Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

© Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
An Exhilarating & Efficient Exploration of the Wondrous White Continent
Experience the wild grandeur of Antarctica efficiently aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Cruise the Drake Passage one way and fly the other, maximizing your time on the White Continent. Explore channels framed by towering peaks, zip around icebergs on Zodiacs, and encounter whales, elephant seals and vast penguin colonies. Choose among active adventures like hiking and kayaking, then relax in comfort on our well-appointed expedition ship. With a National Geographic Photography Expert on board, capture stunning images as you learn from the best. This virtually untouched wilderness, first sighted by humans in 1820, is now readily accessible, yet you'll still feel the same exhilaration that captivated the likes of Shackleton and Amundsen. Witness colossal icebergs, observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and bask in the endless light of the austral summer. Antarctica's pristine wonders beckon, offering an unparalleled adventure you won't find anywhere else on Earth.
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Kayaking with gentoo penguins, Cuverville Island, Antarctica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Kayaking with gentoo penguins, Cuverville Island, Antarctica.
Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Nat Hab Guest Michael S. Nolan
Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Landing at King George Island, Antarctica.
Landing at King George Island, Antarctica.
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica.
Whale watching on Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Whale watching on Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Adelie penguins, Antarctica.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Colby Brokvist
Adelie penguins, Antarctica.
Leopard seal, Antarctica.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Marlo Shaw
Leopard seal, Antarctica.
Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Zodiac cruise, Antarctica.
Hiking to a penguin colony at Weincke Island, Antarctica.
Nat Hab Guest Michael S. Nolan
Hiking to a penguin colony at Weincke Island, Antarctica.
Weddell Sea, Antarctica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Weddell Sea, Antarctica.
Gentoo penguins, Antarctica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Gentoo penguins, Antarctica.
Zodiac cruise, Gerlache Strait, Antartica.
Expedition Leader Ralph Lee Hopkins
Zodiac cruise, Gerlache Strait, Antartica.

Trip Highlights

Save Time, Savor the Experience

Skip all or part of the Drake Passage with either short flights—ideal for those with limited time and a tendency toward seasickness.

Explore Boldly, Rest Easy

Experience the utmost comfort while exploring Antarctica's untamed wilderness aboard the National Geographic Explorer.

Travel With the Pros

On-board experts deepen the adventure with their specialized and intimate knowledge ofAntarctica, offering an unparalleled level of interpretation and guidance.

Photo Departure

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Sail with the World Leader in Conservation-Focused Small Ship Cruising

We’re proud to offer a worldwide slate of Adventure Cruises through our partner, Lindblad Expeditions. Nat Hab joined forces with Lindblad in 2016 to expand our mutual collection of nature adventures. Founded in 1958 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company pioneered eco-conscious expeditions for “citizen explorers" and today is the world leader in conservation-focused small-ship cruises. Our Adventure Specialists are intimately familiar with the ships and itineraries and are on call to answer any questions you might have.

  1. Small Ships Assure Closer Nature Encounters
    Meaningful nature adventures can’t happen in big crowds. Lindblad's expedition ships offer an exhilarating, up-close experience of the southern ice and the abundant wildlife of Antarctica. Their small size makes them nimble enough to access protected coves and channels that big ships can’t reach, while full stabilization and state-of-the-art technology make them exceptionally safe. The ship you sail aboard will depend upon the itinerary and departure you choose. Each polar vessel offers personal access to naturalists, lecturers, staff and crew.
  2. Benefit from Decades of Expertise
    This is a genuine expedition-style experience aboard an authentic expedition ship with a seasoned polar adventure team. Pioneers in opening Antarctica to civilian travelers in 1966, Lindblad draws upon more than a half-century of experience navigating polar seas, assuring safe passage in one of Earth's wildest settings. You’ll benefit from traveling with a company whose stellar reputation has been carefully earned over decades.
  3. Multiple Tools for Immersive Expedition Travel
    A fleet of 13 Zodiacs and 32 double kayaks facilitate close-up exploration of Antarctica’s icy landscapes and abundant wildlife. Come eye level with penguins, leopard seals, marine mammals and floating ice along the bays and coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula. A mobile platform enables fast, safe deployment of kayaks within minutes of finding an anchorage. Led by veteran Expedition Leaders, hikes and activities on shore are offered at a variety of physical exertion levels. A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and undersea interpretive specialist give passengers a rare opportunity to view Antarctica’s seldom-seen underwater world. An onboard National Geographic-certified photography instructor helps you get your best shots.
  4. See the Undersea
    Unique to Lindblad, each voyage includes an undersea specialist who suits up for polar waters, dives to capture vivid HD video footage, and shares it on plasma screens in the ship’s lounge. Going even deeper, the ship’s hydrophone lets passengers listen in on whales while a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of exploring depths up to 1,000 feet films the places where no diver can go. The ROV and polar dives provide a rare journey into the virtually unknown Antarctic undersea, while you enjoy the underwater expedition from a warm and dry spot on board. For the bird’s eye view, a remote-controlled crow’s nest camera broadcasts real-time footage on individual cabin video screens.
  5. Sail with Top Experts Who Specialize in Antarctica
    Explore Antarctica with a passionate team of experts whose knowledge will enhance your adventure and your understanding of our polar environs. Travel with an Expedition Leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic-certified photographer, an undersea specialist, expert guest speakers, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist. Your guide team specializes in Antarctica, from wildlife biologists to ornithologists, marine scientists and polar historians.
  6. We’re Committed to the Planet
    Natural Habitat Adventures is a standard-setter in eco-conscious travel. We were the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company. And we continue to break innovative ground in adopting practices that help to protect our global environment. Because of our concern for the environment, we are pleased to partner with Lindblad Expeditions for our Adventure Cruises, a company that shares our values and commitment to the planet.
  7. Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
    Because of our environmental commitment and the outstanding quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund has chosen Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation we’re very proud of! When you book your Lindblad Expeditions cruise with us, a portion of your trip fee supports WWF.

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