TRAVEL BEYOND LIFE’S WILDEST DREAMS
Whether it’s a leopard moving stealthily through long grasses or a waddle of penguins frolicking on the ice, nearly nothing compares to the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Now imagine observing those iconic creatures alongside top wildlife biologists and naturalist guides, gaining insight into the latest research on the species you’re watching—be it mountain gorillas or polar bears. From savanna to sea, National Geographic Expeditions brings you closer to some of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems—and face-to-face with the incredible species they harbor.
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCE
KNOWLEDGE
EXPLORE WITH EXPERTS
From the scientists, photographers, and explorers who accompany our trips to the local guides and experts we meet in the field, you’ll be surrounded by people who are steeped in knowledge and insight about the places we go and the wildlife we encounter. Whether you’re deciphering the antics of penguins with a polar wildlife expert in Antarctica or observing cheetahs on the African plains, you gain a deeper understanding of our planet’s diverse species and habitats. Visit our website for a full listing of trips that feature wildlife experiences.
For 134 years, the National Geographic Society has sent explorers across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths, and up the highest mountains in an effort to better understand the world and our relationship to it. National Geographic Expeditions grew from this legacy as a way to invite others to explore—to encounter the wonders of the world up close and in depth, and to be transformed by the experience.
CLOSER THAN YOU'VE EVER IMAGINED
National Geographic opens doors around the globe. Our relationships with scientists, storytellers, and active research sites allow us special access to places and people—including our own grantees, whose field sites we visit whenever we can. Traveling with us, you get an inside look at the work we support, such as innovative wildlife conservation initiatives and programs that support local cultures.
EXPLORATION HAPPENS BECAUSE OF YOU
When you travel with us, you help further the work of the National Geographic Society. Every year, we distribute a portion of our proceeds to the Society, a global nonprofit that invests in an international community of changemakers—National Geographic Explorers—who use the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to protect and illuminate the wonder of our world. To learn more, visit natgeo.com/impact
JOURNEY TO ANTARCTICA
• Explore icy realms alongside a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists.
• Navigate dazzling icebergs, and get a closer look at wildlife on outings by Zodiac and kayak.
• Capture images of penguins and seals alongside a National Geographic Photography Expert.
DAYS 1–2 I U.S./BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA OR SANTIAGO, CHILE
Depart on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution). Settle into the hotel before heading out on an afternoon city tour. Gather at night for a welcome reception. Alvear Art Hotel or Alvear Icon Hotel (Buenos Aires) or Ritz Carlton (Santiago)
DAY 3 I USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
14 DA YS FROM $15,840
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 148
DAYS 4–5 I DRAKE PASSAGE
Voyage across the legendary Drake Passage, and watch for whales and seabirds gliding alongside the ship. Enjoy talks from the onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 6–10 I ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
On your trip, be on the lookout for... various penguin species, humpback whales, blue whales, orca whales, seals, albatrosses, blue-eyed shags, and more.
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch and wildlife viewing on a catamaran cruise along the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking the ship. National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Resolution, or National Geographic Endurance for the entire voyage Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
With extended daylight hours at this time of year, we make the most of our days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the unexpected—possibly veering off course to watch orcas perform off the bow, or enjoying an after-dinner Zodiac cruise. Anticipate potential opportunities to hike, explore by Zodiac and kayak, and experience close encounters with wildlife every day. The route will be determined by the conditions and the ever-changing ice. One day, you may take Zodiacs out to see towering icebergs at close range, walk a beach covered with seals and penguins, or hike
to a summit for a breathtaking view. The next, you may be kayaking amid glittering brash ice, or along a cliffside rookery in search of blue-eyed shags. And the next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through the pack ice, or slipping between the soaring rock walls of the Lemaire Channel.
As you encounter the volcanic isles and pristine bays of the peninsula, a team of experts will bring depth and insight to the experience, explaining the behaviors and interactions of different species, the geological and climatic forces that still shape Antarctica, the anatomy of a glacier, and how to capture beautiful photographs of the places we visit. An undersea specialist captures images from the deep—revealing the hardy marine life beneath the ice—and an Expedition Leader is always on the lookout for the best way to experience everything Antarctica has to offer.
Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D
DAYS 11–12 I AT SEA
Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Celebrate the voyage at a farewell dinner on board.
Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 13–14 I USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/ BUENOS AIRES OR SANTIAGO, CHILE/U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Buenos Aires (National Geographic Explorer and National Geographic Endurance) or Santiago (National Geographic Resolution) by private charter, and connect with your overnight flight home.
Meals: 1B
Find
Camille Seaman documents the changing landscapes of the polar regions. Her stories were featured in National Geographic magazine’s April 2010 “Water” issue, and a July 2017 cover story on Antarctica. Camille is a TED Senior Fellow, and her work has appeared in Outside, TIME, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, and elsewhere.
Find the departure(s) Camille will join on our website.
INFORMATION
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered from November through February.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
GALÁPAGOS VOYAGE
• Explore the Galápagos Islands up close using kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiacs.
• Join naturalists on walks and snorkeling excursions to observe spectacular wildlife.
• Visit a National Geographic–supported captive breeding program for giant tortoises.
DAY 1 I GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Arrive in Guayaquil, and transfer to your hotel. Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil
DAY 2 I GALÁPAGOS
This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands. This archipelago is a rare wilderness where animals have no instinctive fear of humans. Board your expedition ship, equipped for comfort as well as in-depth exploration. After lunch, you will begin your discovery of the islands and their diverse wildlife.
National Geographic Endeavour II through Day 8 | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS
3–8
I GALÁPAGOS
10 DA YS FROM $7,940
Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 96
naturalists, swim, snorkel, or explore the waters by kayak, paddleboard, Zodiac, or glassbottom boat. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D
ISLA BARTOLOMÉ: Stand atop Bartolomé’s volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding beaches. Swim, or snorkel among schools of multicolored reef fish and, with luck, see Galápagos penguins.
ISLA SANTIAGO: Explore a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, shore birds, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
On your trip, be on the lookout for... sea lions, sea turtles, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas, frigatebirds, and more.
Itineraries vary, and are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. All expeditions travel between Isla Baltra and Isla San Cristóbal, and include Isla Santa Cruz and a selection of the islands listed below. Each day, you will have the opportunity to go on walks with
ISLA SANTA CRUZ: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then tour the neighboring captive breeding program for endangered Galápagos giant tortoises, run by the Galápagos National Park Directorate and supported by the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund. Take a walk through the
town of Puerto Ayora before traveling into the highlands to observe, and photograph giant tortoises in the wild.
ISLA ISABELA: The largest Galápagos island is home to marine iguanas, abundant sea turtles, the only species of flightless cormorant in the world, and the only penguin species that inhabits the Equator. Cruise by Zodiac, hike against a backdrop of giant shield volcanoes, and snorkel in the cool waters that often draw whales and dolphins to the area.
ISLA FLOREANA: Hike to a turtle nesting beach and a lagoon that is home to flamingos and other bird species. At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions; then visit Post Office Bay, founded by whalers in the 18th century.
ISLA FERNANDINA: Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as you hike over hardened lava flows, spot Galápagos hawks and
sea lion nurseries, and snorkel among sea turtles and penguins in clear blue waters.
ISLA ESPAÑOLA: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, boobies, and waved albatrosses (seasonally) in this birder’s paradise. Walk among vivid green-andred marine iguanas and unique lava lizards, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white sand beach.
ISLA GENOVESA: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos, surrounded by warmer tropical waters.
DAYS 9–10 I GUAYAQUIL
After breakfast, disembark your ship, and fly to Guayaquil for the final night. Depart the next morning.
Hotel Oro Verde | Meals: 2B
Find details and dates for all our expeditions at natgeoexpeditions.com/wildlife.
GALÁPAGOS SEA LION
Zalophus wollebaeki
David Doubilet and Jen Hayes
Underwater Photographers
David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes have photographed the ocean depths from Greenland to Indonesia on assignment for National Geographic. David has published more than 70 stories in National Geographic magazine. Find the departure(s) David and Jen will join on our website.
INFORMATION
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Dates: This expedition is offered throughout the year.
BAJA CALIFORNIA: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES
• Voyage to Bahía Magdalena to observe gray whales and their calves.
• Explore with naturalists, discovering sand dunes, a cactus forest, and deserted islands.
• Go snorkeling amid sea lions, king angelfish, and brilliant blue damselfish.
DAY 1 I LORETO, MEXICO/SAN CARLOS
Arrive in Loreto; then transfer to San Carlos, and board your ship.
National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage | Meals: 1D
DAY 2 I BAHÍA ALMEJAS/ISLA MAGDALENA
Awaken anchored in Bahía Almejas, the southernmost part of Bahía Magdalena, where gray whales gather to breed and nurse their young. Glide past a crowded frigatebird colony, and keep your binoculars on hand to spot whales surfacing and spouting. Explore Isla Magdalena’s ever-shifting dunes during a walk to one of the most pristine beaches on the Pacific coast, and spot migrating birds at rest. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 3 I BOCA DE SOLEDAD/ BAHÍA MAGDALENA
Bahía Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for gray whales. Every year,
whales migrate here from the Arctic waters of Alaska. Travel by motorcoach to Boca de Soledad, and into this vast aquatic nursery to spend a full day observing these gentle giants at water level from local pangas. Our extensive experience navigating these waters, and the in-depth knowledge of local guides, maximize the likelihood of close encounters with gray whales and their calves. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 4 I BAHÍA MAGDALENA/PACIFIC COAST
Enjoy an optional morning stretching session on deck with a wellness specialist; then set out to explore the bays, inlets, and coves of the northern reaches of Bahía Magdalena. In the afternoon, cruise through La Entrada, and leave Bahía Magdalena behind. Watch for marine life on deck, listen to talks by experts, or pick up photography tips from your National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor as you travel south along the peninsula’s Pacific coast. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
On your trip, be on the lookout for... gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, king angelfish, frigatebirds, blue damselfish, and more.MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 100
DAY 5 I GORDA BANKS/CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK
This morning, you will cruise past the iconic Friars rocks at Land’s End, and arrive at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales, dolphins, and other sea life. Humpbacks are often active here at this time of year, and you may witness them tail-lobbing, flipper-slapping, and breaching. After lunch, snorkel pristine coral reefs in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, and learn about local initiatives to protect this rich underwater sanctuary.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 6 I LOS ISLOTES/LA PAZ
In the waters off Los Islotes, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, and swim among curious sea lions (conditions permitting). Later, dock in the port of La Paz, and go ashore to gain insight into the history and culture of this colorful coastal city. Stroll the lively waterfront malecón, spot vibrant street art, and savor the aroma of delicious street food. This evening, enjoy a dinner
of local cuisine and musical performances, as well as a display of the work of local artisans.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 7 I GULF OF CALIFORNIA
Today, spend time on the lookout for whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; or explore some of the many uninhabited islands in the Gulf of California, such as Isla San Francisco or Isla San José, known for its beaches and arroyos. Birdlife is often plentiful, and the nutrient-rich sea is home to an incredible variety of fish, including angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, and the beautiful parrotfish.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 8 I LORETO
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast. Schedule permitting, explore this seaside town, and visit Loreto Mission—the first Jesuit mission in Baja California. Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. Meals: 1B, 1L
YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM
A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader and local guides, will accompany this trip.
INFORMATION
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered from January through February.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
WINTER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE
• Explore Yellowstone by heated snow coach, and see Old Faithful without the crowds.
• Meet a wildlife cinematographer, and hear about his career filming for National Geographic.
• Search for bison and elusive wolves against the snowy backdrop of the Lamar Valley.
DAY 1 I BOZEMAN, MONTANA/ MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING
Arrive in Bozeman, and travel to the hotel just inside Yellowstone National Park.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel | Meals: 1D
DAY 2 I MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS/ LAMAR VALLEY
At Mammoth Hot Springs, stroll the steaming, colorful mineral-spring terraces outlined in snow. Later, head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley where wolves were first reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search among herds of elk and bison for coyotes, eagles, and the elusive wolf. Later, a renowned wildlife cinematographer joins us (his schedule permitting) to share stories from his field assignments for National Geographic.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
6 DAYS FROM $6,695
Signature Land Light/Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 24
DAY 3 I GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE/OLD FAITHFUL
Travel by private snow coach to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where winter adds extra magic to an already dramatic landscape. Walk to the rim of the spectacular gorge to see its thundering waterfall and the ice arch that forms from the spray. Continue to Old Faithful to explore a dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and gem-colored mineral pools. Keep an eye out for wildlife— bison, encrusted in ice, often stand among the pools for warmth.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 4 I OLD FAITHFUL/UPPER GEYSER BASIN
After breakfast, hit the trails on an optional snowshoe or cross-country ski excursion. In the afternoon, head to the Upper Geyser Basin to wander amid the bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, discovering the geological
forces behind Yellowstone. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in the dark skies over the park.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 5 I YELLOWSTONE/ BIG SKY, MONTANA
In the morning, travel by snow coach to visit the whimsical Fountain Paint Pots, and leave the park via the West Yellowstone gate. Travel to Big Sky, Montana, and settle into a comfortable log cabin lodge. In the evening, celebrate your winter adventure in Yellowstone at a farewell dinner.
320 Guest Ranch | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 6 I BOZEMAN
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Bozeman to catch your flight home.
Meals: 1B
Find details and dates for all our expeditions at natgeoexpeditions.com/wildlife.
YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS
8 DAYS FROM $5,795
See a different side of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks during the summer months. Discover Yellowstone’s wilderness and geothermal wonders, and venture into magnificent valleys to spot bison, bears, elk, eagles, and coyotes. Then head south to the awesomely jagged peaks of the Teton Range. Visit our website for details.
Maximum Group Size: 25
Drew Rush
Photographer, Educator, Naturalist
Drew Rush is a wildlife and natural history photographer with a passion for following wildlife in national parks around the world. He has a long history of working in and teaching about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Tetons region. Find the departure(s) Drew will join on our website.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered from December through February.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Photography Expeditions: Several of our departures are designated photography expeditions, designed for all skill levels, led by a National Geographic Photography Expert, and limited to 16 travelers.
AMERICAN BISON Bison bisonALASKA’S INSIDE PASSAGE
• Get up close to icebergs and wildlife, exploring by kayak and Zodiac.
• Search for bears while hiking in the Tongass National Forest by special permission.
• Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation to learn about the local pods.
DAY 1 I JUNEAU, ALASKA
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon, and embark your ship in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage
Meals: 1D
DAY 2 I TRACY ARM-FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. See the soaring South Sawyer or Dawes Glacier up close, and take a cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises, and arctic terns.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
Island, founded more than a hundred years ago by Norwegian fishermen. Explore Southeast Alaska’s muskeg, an area with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town, before enjoying a crab feast for dinner this evening.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 4 I FREDERICK SOUND AND CHATHAM STRAIT
On your trip, be on the lookout for... humpback whales, brown bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, mountain goats, puffins, and more.
DAY 3 I PETERSBURG
Search for humpback whales as we head toward the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof
These waters often offer great whale watching. Take a walk with naturalists along a quiet forest trail, or kayak in the area’s tiny coves. Meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation (schedules permitting)—whose work is supported by a grant from the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund—and discuss some of their recent discoveries about the region’s marine mammal population.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 5 I INIAN ISLANDS/ICY STRAIT
Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an upwelling of undersea organisms attracts an abundance of marine life. Hike nearby islands, kayak, or search for marine mammals in the rich waters off Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, we’ll lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on whale communications. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 6 I GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
By special permit, explore Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve today. See glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge, and observe them calving—when tons of ice crash into the sea. Wilderness abounds here—mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore; and sea otters, Steller sea lions, and puffins swim in these icy waters. Learn about the rich cultural history of Glacier Bay from a native Tlingit interpreter on board. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 7 I ALASKA’S ISLANDS, BAYS, AND FJORDS
Today, nature is our guide. We may go beachcombing and tide pooling, hike the trails of the stunning Tongass National Forest by special permission, or watch for wildlife in a secluded meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are very common. If conditions permit, we’ll go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 8 I SITKA
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center, enjoying a close view of species normally seen at a distance. Then take a walk in Sitka National Historic Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Later, drive to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 1B
YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM
A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader and local guides, will accompany this trip.
INFORMATION
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered from May through September.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars, and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
ADD TO YOUR EXPERIENCE
LAND OF THE POLAR BEARS
• Search for iconic wildlife: polar bears, reindeer, walruses, seals, and arctic foxes.
• Discover unusual flora and tidewater glaciers, by Zodiac and on foot, with naturalists.
• With a National Geographic Photography Expert, document wildlife in the midnight sun.
DAY 1 I OSLO, NORWAY
Arrive in Oslo, and check in to your hotel. On an afternoon tour of this charming city, visit the Fram Museum to learn about early Norwegian polar expeditions and stroll Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to more than two hundred life-size human figures by native sculptor Gustav Vigeland. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and then the evening is free to explore Oslo with dinner on your own.
Hotel Bristol
Meals: 1L, 1D
DAY 2 I LONGYEARBYEN
Depart Oslo on a private charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. On arrival, visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the natural and cultural history of Svalbard, and the Arctic, from 17th-century whaling to modern scientific research. Longyearbyen is home to
10 DA YS FROM $13,526
a diverse community of scientists from Russia, Germany, Thailand, and beyond, stationed on the island to study the Arctic environment, or employed in nearby mining operations. Later, settle into comfortable accommodations aboard the ship, your floating base for exploration over the next six days.
National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution through Day 9 I Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 3–8 I SVALBARD
A high Arctic archipelago situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive sheets of ice. Your travel in the Svalbard Archipelago is exploratory by design; making the most of your days, keeping a flexible schedule to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. The ice-class ship— purpose-built for polar exploration—features a rooftop observation deck and state-of-the-art
On your trip, be on the lookout for... polar bears, walruses, seals, arctic foxes, reindeer, seabirds, and more.MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 126
Zodiac loading bays for rapid response to wildlife sightings. Set out from the ship to search for Svalbard’s amazing wildlife in the water and on the ice. Alongside a photography expert, capture walruses, bearded and ringed seals, and the legendary creature of the north: the polar bear. Curious polar bears have been known to approach the ship, offering exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph these magnificent denizens of the ice. Explore serene fjords in Zodiacs, gliding beneath tidewater glaciers and cruising around beautiful icebergs.
As we travel north of the Arctic Circle, a team of experts will bring exceptional depth and insight to the experience. With a seasoned captain, crew, and Expedition Leader at the helm, navigate local ice and weather conditions with expertise. Learn about glaciers in conversation with a geologist. An undersea specialist brings back images of the deep, revealing the marine life beneath the ice, and experts are always on
the lookout for wildlife that may be observed from the deck of the ship.
Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D
DAY 9 I LONGYEARBYEN/OSLO
Disembark in Longyearbyen, and enjoy time at leisure to glimpse life above the Arctic Circle. Visit a nearby wilderness camp, where you will enjoy local refreshments, and meet some of the friendly sled dogs that reside here. Fly back to Oslo in the afternoon, and relax at your hotel. Radisson Blu Airport Hotel I Meals: 1B, 1L
DAY 10 I OSLO
After breakfast, transfer to the Oslo airport for your return flight home. Meals: 1B
Nick Cobbing focuses on the intersection of science and personal stories in the Arctic region. He has accompanied many polar research expeditions, and his story on the future of Arctic sea ice appeared in the January 2016 issue of National Geographic . His work has been shown worldwide, including to the U.S. Congress and the Stockholm Parliament. Find the departure(s) Nick will join on our website.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered in May and June. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
WILDLIFE OF THE WORLD BY PRIVATE JET
• Seek out orangutans in Borneo, lemurs in Madagascar, and marine life in the Maldives.
• Observe gorillas in Rwanda, and track Bengal tigers in India’s Ranthambore National Park.
• Spot legendary creatures on safari in the wildlife reserves of Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Embark on the trip of a lifetime, encountering the planet’s most iconic animals with a team of wildlife biologists. Explore Singapore’s nocturnal zoo before flying to Sandakan, Borneo to visit wildlife rescue centers, and cruise jungle waterways on the lookout for orangutans and pygmy elephants. Explore enchanting Jaipur, India; then seek out the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park. From a beachfront lodge in Sri Lanka, watch for elephants, leopards, and sloth bears in Yala National Park, and go birding in the wetlands of Bundala National Park.
24 DA YS FROM $107,995
Private Jet Light/Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 57
YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM
On your trip, be on the lookout for... pygmy elephants, mountain gorillas, lemurs, tigers, a variety of rare bird species, and more.
Relax on private beaches in the Maldives, and discover extraordinary marine life by boat and by snorkel. Fly to Nosy Be, Madagascar to spot lemurs, chameleons, and orchids in nature reserves. In South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve, track the “big five” on morning and afternoon safaris. Cap off your trip in Rwanda, observing mountain gorillas in the wild, or exploring local culture in Kigali. Fly by private jet to Rome for a final night.
A team of National Geographic Experts will accompany this expedition: From left, photographer Jay Dickman, filmmaker and photographer Sandesh Kadur, and wildlife biologist Elizabeth Lonsdorf Visit our website for more information about experts joining each departure.
INFORMATION
2023 Dates: November 28–December 21
2024 Dates: April 11–May 4
Price is per person, double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Transportation by private Boeing 757 and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to Singapore and return from Rome, Italy is not included in the cost. This trip will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions, on flights operated by Icelandair. For Terms and Conditions and Operator Participant Contract, visit natgeoexpeditions.com/privatejetterms.
ON
SAFARI:
TANZANIA’S GREAT MIGRATION
• Meet Dr. Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao for a tour of the fossil-rich Olduvai Gorge.
• Travel alongside a wildlife guide, who will interpret the flora and fauna you encounter.
• Learn about the traditions and everyday life of the Maasai on a visit to a local village.
Witness the legendary migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti in the company of a renowned wildlife biologist on safari in three phenomenal wildlife parks. Take in extraordinary vistas of the Great Rift Valley, and gain insights into the flora and fauna during a first safari in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions.
9 DA YS FROM $9,995
Signature Land Light
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 25
Laly Lichtenfeld
Biologist, Conservationist
On your trip, be on the lookout for... lions, elephants, cheetahs, hippos, Cape buffalo, marabou storks, crowned cranes, lovebirds, impalas, and more.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to spot some of the 25,000 animals that inhabit this vast volcanic caldera—including colorful birdlife, rare black rhinos, cheetahs, and more. Then experience the power of the migration up close in the vast savannas of the northern or southern Serengeti, depending on the season. Get acquainted with the culture of the Maasai during a traditional ceremony. Meet Louise Leakey or Fidelis Masao for a private tour of Olduvai Gorge, where Homo habilis was discovered on a National Geographic-sponsored expedition.
Tanzania-based National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld began her work in East Africa as a Fulbright Scholar researching community-based conservation. She co-founded African People & Wildlife and established the Noloholo Environmental Center. Find the departure(s) Laly will join on our website.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered from December through March and from July through October.*
*The July through October departures follow a slightly modified itinerary to provide travelers with the best opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
ON SAFARI: EXPLORING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN KENYA
National
• Go on safari in three stunning reserves, from Amboseli National Park to the
• Interact with orphaned elephants at the renowned
DAYS 1–2 I NAIROBI, KENYA
Arrive in Nairobi, and transfer to the hotel. The next morning, visit an artists group promoting Kenyan entrepreneurship. Then, head to the Giraffe Centre to learn about the center’s breeding program for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy an after-hours tour of the Nairobi National Museum before the welcome dinner.
Tamarind Tree Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 3–4 I AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Fly by private charter to Amboseli National Park, one of the best places in Africa to spot elephants. Set out on early morning and late afternoon game drives, on the lookout for cheetahs, lions, zebras, giraffes, as well as 400-plus bird species.
11 DA YS FROM $10,495
Cynthia Moss, has received support from the National Geographic Society for her work. Meet a member of the team to hear about their time in the field observing herd dynamics, and collecting biological samples.
Tortilis Camp | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 5–7 I LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
A charter flight brings us to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, situated on the northern flanks of Mount Kenya. Considered a model in the conservation field, the reserve is home to rare species such as reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs, and both white and black rhinos. Settle into your luxurious tented camp before an afternoon safari. Rise at daybreak for a game drive or a guided bush walk.
On your trip, be on the lookout for... lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, wildebeests, rhinoceroses, a variety of bird species, and more.
The following day, visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, home to the longest running study of wild elephants in the world. Its director,
Travel to the conservancy’s headquarters to meet the award-winning security team, whose effective patrolling has ensured that not a single rhino has been poached on the reserve in the
past five years (to date). If schedules permit, join the rangers and their dogs for a tracking demonstration. On your final day, delve into Maasai culture during a village visit with families to learn about everyday life and traditions.
Elewana Lewa Safari Camp | Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D
DAYS 8–10 I MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Fly by charter to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, famous for its large populations of leopards, cheetahs, and lions, as well as the annual wildebeest migration, which passes through during the fall months. Watch for timeless scenes of predator and prey on morning and afternoon wildlife drives in open vehicles. Observe plains game such as Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at their most active times of the day. Glimpse hippos submerged in the Mara River, and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks.
Gain insight into ongoing conservation efforts in the Masai Mara, such as work being done to protect pangolin—the world’s most illegally trafficked mammal species. After a final safari, toast your adventure at a farewell dinner.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D
DAY 11 I NAIROBI/U.S.
Return to Nairobi by charter, and pay a visit to Ocean Sole, a social enterprise that creates art by upcycling plastics. Then, join caretakers for the afternoon feeding at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the world’s most successful rescue and rehabilitation program for orphaned elephants—featured in National Geographic magazine’s September 2011 issue. Enjoy the opportunity to shadow the center’s caretakers, and get up close to the young elephants during their afternoon feeding. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight home.
Meals: 1B, 1L
Find
Washington Wachira
Naturalist, Photographer
Kenyan naturalist Washington Wachira is a photographer, a TED speaker, and one of East Africa’s top birders. He received a National Geographic grant for his work with urban birds of prey, and was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016. Find the departure(s) Washington will join on our website.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered from January through March, June, October, and December.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
THE GREAT APES OF UGANDA AND RWANDA
• Go on treks in search of chimpanzees, gorillas, and golden monkeys.
• Visit a chimpanzee sanctuary established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute.
• Meet with scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center.
11 DA YS FROM $16,495
Signature Land Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 16
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda and Rwanda to encounter chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and other primates in the wild. Visit a chimpanzee sanctuary associated with the Jane Goodall Institute, and meet with a National Geographicsupported primatologist to observe chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Go on a safari and a wildlife cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, seeking out elephants, lions, Ugandan kobs, and more. Then venture into the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to track gorillas.
Jill Pruetz AnthropologistNational Geographic Explorer Jill Pruetz specializes in primatology, and spent two years in East Africa researching patas and vervet monkeys as well as Grevy’s zebras. She is one of the world’s foremost chimpanzee experts, and is currently conducting groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior.
Find the departure(s) Jill will join on our website.
On your trip, be on the lookout for... gorillas, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobuses, red-tailed monkeys, a variety of bird species, and more.
Get an inside perspective on National Geographic Explorer Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking gorilla studies as you seek out gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Hear about ongoing conservation projects from scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center. Stay in stunning lodges, from a lakeside bungalow at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains to a hilltop eco lodge with spectacular views of Rwanda’s volcanoes.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered from December through February and June through September.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. All primate-tracking permits are included. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
BORNEO WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
• Observe orangutans and Malayan sun bears up close at conservation centers in Sepilok.
• Go on rainforest hikes and river safaris, looking for orangutans, civets, and exotic birds.
• Discover Borneo’s dazzling undersea ecosystems from jungle-clad offshore islands.
In Borneo, the third largest island in the world, land and sea teem with exotic endemic species. Spend 11 exhilarating days exploring Malaysian Borneo, on the island’s northeastern edge. Enjoy a day on the island of Pulau Gaya, snorkeling and kayaking among the reefs. Observe orangutans and Malayan sun bears at conservation centers in Sepilok; and visit a community-based organization that’s working to protect Borneo’s rainforests and cultural heritage.
11 DAYS FROM $8,495
Signature Land Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 25
Meg Lowman Ecologist, AuthorNational Geographic Explorer Meg Lowman pioneered the science of canopy ecology. She built the world’s first treetop walkways, helping to discover that half of our terrestrial biodiversity lives in the canopy. Meg has explored treetops from Costa Rica and Peru to Malaysia and Geographic Explorer, and serves as the Director of TREE Foundation. Find the departure(s) Meg will join on our website.
On your trip, be on the lookout for... orangutans, Malaysian sun bears, civets, langurs, proboscis monkeys, leopard cats, hornbills, and more.
From your base at an eco lodge on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, spot wildlife along jungle waterways on a river safari, and venture into the cathedral-like Gomantong Caves. Then head into the primary rainforests of the Danum Valley Conservation Area where you’ll set out on day and night hikes, and canopy walks, looking for orangutans, langurs, proboscis monkeys, leopard cats, hornbills, and more.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered in March, May, September, and October.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Please note: Hikes range from 2–4 hours (1–3 miles) on uneven terrain over moderate grades in hot and humid conditions.
EXPLORING PATAGONIA
• Explore the Chilean fjords on a four-day cruise, discovering glaciers and rare wildlife.
• Encounter the granite spires and sapphire lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
• Join gauchos for a Patagonian barbecue, and sample wines at a vineyard in Maipo Valley.
DAYS 1–2 I BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA
Explore the galleries, museums, and cafés of Buenos Aires. Enjoy a tango performance, followed by a welcome dinner. Spend the next morning discovering Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital—including the cobblestone lanes of San Telmo, as well as the colorful artists’ quarter of La Boca. Later, fly south to Ushuaia, capital of the Tierra del Fuego province. Sofitel Buenos Aires
Recoleta and Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 3–4 I USHUAIA/BEAGLE CHANNEL/ CAPE HORN, CHILE/ WULAIA BAY
12 DA YS FROM $14,495
Signature Land Light/Moderate
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 25
your ship, and set sail on the famed Beagle Channel. Weather permitting, take Zodiacs to legendary Cape Horn. Later, explore Wulaia Bay, where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle. Choose one of two walks to experience the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest. M.V. Stella Australis or M.V. Ventus Australis | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 5–6 I MAGDALENA CHANNEL/ AGOSTINI
On your trip, be on the lookout for... magellanic penguins, dolphins, sea lions, albatrosses, guanacos, rheas, gray foxes, and more.
Begin the day with a hike in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve. Enjoy stunning views, and get a closer look at the flora and fauna of Tierra del Fuego. Take a walking tour of Ushuaia, including its End of the World Museum, which highlights the area’s natural history, indigenous cultures, and early penal colony. Embark on
As you navigate the Magdalena Channel, spot penguins, dolphins, albatrosses, and other seabirds. After entering the Pia Fjord, board Zodiacs, and head out on a shore excursion on Pia Glacier. Continue along the Beagle Channel to the Garibaldi Glacier. Embark on a challenging hike through the Magellanic forest if you choose. The next day, cruise through majestic Agostini Sound, and disembark for a closer look at Águila Glacier. During an easy walk, take in spectacular views of the
brilliant blue-and-white ice set off by black mountains, and learn about the geologic forces that shaped this dramatic land.
M.V. Stella Australis or M.V. Ventus Australis
Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAY 7 I MAGDALENA ISLAND/ PUNTA ARENAS
Take a morning walk on Magdalena Island, home to a colony of more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins. Disembark in Punta
Arenas, and continue across the southern Pampas, looking for herds of guanacos as well as rheas, gray foxes, Patagonian hares, and black-necked swans.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 8–10 I ORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
During the next three days, tailor your exploration to your interests, choosing among a variety of hiking and horseback riding
excursions in the park. Discover Lago de Grey and its incredibly blue sculpted ice; hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; and marvel at rock paintings left by the indigenous Aonikenk people.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa | Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D
DAYS 11–12 I MAGDALENA ISLAND/ PUNTA ARENAS
Arrive in Santiago, and travel into the Maipo Valley. Settle into your late 19th-century-style hotel nestled amid an oasis of vineyards, parks, and gardens. The next morning, take a private tour of the estate’s 40-hectare park and gardens. Later, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Viña Santa Rita—including the estate’s vineyards, stone-and-mortar cellar, and tasting room. Continue to the nearby Andino Museum to peruse an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art.
Hotel Casa Real | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
Diego Pol Paleontologist
Diego Pol is head of the science department at the Egidio Feruglio paleontology museum in Patagonia. He has led National Geographic-sponsored research expeditions, and published over 90 papers on fossils from Patagonia to Madagascar, and Mongolia to Brazil. Diego and his team discovered fossils of over 20 new species in Patagonia, including the largest known dinosaur, the titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum
Find the departure(s) Diego will join on our website.
INFORMATION
Dates: This expedition is offered November through March.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. TERMINOLOGY: As used in these Terms and Conditions:
a. “Activity” means each recreational or other activity in the course of the Trip.
b. “Guest,” “you,” and “your” refer to the guest or passenger making a Trip or travel reservation with us and also applies to any member of a guest’s or passenger’s traveling party.
c. “Guest Confirmation” means the confirmation of booking.
d. “Our”, “us,” and “we” refer to Global Adrenaline, LLC d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions, 215 Celebration Place, Kissimmee, FL 34747.
e. “Trip” means an Expedition on our website, catalog, or marketing materials or an Expedition you have reserved that is set forth in your Guest Confirmation and includes all Activities.
2. SERVICE PROVIDERS/SUPPLIERS: We may license or engage qualified professional tour operators to organize and administer activities or travel. Any such designated tour operator, its parent, subsidiaries, and assigns, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, agents and assigns (collectively “Tour Operator”), in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, restaurants, or other suppliers of services connected with specific itineraries (“Suppliers”). The Suppliers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services and neither we nor Tour Operators are responsible for delay, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury, illness, emotional distress, death, or loss to property occasioned by or through the conduct or omission of a Supplier, each of which is subject to the laws of the country or state where the services are provided. In addition, the passenger tickets in use by any carriers will constitute the sole contract between you and the carrier; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time you are not aboard their conveyances.
3. INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES: If you decide to participate in any activity or excursion that is not arranged or led by us or the Tour Operator, neither we nor the Tour Operator shall have any responsibility for or control over your safety or well-being, which will be solely your responsibility.
4. PRIVACY POLICY AND COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES: Guest consents to these Terms and Conditions and the Terms of Use (see https://disneytermsofuse.com/), and acknowledges Guest has read our Privacy Policy (see https://privacy.thewaltdisneycompany.com/en/) and, as applicable, Your California Privacy Rights (see https://privacy.thewaltdisneycompany.com/en/current-privacy-policy/ your-california-privacy-rights/). If any portion of the Trip is fulfilled by Suppliers (as defined above), by booking the Trip, Guest understands that we may provide Guest personal information to Suppliers for their independent use to fulfill the reservation. If Guest is receiving any catalogs or mailings, has address updates, or would like to update marketing communication preferences, please visit: https://privacy. thewaltdisneycompany.com/en/privacy-controls/communication-choices/
5. TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL AND REQUIREMENTS: You are advised to carefully read the details of your selected itinerary before booking a Trip. Certain itineraries may not be suitable for all Guests, including Guests with disabilities, due to terrain/local conditions, the nature of the Activities, or otherwise. Neither our staff nor our Suppliers/contractors may physically assist Guests who need or may need assistance during the Trip or with respect to any Activity. All Guests are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal physician before booking a reservation. In addition, select itineraries may require Guests to obtain prior written approval from their personal physician. Please contact us about specific itineraries or Activities. Note: with regard to expedition and river cruises, please contact us regarding availability of embarkation and disembarkation assistance by Trip.
6. ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS: On the Trip, meals are prepared based on the availability of ingredients in each destination. Please keep in mind specific meal requests may not be available at every stop. Further, please be advised that food and beverage locations are not owned or operated by us. For food and beverage offerings arranged by us, we use reasonable efforts to communicate special dietary requests to the locations and, for pre-packaged retail food and beverage, we rely on supplier/manufacturer ingredient labels. Please contact us so you can make an informed choice because food preparation processes and menus vary by location. You are responsible for deciding whether any particular offering meets your requirements. We cannot guarantee that any offering is completely free of allergens.
7. ELIGIBILITY/MINORS: Our website establishes minimum eligibility ages for each itinerary as well as recommended minimum ages, which are based on several factors; however, some Activities may have weight or height restrictions and/or different minimum ages than our overall minimum eligibility age or recommended minimum age. Please contact us for details. All persons under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over age 21 in the same room. In the event a minor is not accompanied by all legal guardians on the Trip, you agree to carry (or will ensure that the approved traveling companion, if any, carries) a notarized document from each legal guardian not on the Trip, granting approval for the minor to travel on the Trip and to present said documents to any authority requesting them. In the event you are the sole guardian of the minor, you agree to carry documentation evidencing such and present to any authority when requested.
8. REPRESENTATION OF HEALTH/SAFETY/RIGHT TO TERMINATE: By booking your Trip, you represent and certify that you and all members of your traveling party: (i) have carefully read the details of the itinerary and selected an itinerary that is appropriate for each person’s abilities; (ii) do not have any impairment or disability which might present a safety risk during the Trip or any of the Activities; (iii) have consulted with a personal physician as appropriate; and (iv) will immediately advise us if anyone in your travel party is unable to meet the safety requirements that are necessary for the safe operation of the Trip or Activity. If your circumstances change between the date of booking and the Trip departure, you must inform us as soon as possible and advise us of any special requests.
We reserve the right to cancel, terminate, discontinue or modify any reservation, Trip, or Activity, if the Guest cannot meet the safety requirements that are necessary for safe operation or fails to obey signage, instructions, protocols, or rules. We further reserve the right to: (i) immediately terminate any Trip or Activity if the Guest is disruptive or otherwise adversely impacts the experience for others, without any refund to the Guest; and (ii) make changes to the itinerary or Activity as appropriate for safety, security, comfort or convenience, without liability or notice.
9. PREGNANCY: For any cruise Trip, women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of the Trip start date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the Trip will not be permitted to book the Trip. For all other Trips, airlines and local Suppliers may have additional restrictions applicable
to women who are pregnant, and depending on the week of pregnancy, pregnant women may not be permitted to book or participate in certain Activities. For these select itineraries, neither a physician’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted by us. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage. If pregnant, you are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal physician before booking a Trip regardless of itinerary. Please contact us if you have questions about specific itineraries.
10. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is available through multiple independent travel insurance providers. Travel insurance typically provides coverage for Trip cancelation and interruption, baggage protection and delay, travel accidents and delay, and emergency medical and dental services and certain associated transportation. If you do not purchase travel insurance, you are responsible for any medical expenses, any medical evacuation costs, and any other costs arising during your travel.
Trip-cancelation insurance is available at an additional cost. For more information about and to enroll in an option available through Travel Insurance Services, visit the “Travel Insurance” section of our website at natgeoexpeditions.com.
11. PRICING DETAILS: All prices are: (i) per person based on two persons sharing a room or cabin, unless otherwise noted; (ii) quoted in U.S. dollars; (iii) estimates based on tariffs; currency values, airfares and third-party charges; and (iv) subject to change prior to booking. Prices vary for each Trip based primarily on when you book, when you travel, room configuration and room location. The specific inclusions of the Trip are set forth in the itinerary. Any items not specifically noted are not included in the Trip price.
Once your deposit and signed Travel Agreement (defined below) is received by us, your Trip price is guaranteed, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Guests added to your party after initial booking will be priced at the then-prevailing rate. Single accommodations are subject to a single supplement and subject to availability based on type of Trip and time of booking.
12. DEPOSIT AMOUNTS: A per-person deposit is required to confirm a reservation. For reservations made within the timeframe between the Final Payment Date (as defined below) and departure, you must pay an amount equal to 100% of the Trip price, but your reservation will remain fully refundable up to 72 hours (the “Hold Period”) to allow you time to review the Travel Agreement (see below).
13. FINAL PAYMENT DATES: The following are the final payment dates (“Final Payment Date”) by Trip type that apply, unless the reservation is made on or after the Final Payment Date, in which case 100% of the Trip price is required to be paid at the time of reservation:
Payment(s) must be made in U.S. dollars and we accept all U.S. major credit cards, check, or wire (certain countries only). Do not send cash. A Guest’s reservation may be canceled if full payment has not been received by the final payment date. Payment and deposit policy for private group travel and other group travel (collectively, “Group Travel”) may vary. Please contact us or your travel agent for complete details.
14. GUEST CANCELATIONS AND REFUNDS: Failure to strictly comply with the deposit and final payment schedules, or any other applicable policies and procedures, will result in the automatic cancelation of pending reservations and applicable fees will be assessed.
You may cancel by telephone or in writing. The time of cancelation will be the date upon which we receive notice from you. Arriving late or leaving a Trip in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a Trip.
Unless stated otherwise in your Guest Confirmation, the following cancelation policy shall apply:
Notwithstanding the above cancelation fee schedule: for reservations made subject to a Hold Period, any payments made shall be fully refundable during the Hold Period.
The cancelation fees set forth above shall apply irrespective of resale by us. Cancelation policy for group travel may vary. Please contact us or your travel agent, if applicable, for complete details.
15. PRE- AND POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS AND EXTRA ARRANGEMENTS: We recommend that you arrive a day or two prior to the start of your Trip to get acclimated and to allow for unexpected travel delays. Also, you may choose to stay a day or two after to extend your Trip on your own. Both pre- and post-stays are available at additional cost to you. Please contact us for price, details and availability, which are not guaranteed. On some Trips, airport meet & greet and hotel transfer services are available in connection with these additional days. Our special rates for these additional days are only available if booked through us in conjunction with a Trip and cannot be combined with any other offer. Canadian Guests please contact your travel agent.
The policies regarding deposits, payments, and cancelations for all Trips also apply to pre- and post-Trip extensions and hotel nights, and extra arrangements confirmed on any Guest’s behalf, unless otherwise noted. Any revisions made to the booking, such as a change in departure date or choice of Trip, are subject to the cancelation policy.
16. AIR TRAVEL: Neither we, the Tour Operator, Suppliers, nor any of their affiliates will be liable for any air carrier’s cancelation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the Guest’s Trip departure city or return city. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Guest.
17. ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS/OUR RIGHT TO CANCEL: We will make every reasonable effort to operate the Trips as advertised; however, we and Tour Operator reserve the right to curtail or modify the itinerary, including but not limited to curtailment or modification of Activities, hotels, meals, transportation, and Experts, as we deem necessary. Please also note that during certain holidays and peak periods or due to repairs or renovations, some Activities may be disrupted or unavailable. Deviations from planned Trip itineraries or any aspects of the travel may occur. If conditions make river cruise routes unsafe for navigation or in other respects, or raise sufficient doubt about safety, we and Tour Operator reserve the right to modify or provide alternate services, which may include, but are not limited to, providing accommodation on the docked ship or on land and/or substituting ground arrangements for river cruise transportation. We and Tour Operator further reserve the right to reduce the number of Experts, and to modify other services to accommodate a smaller group, if a minimum number of guests is not reached. Similarly, the stated group maximum size may be marginally exceeded if necessary to accommodate a family. None of these modifications or changes shall affect the Trip price or entitle you to any credit or refund.
We shall also have the right, in our sole and absolute discretion to cancel or modify a reservation in whole or in part, at any time if the reservation includes or was made as the result of a mistake or error of any kind, including, but not limited to, a mistake or error in price or description of the Trip or Activity, or where it appears that a Guest has engaged in fraudulent or misleading activity in making the reservation, or due to prior disputed or suspected fraudulent payment transactions. If a reservation is canceled by us, in cases where we have received a valid and confirmed payment, we will provide a refund, and shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid to us related to the cancelation by us.
We reserve the right to cancel any Trip or Activity because of inadequate enrollment that makes the Trip or Activity economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the Guests. If we cancel a Trip prior to departure, the Guest will be provided with a full refund of monies paid to us; except in the event that the cancelation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the Trip as planned, in which case the Guest will be provided with a refund and/or credit toward a future Trip equivalent to the amount paid.
If a Guest elects to leave a Trip in progress of their own volition, the Guest will not receive any type of refund. If we or the Tour Operator cancels the Trip in progress and the Guest elects not to immediately return to his/her original point of departure for the Trip, or if the Guest elects to leave a Trip in progress of their own volition, the Guest acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Guest shall be solely responsible for Guest’s travel plans once Guest departs the Trip; (ii) neither we nor the Tour Operator shall have any responsibility for or control over the Guest’s safety or activities once the Guest departs the Trip; and (iii) the Guest will be solely responsible for any and all costs that may arise out of the Guest’s decision to not return to the original point of departure from the Trip in progress. Except as outlined above when we cancel a Trip, you will have full responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses, incurred by you in preparing for a canceled Trip or for any additional arrangements should you embark prior to the scheduled group departure date.
18. TRAVEL AGREEMENT: The General Release, COVID-19 Release, and Travel Agreement, which also incorporates these Terms and Conditions (the “Travel Agreement”) is an agreement containing a general release of liability, indemnity, assumption of risks and other provisions provided to you upon booking. You will be required to sign and return the Travel Agreement to us as soon as possible. If you choose not to execute the Travel Agreement, you have 14 calendar days after booking to cancel and receive a full refund of your deposit, or, if a Hold Period applies to your reservation, you have the Hold Period to cancel and receive a full refund of the Trip price. We strongly advise that you not make any commitments that cannot be canceled within 14 calendar days after booking, or during the Hold Period, as applicable. Once we receive your executed Travel Agreement, your deposit and other amounts paid are nonrefundable unless otherwise stated in your Guest Confirmation. If you do not return the Travel
Agreement before departure, and are not within the refundable timeframes noted above, you will not be able to participate on the Trip and all amounts paid are nonrefundable unless otherwise stated in your Guest Confirmation.
19. FORCE MAJEURE: Neither we nor our corporate parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, assigns, employees, officers, directors, successors, representatives, agents, or independent suppliers, will be held liable for any loss or damage due to delay, cancelation, or disruption in any manner caused by any of the following causes, to the extent beyond our reasonable control: acts of God, accidents, riots, wars, hostilities, blockages, revolutions, riots, insurrections, terrorist acts, epidemics or pandemics (including but not limited to COVID-19), quarantines, civil commotions, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, labor strikes, fire, explosions, or sabotage.
20. NAME CHANGES/TRANSFERABILITY: Reservations and Trip components are non-transferable. We will make a reasonable effort to accommodate changes to Guest names prior to departure provided that at least one member of the originally-booked party travels; however, we reserve the right to pass on to you any third-party costs (such as from airlines or Suppliers (as defined herein)) we incur in so doing.
21. GOVERNMENTAL ADVISORIES/NECESSARY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: You are solely responsible for obtaining and understanding current travel advisories, warnings, requirements, and restrictions by contacting your travel agent, applicable embassies and consulates. We strongly encourage you to visit the U.S. State Department’s website at https://travel.state.gov and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov. Non-U.S. residents should consult the appropriate consulates regarding passport, visa, and other document requirements. All Guests must have valid government-issued proof of citizenship to travel, in addition to any other requirements of the country of origin and countries visited. Those without proper documentation may be denied travel. In addition, you may be denied entry to the countries visited if you do not meet the country’s entry requirements. If you did not purchase air travel through us, you are solely responsible for notifying us of flight changes affecting your arrival or we will not be able to meet you at the specified arrival airport. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the Travel Agreement, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be your responsibility.
You are solely responsible for obtaining any documents required for your participation on the Trip such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents which may be required by your itinerary or as required for traveling with minors, and complying with any destination specific requirements or restrictions.
22. GOVERNING LAW: YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE WHATSOEVER (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR BASED ON STATUTE) IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM YOUR TRIP, YOUR PURCHASE OF A TRIP FROM US, THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, THE TRAVEL AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO YOUR TRIP SHALL BE DETERMINED EXCLUSIVELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, THE TRAVEL AGREEMENT, AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO YOUR TRIP SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE ENTERED INTO AND CONSUMMATED ENTIRELY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
23. ADDITIONAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO RIVER CRUISES: These additional terms apply to river cruises. Passenger Ticket Contract: The river cruise component of the river cruise Trips, including vessel, vessel amenities, food and beverages served thereon and vessel crew, is provided by a Supplier, AMAWaterways Gmbh (“AMA”). Prior to embarkation you will receive a Passenger Ticket Contract, which governs your relationship with AMA as a passenger on the river cruise vessel and establishes limits of liability, limits on claims and time limits for making claims, as well as other restrictions, limits and disclaimers limiting AMA’s liability to you, which are wholly separate from, and independent of, these Terms and Conditions and the Travel Agreement, which govern your relationship with us and Tour Operator. Excursions: Certain excursions have limited capacity and are available to Guests on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, we are unable to guarantee that each Guest will be able to participate in each excursion such Guest requests. Baggage: You may bring aboard the river cruise vessel, without additional charge, up to one (1) suitcase per person. Additional baggage will be subject to excess baggage charges.
24. CALIFORNIA TRAVEL RESTITUTION FUND NOT APPLICABLE: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
25. UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION $1 MILLION TRAVELERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: As an active member of USTOA, we are required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of our customers in the unlikely event of our bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by us may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments we have received. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com.
26. TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: These Terms and Conditions are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
27. COMPLETE TERMS: For the most complete and up-to-date Terms and Conditions, including for Expedition Cruises, River Cruises, Private Jet Expeditions, and other Trips, please see natgeoexpeditions.com/terms.
National Geographic Expeditions is registered