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- Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day
Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage 8-Day, 30 November 2026
7 nights
National Geographic Explorer
30 Nov '26Cruise overview
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.
Itinerary
Puerto Natales
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 your hotel, where you’ll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing on the following day’s activities.
Ask your expedition specialist about joining an immersive 5-day pre-voyage extension to explore Torres del Paine National Park, an incredible UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Arrival Time: Arrive to the hotel in Puerto Natales by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile
With a population of roughly 18,000, Puerto Natales is the capital of the Ultima Esperanza Province. Founded in 1911, it quickly developed into a major residential center and shipping port for the area’s products. Nestled on a gently-sloping point amid spectacular scenery, the town overlooks the Ultima Esperanza Gulf and has a nice view of the Balmaceda Mountain. It provides services for the region’s intense livestock activity. Many of its inhabitants work at the Argentinian coal mines in Rio Turbio and return home over the weekend. A growing number of tourists are using the town as a jumping-off point for visiting the spectacular Torres del Paine and Balmaceda National Parks, and the nearby fjords. In 1892 and 1897, two geographic surveyors mapped the area and ascertained its potential for livestock farming. The first expedition was led by Capt. Eberhard, while the second, a Swedish one, was led by Otto Nordenskjöld. Eberhard discovered the Milodón Cave and was one of the first settlers in the area. A German-born immigrant in transit along the Strait of Magellan, he disembarked in Punta Arenas and decided to stay in this area. His brother continued to California, their original destination, where he later founded the renowned Eberhard Faber pencil making company. When the area opened to settlement in 1893, the lands lying along the coast were occupied mostly by German and English settlers who had previously come to Punta Arenas. There still remain a few interesting buildings dating from the estancia heydays. Pier Information The ship will remain at anchor. Guests will be brought ashore by ship’s tenders to the jetty located close to the center of town, which can be reached on foot. Shopping The main shopping area is located about 11 blocks from the landing jetty. Cuisine Two of the better restaurants in town are Tranquera and Circulo Español. Other Sites Cerro DoroteaA walk up this hill rewards with superb views of the whole Ultima Esperanza Sound.Milodón Cave National MonumentAbout 15 miles out of Puerto Natales stands this monument near the cave, where in 1895 Capt. Eberhard found the nearly intact remains of a prehistoric animal called milodón, a type of ground sloth. The finding caused such a stir that Wellington Furlog, a scientiest at Cornell University, set out in 1907 to comb Patagonia in search of living specimens of this species.
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Puerto Natales
Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica
King George Island, South Shetland Islands
Puerto Natales
Category 1 - Main Deck
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Amenities
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category 7 - Upper Deck
#215, 219, 230. These newly renovated suites each offer a private balcony, convertible queen bed, sofa bed, seating area, desk, mini bar, espresso maker and double closet, plus a spacious bathroom with a glass-walled shower. Guests also receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Sofa Bed
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee Machine
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
- Exclusive
Category 6 - Upper Deck
#213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, a double closet, armchairs, a TV, a mini bar, and an espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Shower
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee Machine
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
- Exclusive
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
Category 5 - Upper Deck
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, a writing desk, a floor-length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category 4 - Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, a floor-length mirror, reading lamps, a sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category Solo A - Main Deck
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, a reading lamp, a bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
- One Single Bed
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Telephone
- Desk
Category Solo B - Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, a reading lamp, a bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
- One Single Bed
- Shower
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category 3 - Main Deck
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category 2 - Main Deck
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, a sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Category 1 - Main Deck
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor-length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
- Queen or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Desk
Bridge Deck
- Observation Lounge
- Library
- Elevator
- Bridge
Wellness Deck
- Fitness Center
- LEXspa
- Sauna
- Elevator
Veranda Deck
- Sun Deck
- Lounge
- Elevator
- Chart Room
- Category 4 Cabins
- Category 6 Suites
- Category SB Solo Cabins
Upper Deck
- Gallery
- Reception
- Bistro
- Elevator
- Restaurant
- Global Gallery
- Category 4 Cabins
- Category 5 Balcony Cabins
- Category 6 Suites
- Category 7 Suites
- Category SB Solo Cabins
Main Deck
- Elevator
- Category 1 Cabins
- Category 2 Cabins with Window
- Category 3 Cabins with Window
- Category SA Solo Cabins with Window
B Deck
- Mud Room
- Office / Staff
- Internet Café
- Doctor’s Office
- Lockers
Ship features
A polar-ready expedition ship designed for immersive, expert-led exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions.
- Carries just 148 guests for an intimate, educational atmosphere
- Ice-strengthened hull for safe polar navigation
- Fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks and underwater exploration equipment
- Global itineraries from Antarctica to the Arctic
- Expert Expedition Team and National Geographic photographers onboard
- Spacious lounge, bar and observation areas
- Science Hub with microscopes and interactive exhibits
- Relaxed open-seating dining with regional cuisine
- Fitness centre, sauna and wellness treatments
- Library and lecture theatre for enrichment programmes
Accommodation
Accommodation
National Geographic Explorer offers comfortable, outward-facing staterooms and suites featuring portholes or large windows, writing desks and private bathrooms. Interiors are styled with clean Scandinavian design, combining practicality with understated elegance. Suites include larger living spaces, expanded windows and sitting areas, offering extra comfort for longer voyages.
Dining
Dining
Meals are served in the open-seating Dining Room, where locally inspired cuisine reflects each sailing region. Expect hearty, sustainably sourced dishes prepared by expert chefs. The Bistro Bar offers a relaxed setting for light bites and drinks, complemented by themed dinners and regional tastings that enhance the culinary experience.
Amenities
Amenities
Guests can relax in the panoramic Observation Lounge, visit the Science Hub for interactive learning, or browse the well-stocked Library. Other facilities include a Fitness Centre, Sauna, Wellness Suite, and a Global Gallery boutique offering local crafts and expedition gear.
Wellness
Wellness
The small wellness area offers massage treatments, facials and relaxation therapies. Guests can also enjoy the sauna or unwind with a post-expedition soak in the outdoor hot tub (available on select polar voyages).
Entertainment
Entertainment
Life onboard is focused on enrichment and connection. Evenings feature daily recaps, naturalist presentations, photography workshops and occasional live music, particularly during British Isles and North Atlantic sailings.
Families
Families
Families with older children are welcome, particularly on summer voyages. Lindblad’s expedition staff often run hands-on workshops and activities designed to engage younger explorers in the science and wildlife of each region.