on all you have seen and learned.
Day 13 : Ushuaia, Argentina - Disembark Ship - Fly To Santiago - Tour Ends
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia before proceeding to the airport for your flight to Santiago where your tour comes to an end.
What's Included
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Polar Expedition Ship
Cruise through the waters of Antarctica on a fully stabilized polar expedition ship.
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Drake Passage Crossing
Cross the Drake Passage, a milestone for any adventurer!
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Santiago City Tour
Enjoy a tour of Santiago, the capital city of Chile.
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Antarctic Wildlife
Discover multitudes of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatross, and chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins.
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24 Hours of Sunlight
Enjoy nearly 24 hours of sunlight as you absorb your surroundings ashore and from the expedition ship’s many observatory decks.
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Zodiac Forays
Rugged Zodiac boats will zip you across glacier-lined expanses and take you into the heart of this wild and beautiful continent.
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Penguin Colony Close-Ups
See wildlife like never before with excursions that will take you to penguin colonies for up-close encounters with these charming birds.
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Kayak Excursions
Let the quiet majesty of Antarctica surround you as you kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags and other wildlife.
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Photography Guidance
Let a professional National Geographic photographer give you photo tips during your close encounters with Gentoo penguins.
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On Board Information Sessions
Antarctica Experts will give informative presentations and lead captivating discussions as the ship sails across Drake’s Passage.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Experiences
Discover multitudes of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatross and chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins.Enjoy nearly 24 hours of sunlight as you absorb your surroundings ashore and from the expedition ship’s many observatory decks.
Culinaries
Savor fresh and varied meals aboard the expedition ship while admiring the scenery around you.
Must See
Cruise through the waters of Antarctica on a fully stabilized polar expedition ship.Cross the Drake Passage, a milestone for any adventurer!Enjoy a tour of Santiago, the capital city of Chile.
Choice Highlights
Santiago The city was founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and has been the capital of Chile since colonial times. However, history shows that nomadic hunter-gathers had previously settled there. The largest city in Chile, Santiago’s economy has been growing at a steady rate with the development of several shopping centers, suburban development, theaters, restaurants, and rising skylines, including the tallest building in Latin America, the Gran Torre Santiago.
Ushuaia Located at the tip of Argentina and in the area of Patagonia is Ushuaia. This "Bay overlooking the West" is regarded as the southernmost city in the world and is part of the the Tierra del Fuego region. Bordered by sweeping mountains and the Beagle Channel, this former prison colony is a popular destination for people traveling to Antarctica and provides insight to the different people that settled here including the Yamana Indians and British missionaries.
The Drake Passage Named after the British explorer, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage is the shortest route between South America and Antarctica. Stretching over 500 miles, this passage is a connection point between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Known for it's sometimes tumultuous crossings, the Drake Passage is also known for it's abundance of marine wildlife such as whales.
Next-Generation Expedition Ship The National Geographic Explorer, a next-generation expedition ship uniquely equipped for polar expeditions, will be your home during the tour.
Zodiac Forays Rugged Zodiac boats will zip you across glacier-lined expanses and take you into the heart of this wild and beautiful continent.
Penguin Colony Close-Ups See wildlife like never before with excursions that will take you to penguin colonies for up-close encounters with these charming birds.
Kayak Excursions Let the quiet majesty of Antarctica surround you as you kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags and other wildlife.
Photography Guidance Let a professional National Geographic photographer give you photo tips during your close encounters with Gentoo penguins.
On Board Information Sessions Antarctica Experts will give informative presentations and lead captivating discussions as the ship sails across Drake’s Passage.
Mode of Transport
Travel aboard the National Geographic Resolution, a fully stabilized polar expedition ship equipped with advanced navigation tools for polar expeditions. The journey includes a flight over Patagonia to Ushuaia and a cruise through the Drake Passage, offering a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of the National Geographic Resolution, a next-generation expedition ship with 71 cabins, offering a spacious and modern environment for your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy fresh and varied meals while admiring the breathtaking scenery from the ship's observatory decks.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this Antarctic expedition?
During the expedition, you can expect to see a variety of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatross, and different species of penguins such as chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins.
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What activities are available during the expedition in Antarctica?
The expedition offers a range of activities including Zodiac forays among icebergs, kayaking along cliff-side rookeries, hiking to summits for breathtaking views, and close-up encounters with penguin colonies. There are also photography sessions with a National Geographic photographer and informative presentations by Antarctica experts.
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What is the significance of crossing the Drake Passage during the tour?
Crossing the Drake Passage is a significant milestone for any adventurer. It is known for its sometimes tumultuous crossings and is rich in marine life, marking the point where the warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south.
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Will there be opportunities for photography during the tour?
Yes, there will be opportunities for photography, including guidance from a professional National Geographic photographer who will provide photo tips during close encounters with wildlife such as Gentoo penguins.
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What kind of educational experiences are included on the ship?
Onboard the ship, there will be informative presentations and discussions led by Antarctica experts. Additionally, an undersea specialist may present videos from dives, offering rare insights into the Antarctic undersea environment.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Feb 17, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.