Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: king, gentoo, and macaroni penguins, enormous elephant seals and a thriving fur seal population. On South Georgia you can observe one of the worlds great wildlife spectacles: tens of thousands of stately king penguins on a single beach. See the human face of the region in the Falklands, reminiscent of Great Britain, with grazing sheep, tea and crumpets. And in this privileged place, the albatross reveal the beauty of their mysterious lives.
More time for incredible wildlife experiences
This expedition maximizes your time experiences the wildlife spectacle of South Georgias incredible coastline. Discover penguin colonies that sprawl to the horizon. Wade through tussock grass along a hillside dotted with nesting albatross. Share a beach with 8,000-pound battling elephant seals.
Human element of the sub-Antarctic
Meet the welcoming islanders of the Falklands and learn about their unique way of life on this remote region. Explore Stanley, the islands capital, with the quaint feel of a Scottish island. It was once a port for repairing ships after damaging Drake Passage voyages, or refueling steamships going around Cape Horn. It became something of a forgotten outpost once the Panama Canal opened and its residents became largely reliant on sheep farming. Today, fine Falkland wool is still regarded as among the best in the world. Meet some of the 2,500 residents, youll find most of them travel abroad for their educations and return with new skills to further develop the islands to their true potential in a changing world.
Walk in Shackleton's footsteps
Ernest Shackleton's famed Endurance expedition was beset by tragedy when he lost his ship in the Antarctic ice in 1914. Through extraordinary leadership and dogged, relentless effort, none of his men were lost; all were saved in 1916. Well visit the site where he landed after sailing across the Drake Passage in a lifeboat, as well as the now ruined whaling station he hiked to for help.
Every day is exciting and engaging
You'll get out on adventures every day were in South Georgia and the Falklands. The Falklands are ideal for walking adventures, with some hikes ending in a cream tea served in the parlor of a welcoming farmhouse. In all locations, your expedition leader will enable daily Zodiac cruises and kayak expeditions too, sometimes twice a day - creating the opportunity for you to experience the wonders with all your senses, at water-level or eye-level. Days at sea offer engaging presentations from staff on history, photography, and more - or opt to relax, too.
Observe magnificent albatross in the Falklands, and see Magellanic penguins peeking from their burrows.
Hike in the footsteps of the Boss, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and hear his tale of survival.
Paddle a kayak amid curious fur seals, and explore in a Zodiac among the bergs.
Compare aperture settings side-by-side with a National Geographic photographer.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
