JOURNEY TO ANTARCTICA, THE WHITE CONTINENT

January 27 through February 8, 2023!

Join Laura and Gil Madrid on a Lindblad National Geographic expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, where endless white mountains roll to the horizon and massive glaciers churn icebergs into the sea. Here, nature reigns: penguins teeter along the shore, seals loll on ice slabs, while humpbacks and killer whales break the water's surface. As one of the first to navigate on the purpose-built Ice Class Polar 5 National Geographic Resolution, encounter this otherworldly place close-up, gliding around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac or kayak, and walking along beaches peppered with penguins and seabirds.

National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation, launching in November 2021. A twin to our first polar new build, National Geographic Endurance, Resolution is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. Resolution carries 126 guests in 69 cabins, 53 with balconies. It has a full suite of expedition tools, including a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and an ROV, and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1-2: U.S./Santiago, Chile

Depart on an overnight flight to Santiago. Settle into your hotel before seeing the city’s highlights. (Day 2: L)

DAY 3: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark

Today we fly south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where we meet our ship. Ushuaia’s spectacular setting, between the jagged peaks of the Darwin Range and the protected waters of the Beagle Channel, makes it an appropriately wild place to begin our journey to the White Continent and a great destination in its own right. While we’re there, we visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, where we can hike in a beautiful forest of southern beech, very much like those that covered Antarctica millions of years ago. Lunch will be served onboard a private catamaran while cruising the Beagle Channel, where we’ll be on the lookout for huge South American sea lions and birds like imperial cormorants. Residents of Ushuaia often call their small city ‘El Fin Del Mundo’, The End of the World, but for us, it’s just the beginning. (B,L,D))

DAY 4: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage

This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is our best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and we might be lucky enough to encounter killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know our ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ll soon be seeing, or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. If it does get a little rough, just take a couple of nice naps; we’ll be in Antarctica before you know it. (B,L,D).

DAY 5: Exploring Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula stretches over 800 miles from north to south, a spine of craggy peaks cut by dozens of deep fjords. It’s an enormous region with many different faces and ever-changing weather, which is what makes Lindblad Expeditions’ long experience here so important. Five decades of exploration has given us an unparalleled knowledge of the region, allowing us to stay flexible and respond to changing conditions, turn on a dime and select the optimal activity for each day. We plan to be out daily, exploring in our Zodiacs, hiking at penguin colonies, discovering remote bays, photographing wildlife, and learning fascinating details from the naturalists and other experts who accompany us on every excursion. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Exploring Antarctica

Ice! It’s probably the very first thing most people think about when the topic of Antarctica comes up, and once you’re here it never disappoints. From icebergs the size of islands to the fragile, nearly invisible layers glistening on the surface where the sea has just begun to freeze, from near-vertical glaciers pouring down the slopes of every mountain to the endless landscapes of sea ice, frozen ocean stretching to the horizon in every direction, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know it up close and personal, hiking, kayaking and cruising in the Zodiacs through this frozen world. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Exploring Antarctica

Our sturdy Zodiac landing craft are really the heart and soul of our explorations in the Antarctic. These tough, stable little motorized boats maneuver easily through ice-choked waters, getting us ashore safely in even the most remote and challenging locations. And simply cruising in the Zodiacs is just as much fun. What’s around the next corner? A leopard seal relaxing on an ice floe or a chance to photograph an exquisite arched iceberg that no one has ever seen before? We never know until we get there, but it’s always a thrill. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: Exploring Antarctica

Penguins, without any doubt, are the most popular residents of Antarctica, and we have many chances to get to know them well. Their colonies are almost always close to the beach, so it’s very easy to get great photos. In the short Antarctic summer these amazing birds are always busy with the many tasks of breeding and raising their chicks, so every month brings something new. In November the adults are squabbling over the pebbles they use to build their nests. By late December the first chicks are tucked in under their parents, peeping out at the world. And in February the chicks have left their nests and are very active, learning to swim and getting ready to fend for themselves. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: Exploring Antarctica

Everywhere we go in the Antarctic we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images with our cameras. Whether we are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, getting close to seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, we are always in the company of an expert National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad photo instructor who share what they see and help us to perfect both the art and the technique of our own photography. The impossibly gorgeous blue in the heart of an iceberg, a penguin tenderly feeding its tiny chick or a glorious sunset over frozen ocean, shots like these surround us every day. Learning to capture these perfect moments is both a wonderful challenge and a huge thrill. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: Exploring Antarctica

Really exploring Antarctica also means simply relaxing and watching while our ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge or visit the officers on the Bridge; bundle up and climb all the way up to the Monkey Deck for a really panoramic view, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance. We make transits of world-famous passages like the Lemaire Channel and Antarctic Sound and go ashore on the continent itself, but we also visit equally amazing islands and places that you’ve never heard of, yet! (B,L,D)

DAY 11-12: At Sea

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. Take some time to go through your photos. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 13-14: Disembark Ushuaia/Fly to Santiago

Today we disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Santiago and connect home or Resort to Laura Madrid for an extension elsewhere on the South American continent. Atacama Desert, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, Lake District, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Santiago, or the Chilean Central Valley. (Day 13: B,L)

IMPORTANT: Some departures may have a slightly modified itinerary. Please confirm departure and arrival cities with an Expedition Specialist before booking your flights. 

LIFE ABOARD: Expedition Camaraderie and the Luxury of Comfort

Dining: Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you.

Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation.

Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare. 

Cabins: All cabins face outside with large windows, private facilities and climate controls. 53 cabins have balconies. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers.

Expedition Tools: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, snowshoes, cross-country skis, undersea specialist operating a remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and underwater video camera for unique access to polar marine world, hydrophone, aerial remote-controlled camera and video microscope.

Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry.

Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views.

JOURNEY SPECIFICS AND SAVE YOUR SPOT

Dates – January 27 through February 8, 2023 - 14 Days

Expedition Pricing - All-inclusive pricing starts at $16,000 per person in a shared cabin (single pricing also will be available!!)

• Charter Airfare: Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago - $1,490.00 (subject to change)

• Included Features: The rates include accommodations aboard ship and in hotels per itinerary; all meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages aboard ship (except certain premium brands); lunch on charter flight on disembarkation day; all shore excursions and sightseeing; entrance fees, special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of kayaks, tips (including gratuities to the ship’s crew); taxes, service charges and port charges; services of the ship’s physician; Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader and Naturalist staff; local guides; and one complimentary polar parka for each guest.

• Not Included: Air transportation from U.S to Santiago and return, charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia at an additional charge and must be purchased through Lindblad Expeditions; certain super-premium brands of alcohol; extensions; passport, visa, security and immigration fees; meals not indicated; travel protection plan; items of a personal nature such as WiFi, laundry

Antarctica is a destination that is booked 12-18 months in advance. This expedition is a trip of a lifetime with a spirited group of Resort to Laura Madrid travelers - it will sell out early! 

Click here to - RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Learn about the White Continent from the talented team at Lindblad Expeditions during a recent Q&A with Lesa Bain and Jen Martin - Click here, access code: f?qN0Hdf

Or Contact Laura directly – Laura@resorttolauramadrid.com

Optional Customized Pre or Post Trip Extensions in South America – Just ask Laura!

- Atacama Desert

- Iguazu Falls

- Patagonia

- Lake District

- Mendoza and Buenos Aires

-Chilean Central Valley and Santiago